These cysts are also known as Bible bumps or Bible cysts. They are small, round sacs or lumps which are filled with a viscous synovial fluid. The size of ganglion cysts can range from pea-size to nearly an inch in diameter. These cysts are usually forming over a joint or tendon in the fingers, ankles, wrists, or soles of the feet. The most common symptoms of ganglion cysts are discomfort and pain along with muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations.
The ganglion cyst may feel firm or spongy which depends on the size of it. The exact cause for the development of ganglion cyst is not known but any tendon or joint irritation or mechanical changes can trigger this problem. Ganglion cysts are most common in people who are between the ages of 15 and 40. They are most commonly happening in women and gymnasts who repeatedly apply stress to their wrist. In rare cases, this condition can happen in children that are younger than 10 years.
People who have a joint or tendon injury or people who suffer from osteoarthritis are having increased chances of developing this condition. In most cases ganglion cysts are healing with simple medications and home treatments but also there are some cases in which surgical removal is considered as the best option. Talk with your doctor if you have ganglion cysts because he or she will give you the best natural treatment for you.
You should be careful not to hit the cyst with any heavy object because it can damage your skin. Also, you should try not to pop the cyst by puncturing it with a needle because this could lead to infection.
Best Home Remedy Ganglion Cyst
Contents
Echinacea:
This home remedy can increase the level of the properdin chemical in your body which can stimulate the immune system and it can help to shrink the ganglion cyst. There was one study in 2002 in which was noticed that the usage of Echinacea can increase the production of properdin. [1] You should buy over – the – counter Echinacea ointment and apply it topically to the ganglion cyst. You should repeat this home treatment two or three times per day until you rid of the ganglion cyst completely.
Also, you can drink a cup of Echinacea herbal tea once or twice daily but not for more than one week. People who have autoimmune disorders should not take Echinacea internally.
Grapefruit seed extract:
A grapefruit seed extract has many uses and health benefits and you should use this extract because it is a very effective way to reduce the ganglion cyst at your home. It has antimicrobial properties which are very effective in getting rid of a ganglion cyst [2]. You just need to have one drop of the grapefruit seed extract and apply it to the affected area. Then, let it absorb you in to your skin completely before you cover it with the help of a gauze or band.
Natural Home Remedy For Ganglion Cyst
Turmeric:
You can use turmeric as your natural treatment to get relief from the pain due to a ganglion cyst. Also, this natural cure can have positive effects on pain and inflammation. There was one study in 2009 in which was suggested that curcumin in turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by regulating enzymes, adhesion molecules, protein kinases, redox status, cytokines, and many transcription factors which are associated with the inflammation [3].
You should apply some fresh turmeric juice directly on the affected area two or three times per day in a period of several days. Also, you can take this herb in supplement form, on a daily basis. You should always talk with your doctor before you start taking it because it can increase the risk of bleeding if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Ginger:
You can use ginger as your natural treatment if your ganglion cyst is causing you unbearable pain. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to ease the pain and discomfort. There was one study in 2011 in which is suggested that the ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that will block Cox – 2 activity, which likely is causing pain [4].
You should drink homemade ginger tea two or three times per day or you should include more ginger in your cooking. To make the ginger tea, you should cut an inch of fresh ginger root into slices and simmer it in a cup of water for ten minutes. Also, you can take ginger supplements. You should always talk with your doctor before you take this supplement.
Frankincense oil:
This essential oil is effective astringent which can help to reduce the size of the ganglion cyst and it can prevent recurring. Also, it can help to ease the pain. You should apply two drops of frankincense oil on your cyst. You should cover it with a soft and clean bandage. You should do this natural treatment once per day, using a clean bandage each time, until the size of the ganglion cyst has reduced. You should continue applying this natural cure for a couple of weeks to reduce the risk of recurrence. [5]
Black tea bags:
Black tea has an acidic property which can help to heal the ganglion cyst and it will prevent from getting worse. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties which will give you relief from the swelling and pain. You should dip a black tea bag in warm water for five minutes. You should remove it and squeeze out the excess water. You should hold the moist and warm tea bag over the affected area for ten minutes. You should repeat a few times per day in a period of several days.
Warm compresses:
When you use warm compresses on a regular basis, then this can help to reduce the discomforts that are associated with the ganglion cyst. Also, it can increase the blood circulation to the affected area and it will promote fluid drainage. It can help to reduce swelling and pain. But the warm compresses will not prevent the growth of ganglion cysts.
You should soak a washcloth in warm water and you should wring out the excess water. You should put this warm cloth directly on the affected area for five to ten minutes. You should repeat it three or four times per day until the ganglion cyst is gone.
Arnica:
This is one of the best anti-inflammatory agents which can help to reduce the inflammation, swelling, and pain. Also, it can help to increase the blood circulation which can help to heal the ganglion cyst faster. You should dilute arnica essential oil in an equal amount of coconut oil or olive oil.You should apply it directly to the affected area and then you should massage gently.
You should put a bandage over the area. Do this natural treatment two or three times per day in a period of several days. Also, you can buy an over – the – counter arnica lotion or cream and apply a thin layer of it to the affected area a few times per day. You should always make a patch test before you use arnica because some people can be sensitive to arnica.
Aloe Vera:
It has anti-inflammatory properties which can stimulate the healing of ganglion cyst. Also, it can help to reduce swelling and pain. You should extract the gel from the fresh Aloe Vera plant leaf. You should apply it directly to the affected area. You should allow it to sit for twenty minutes and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. You should use this home remedy a few times per day in a period of several days. [6]
Eat anti-inflammatory foods:
If you want to minimize the pain and swelling that are due to a ganglion cyst, then you should eat more foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Some good anti-inflammatory foods are spinach, sweet potatoes, blackberries, blueberries, walnuts, tart cherries, olive oil, turmeric, ginger, avocados, flaxseeds, and salmon. Also, you should avoid eating or drinking inflammatory foods like white rice, white – flour products, sugar foods, foods rich in saturated fats, and soda.
Epsom salt:
This natural cure is a wound-healing agent which will help to reduce and heal the cyst within a few days. Also, it can give you relief from the inflammation and pain. You should mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt in one to two cups of warm water. You should soak the affected area in it for twenty to thirty minutes. You should repeat this process once per day in a period of several days.
Also, you can combine 1/8 teaspoon of borax, ½ cup of warm glycerin, and ½ teaspoon of Epsom salt in a bowl. You should mix these ingredients thoroughly until all substances are dissolved. You should use a cotton swab to apply this home remedy to the affected area. Then, put a bandage over it. You should repeat this natural treatment a few times per day.
References:
[1] Kim LS, Waters RF, Burkholder PM. Immunological activity of larch arabinogalactan and echinacea: A preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Alternative Medicine Review. 2002;7(2):138-149.
[2] Heggers JP, Cottingham J, Gusman J, et al. The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: II. Mechanism of action and in vitro toxicity. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2002;8(3):333-40.
[3] Aggarwal BB, Harikumar KB. Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin, the anti-inflammatory agent, against neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. 2009;41(1):40-59.
[4] Bode AM, Dong Z. Chapter 7: The amazing and mighty ginger. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). Benzie IFF, Wachter-Galor S (Ed.). 2011.
[5] Van Vuuren SF, Kamatou GPP, Viljoen AM. Volatile composition and antimicrobial activity of twenty commercial frankincense essential oil samples. South African Journal of Botany. 2010;76(4):686-91.
[6] Foster M, Hunter D, Samman S. Chapter 3: Evaluation of the nutritional and metabolic effects of aloe vera. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). Benzie IFF, Wachter-Galor S (Ed.). 2011.
