Cysts are hard lumps that are filled with different substances which form in the body. They are typically filled with liquid, semisolid or gaseous material and they look like a blister. They form within tissue and can affect any part of your body. Cysts can vary in the size. They can be small as microscopic structures or they can have the size of team sport balls. Also, in some cases there can be very large cysts which can displace the internal organ. You should know that the cyst is not a normal part of the tissue where it is located. Cysts have distinct membrane and they are separated from the nearby tissue.
The signs and symptoms of cysts can vary from the type of cyst which you have. It is known that some cysts in the brain can cause headaches as well as other symptoms. Breast cysts can be very painful. Many internal cysts can go unnoticed until an imaging scan is done.
There are many different types of cysts, such as Baker’s cysts; arachnoid cysts; acne cysts; breast cysts; Bartholin’s cysts; colloid cysts; chalazion cysts; dermoid cysts; dentigerous cysts; ganglion cysts; epididymal cysts; ovarian cysts; hydatid cysts; pilar cysts; periapical cysts; pancreatic cysts, etc. If you suffer from some type of cyst, then you need to talk with your doctor if the recommended home remedy is effective for that type of cyst without causing you side effects.
Home remedies for cysts
Honey: There are some doctors who are recommending the usage of honey as a home remedy for cysts but there should be done a lot more studies in the future. It is known fact that honey has anti – inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. [1]
When you use honey as your home remedy for cysts, you should remember that it is not a remover but it can give you a relief from the symptoms and it can help you with the cysts that are caused by bacteria. You can make a poultice by mixing honey with other antimicrobial herbs and ingredients.
You should apply this mixture on the cysts and let it stay there through the night. Also, there is another option and that is to put a dab of pure honey on the cyst site. You should let the honey to stay on the cyst for a few hours because it is known that as longer it stays, the more helpful it will be. After this period has passed, you should wash the honey and then you can apply it again if you want it.
Witch hazel: This is a very common topical wash for acne. There are some studies in which are said that it can help to acne because it has anti – inflammatory and astringent properties [2]. Also, these properties can be used as a home remedy for epidermoid cysts. The witch hazel has astringent tannins which can help to shrink them while the anti – inflammatory properties can be used for easing the pain caused by cysts.
There are no proven studies in which are said that the witch hazel can treat cysts. It will not remove them but it will ease the discomfort. You should dab a cotton ball with witch hazel. You should apply it to the cyst area. You should repeat it a few times per day or as often as you would like. Those people who have sensitive skin can have reactions to the witch hazel but you can avoid it if you dilute the witch hazel with water.
Castor oil: The scientific name of castor oil is Ricinis communis. It can help in the natural treatment of cysts due to its antimicrobial properties. It is effective at killing bacteria which live in the skin and which could lead to cysts and acne. You should know that this natural cure is not proven cure for cysts or for reducing their appearance.
It cannot help to all types of cysts, only for those who are caused by bacteria but there is no guarantee that it will help for sure. You should buy a 100% pure castor oil product. You should buy castor oil from trustworthy companies for which you know that they have a good reputation. You should put one drop of castor oil on your finger and apply to the cyst. You should apply more if it is needed and as often as needed. It is recommended applying it a few times per day. You should avoid ingesting castor oil because it is toxic when it is consumed internally.
Aloe Vera: There are some studies in which are confirmed that Aloe Vera has anti – inflammatory and anti – microbial properties [3]. Both properties can help with the irritation and pain caused by cysts. It can help to reduce the appearance or get rid of certain cysts which are caused by bacteria or other pathogens. You should apply pure Aloe Vera gel to the irritated or painful cyst as often as possible. This home remedy can help to rid of the pain and discomfort but there should be done a lot more studies in the future to approve its effectiveness. There are no proven studies in which are said that the Aloe Vera can remove, drain or reduce the appearance of cysts.
Apple cider vinegar: This is recommended home remedy for cysts and it can help to a cyst with a limited extent. There are no proven studies in which are shown that apple cider vinegar can reduce or remove cysts. It has been shown that this home remedy possesses antimicrobial properties. It has acetic acid which is giving its antimicrobial properties. This home remedy is effective for certain kinds of cysts, such as those caused by bacteria or infection but there is no guarantee.
You can try this home remedy because it has few side effects caused by its usage. You should mix equal parts of water with apple cider vinegar. You should apply this home remedy directly to the cyst several times per day. Also, you can mix apple cider vinegar with hot water compress and use it as your home remedy for cysts. You should add the apple cider vinegar to the hot water in the proper dilution rate. You should never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to your skin. It is known that acetic acids can cause burns, irritation or discomfort.
Tea tree oil: This home remedy can be used for some types of cysts. There are some studies in which are shown that the tea tree oil has antimicrobial activity [4]. It can kill fungi, viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. We know that some cysts are caused by ingrown hair. They form when the hair follicles do not grow properly which is leading to an infection of a sebaceous gland. This is creating a pus pocket which may become a cyst and it is known as sebaceous cyst.
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties which can help to kill bacterial infections that are caused by ingrown hairs. It can decrease your chances of getting a cyst which is caused by an ingrown hair or it can reduce its appearance. You should dilute the tea tree essential oil in a clean, warm or hot water. The dilution ratio is 2 – 3 drops per one ounce of water. You should apply this home remedy directly to your cyst several times per day using a clean cloth. You should avoid applying undiluted tea tree essential oil directly to the cyst or skin. This can cause burns, irritation or discomfort. You should always dilute the tea tree oil before topical application.
Turmeric: This home remedy can be used for the treatment of cysts. You can drink turmeric milk because it will help your body to cure cysts on its own. If your cyst bursts, then you should let the fluid to drain out and then apply turmeric paste over the affected area and cover it with a clean cloth. This will prevent the risk of infection. [5]
Hot compress: The heat is the most recommended and most effective home remedy which can be used for draining or shrinking cysts. Heat can reduce the thickness of liquid in the cyst. When someone has liquid – filled epidermoid cysts, then the heat can help the fluid to drain quicker into the lymphatic system.
This system can help to maintain the fluid balance in the body and it is playing an important role in the protection against infection. You should heat clean water to a warm or hot temperature but not boiling. You should wait for the water to cool to a tolerable but hot temperature for your skin. You should damp a clean cloth in the water and then apply it to the cyst for twenty to thirty minutes.
You should repeat this type of natural treatment a few times per day. This home remedy is widely recommended by doctors but there are no proven studies in which can be shown its effectiveness. This home remedy does not permanently remove the cysts so it is not guaranteed that it will drain or reduce the appearance of your cyst.
References:
[1] Swansea University. Manuka honey to kill drug-resistant bacteria found in cystic fibrosis infections. Science Daily. 2019. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190529131142.htm
[2] Thring TSA, Hili P, Naughton DP. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. Journal of Inflammation. 2011;8:27.
[3] Rahmani AH, Aldebasi YH, Srikar S, et al. Aloe vera: Potential candidate in health management via modulation of biological activities. Pharmacognosy Review. 2015;9(18):120–6.
[4] Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2006;19(1): 50–62.
[5] Gupta SC, Patchva S, Koh W, Aggarwal KB. Discovery of curcumin, a component of the golden Sspice, and its miraculous biological activities. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 2012;39(3):283–99.
