Cysts occur commonly in numerous tissues and organs and are often named according to their particular anatomic location (for example ovarian cysts, bladder cysts, breast cysts, liver cysts, kidney cysts, pancreatic cysts, vaginal cysts, skin cysts, thyroid cysts).
RELATED: The 6 Types Of Ovarian Cysts (And What You Can Do About Them)
Specifically, ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. Women have two ovaries — each about the size and shape of an almond — on each side of the uterus. Eggs (ova), which develop and mature in the ovaries, are released in monthly cycles during the childbearing years.
Many women have ovarian cysts at some time. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority disappears without treatment within a few months.
However, some ovarian cysts, especially those that have ruptured, can cause excruciating pain and serious symptoms.
What Causes Ovarian Cysts?
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hormonal imbalance
- Hypothyroidism
- Cigarette smoking
- Early menstruation (11 years or younger)
- BMI above 30
- Infertility treatment with gonadotropins has been found to cause multiple large ovarian cysts in some women
- Use of Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) has been shown to increase the risk for development of Corpus Luteum cysts
- Use of Tamoxifen for breast cancer
RELATED: 5 Signs of a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst You Shouldn't Ignore
To protect your health, get regular pelvic exams and know the symptoms that can signal a potentially serious problem.
5 Natural Remedies For Ovarian Cysts:
Echinacea
Taking echinacea, a traditional Native American herb, may help alleviate some types of cysts. Marilyn Glenville, president of the Food and Health Forum at the Royal Society of Medicine, suggests that taking echinacea for 20 days interrupted by a three-day break in the middle may increase white blood cell count and effectiveness by breaking down the abnormal cells that make up ovarian cysts. Echinacea may also help treat acne cysts.
RELATED: Adult Acne: Why the Sudden Breakout?
Dandelion
Eat dandelion greens as an herbal remedy to reduce the occurrence of cysts in your body if you are a woman. Dr. John R. Christopher, founder of the School of Natural Healing, indicates that cysts grow due to potassium deficiency. A 1-cup serving of raw dandelion greens contains 218 mg of potassium, a considerable portion of the 2,000 mg of this mineral you require each day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help shrink and dissolve ovarian cysts caused by potassium deficiency. It is high in potassium and recommended by many health experts.
RELATED: Apple Cider Vinegar: 13 Uses For It That Will Change Your Life
Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
Mix in one tablespoon of black strap molasses.
Drink one or two glasses of this solution daily.
Follow this remedy until the cysts disappear completely.
This remedy will also help with the symptoms of excessive menstrual bleeding as well as bloating and cramping throughout periods.
Beetroot
Beetroot contains a compound known as betacyanin that boosts the liver’s ability to clear toxins out of your system. Plus, the alkaline nature of beetroot helps balance the acidity in your body. This in turn reduces the severity of many symptoms of ovarian cysts.
Mix one-half cup of freshly extracted beetroot juice with one tablespoon each of aloe vera gel and blackstrap molasses.
Drink this once daily before eating your breakfast.
Follow this remedy daily until your symptoms have reduced.
RELATED: Lumps, Cysts & Bumps On Black Skin: When To Go To The Doctor
Reduce Estrogen
Excess estrogen is one of the most common types of hormonal imbalance which can cause the disruption of ovulation. One of the best ways to rid the body of excess estrogens is to stop exposing yourself to xenohormones and to start taking a supplement called DIM (diindolylmethane).
Avoid exposure to estrogens and xenoestrogens
- Stop eating soy foods
- Eat only organic meats and dairy
- Do not microwave foods in plastic
- Stop drinking water from plastic bottles
- Avoid mineral oil and parabens in skin care products
- Use natural detergents
ALSO READ: Girls With Type 2 Diabetes at Higher Risk for Ovarian Cysts