I've been relatively quiet on the review front but with good reason, simply put I've been putting the All Natural Pharmacy's (ANP) Endometriosis Tincture through its paces and am finally to talk about it! That's not to say that I'm not usually thorough (as I hope you know) but I wanted to take the time to exclusively focus on this product as I've not tried (and therefore not reviewed) anything like it before.
For those of you who are perhaps new to my journey, I had my Mirena IUD removed in October (2021) because my other half and I are now actively trying to conceive. This has meant I've had to stop certain medications and supplements to support this (such as my beloved CBD) and look to alternative ways to manage my endometriosis pain and symptoms. So, it seemed like fate that I had ANP's tincture in my arsenal to try.
An Australian based company, ANP focuses on creating natural products that get to the root of the problem rather than masking the symptoms. To quote: 'Our philosophy is as simple as actually treating the root cause of a person’s symptoms in their 5th vital sign – the menstrual cycle. Not masking, not dismissing, but treating… with all natural, plant-based products that harness ancient wisdom in a modern way' which, I don't know about you, sounds pretty damn amazing.
As previously mentioned in this blog post, tinctures are one of the most effective and quickest ways to get a formula into your system, which is why ANP have utilised this method of delivery. The formula itself is based around traditional Chinese medicine and contains a powerful combination of natural ingredients targeted at reducing the symptoms of endometriosis such as; ginseng root which is known for it's anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties (Lee & Kim, 2014) and for helping to calm the nervous system (Nah, Kim & Rhim, 2007); Angelica Sinensis (female ginseng) which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and for regulating menstrual cycles (Wu & Hsieh, 2011); White peony root which also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties potentially providing benefits that help with menstrual pain and muscle cramps (He & Dai, 2011) and; Ginger root which is another antioxidant and anti-inflammatory as well as having anti-nausea properties (Bode & Dong, 2011).
Essentially, this product is composed of a powerhouse of ingredients targeted at reducing inflammation, bloating, cramping, painful periods, back pain and all the other lovely symptoms of endometriosis.
Like always, I wanted to make sure that I gave this a fair bash so I actually ended up finishing the bottle. ANP recommend having 10 drops in the morning and 10 again in the evening and with that in mind, this lasted me approximately a month. Now, the company also suggests administering this sublingually (under the tongue) and holding it there for a moment or so but... I just couldn't do it. If you've read my previous reviews you'll know I'm not a fan of earthy flavours and my oh my, this is earthy. Due to it being such a concentrated formula, this tincture when taken neat has a hefty taste to it, almost like soy sauce. I couldn't hack it. However, it was easily masked with fruit juice, so I found myself either putting the drops into a glass or holding them under tongue and immediately knocking back my drink.
I am pleased to say though, that this doesn't just pack a punch on your tastebuds. Whilst I can't comment on how it supported my periods as I still haven't had one, this tincture did make a noticeable difference to bloating. After a week or so of using this, I felt that my endo belly wasn't being as sensitive to being triggered and a few weeks in, my sciatica pain had also settled tremendously. My partner also noted that he thought I wasn't as tired in the evenings whichwas mirrored in the fact that I found I didn't need to nap as much.
All in all, this tincture had me feeling pretty good, especially in the absence of my usual go-to remedies. If you're looking for a more natural approach to managing your endometriosis, definitely give a try. Or if like me, you're having to (or want to) avoid pharmaceuticals, this could definitely be an option for you.
All Natural Pharmacy Endometriosis Tincture is $60 AUD (approximately £35) per bottle.
*This post contains PR samples/gifted items, for my PR disclaimer, click here.
References:
Bode, A. & Dong, Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. [Online] 7 (2) Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775 [Accessed 30th April 2022].
He, D., & Dai, S. (2011). Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of paeonia lactiflora pall., a traditional chinese herbal medicine. Frontiers in pharmacology. [Online] 2, (10). Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2011.00010 [Accessed 30th April 2022].
Lee, C., & Kim, J. (2014). A review on the medicinal potentials of ginseng and ginsenosides on cardiovascular diseases. Journal of ginseng research. [Online] 38 (3), 161–166. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2014.03.001 [Accessed 30th April 2022].
Nah, S., Kim, D., & Rhim, H. (2007). Ginsenosides: are any of them candidates for drugs acting on the central nervous system?. CNS drug reviews. [Online] 13 (4), 381–404. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2007.00023.x [Accessed 30th April 2022].
Wu, Y., & Hsieh, C. (2011). Pharmacological effects of Radix Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) on cerebral infarction. Chinese medicine. [Online] 6 (32). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-6-32 [Accessed 30th April 2022].