After reviewing available evidence, Cochrane Researchers have concluded Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) appears to relieve symptoms in women undergoing treatment for endometriosis.

The scientists reviewed two studies in which 158 women participated. In one of them, CHM brought about a relief of symptoms comparable to that provided by the hormonal drug gestrinone, but with fewer side effects. In the other, CHM was shown to be more effective than the hormonal drug danazol, and resulted in fewer side effects as well.

“These findings suggest that Chinese herbs may be just as effective as certain conventional drug treatments for women suffering from endometriosis,” says lead researcher Andrew Flower of the Complementary Medicine Research Unit at the University of Southampton in the UK.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body. It may cause pelvic pain, irregular and painful periods as well as infertility in 30-40 percent of the cases, according to Endometriosis.org.

Chinese medicine tradition – especially acupuncture – has received much attention recently as a possible new health resource which can aid in the treatment of a variety of serious conditions.

Studies have shown, for example, that acupuncture may help relieve side effects of chemotherapy, including dry mouth and nausea, eliminating or reducing the need to use expensive medications.