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Post-operative adhesions: Natural remedies

adhérences post opératoires

Abdominal adhesions or straps can cause a lot of pain and discomfort after one or more surgeries. Here are some alternative solutions to loosen postoperative abdominal adhesions.

The medical solution is often surgery, which unfortunately can cause even more adhesions. However, there are several natural remedies for treating abdominal adhesions that are simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive. These alternatives include the serrapeptase supplement, castor oil poultices, and certain herbs like comfrey and calendula.

What are adhesions or intestinal flanges?

Abdominal adhesions are a type of scar tissue that causes your internal organs to “stick” and prevent their natural mobility., as they are intended to. Adhesions can cause pain, discomfort, and in more severe cases, intestinal obstruction. Adhesions can also cause infertility.

What are the causes of abdominal adhesions?

Usually, adhesions are the result of surgery. Abdominal and pelvic infections can also cause adhesions.

Are there any home remedies for adhesions or bridles?

There are several natural remedies that can be used to treat abdominal adhesions. They are inexpensive and non-invasive, but it takes a bit of persistence and diligence on your part to implement them.

Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase (also known as serratiopeptidase), is an enzyme produced by silkworms. Serrapeptase dissolves non-living tissue. It can be purchased at health food stores and online.

If you have artificial parts, stitches, brooches, etc. in your body, you should NOT use serrapeptase (ask your doctor for advice). You might inadvertently dissolve synthetic materials in your body which are essential for your bodily function! However, there are other options for you, if so.

Serrapeptase should not be used if you have an abscess of any kind, including tooth abscess. This can make the infection easier to spread. Serrapeptase should not be taken with blood thinners – such as warfarin and aspirin – other dietary supplements like garlic, fish oil, and turmeric, which may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising. (source)

Castor Oil Packs


castor oil grip pack

Castor oil packs are external poultices used on the abdomen. Castor oil reduces pain and inflammation. Used faithfully over time, they can reduce scar tissue and adhesions.

How to make a castor oil pack for adhesions

  • Soak a cotton or woolen cloth of several layers in castor oil.
  • Place the cloth on your abdomen. You can choose the size that suits you. If you’ve had multiple surgeries and lots of adhesions, you may need a large cloth to cover a large area. If you know that your adhesions are more concentrated on a small area then you can make a smaller size pack, the important thing is that it covers the affected area.
  • Cover the rag coated with castor oil with cling film. Plastic kitchen wrap will do. Use a bandage to secure the castor oil packet to your abdomen. Ladies will find that a spandex camisole and / or leggings will hold the pack well. (But be aware that your clothes may end up stained with castor oil; use old clothes).
  • Then apply a heating pad or hot water bottle (not too hot). The heat helps castor oil to penetrate the skin.
  • Use the castor oil pack for 2 hours or overnight. (Do not use a heating pad at night – turn it off when you go to sleep; the heat will be retained for a while).
  • Do this 4 nights in a row for 3 nights off. Using on those nights can help you sleep better! Women should not do this during their periods, although they may find that it relieves menstrual cramps if the packs are applied in the days before menstruation.
  • Maybe plan to sleep in old clothes and on old towels to make sure you don’t stain your clothes and bed linens with castor oil.

You don’t need to make a new pack of castor oil every day. You can add more castor oil to the pack if needed. If you use this treatment for several months, start with a new pack each month.

Plants for adhesions

The comfrey is an amazing plant known for its ability to heal tissue. Used regularly, it is known to heal even old scars. the Calendula is another potent herb useful for skin and scars.

Comfrey and calendula can be used individually or together to make a tea to drink or an oil to use externally for adhesions.

Anti-bridle Comfrey and Calendula tea

  • 1/2 tablespoon of comfrey leaf
  • 1/2 tablespoon of calendula flowers
  • 2 cups of water
  • Boil the water and pour over the leaves. Soak for 15 minutes. Drain. Sweeten with honey if desired.
  • Drink this tea every day.

Oil recipe against post-operative adhesions

  • 1 cup dried comfrey leaf
  • 1 cup of calendula flowers (dry – they should be bright orange / yellow)
  • Castor oil
  • Olive oil
  • Pour your plants into a pot. Use an equal amount of olive and castor oil to completely coat the plants. Cover
  • Fold a cloth over the bottom of a slow cooker. Place your pot of oil on the cloth.
  • Add water to your slow cooker just under the lid of the pot.
  • Set your slow cooker to “keep warm” mode.
  • Let the plants infuse for 5 days. You may need to add water daily.
  • Use a clean piece of t-shirt to drain the flowers.
  • Now you have a wonderful massage oil for your adhesions.

Twice a day, gently massage this oil on your abdomen. The massage will be very effective in softening and healing adhesions.

These remedies require patience. You will need to use them regularly for weeks or months. But they are effective, non-invasive and long-lasting.