Summary
see the difference between an abscess, cancer, cyst,
lipoma, polyp or tumor at the bottom of this page.
A cyst is a lump or mass in the body that is made up of a
closed sac that may be filled with a gas, a liquid, or a
semi-solid material. (see below for the differences between
an abscess, cancer, cyst, or tumor.) There are many
types of cysts that can form in various locations in the
body. Most are benign and some will be reabsorbed by
the body over time but essential oils seem to accelerate
that process. Enclosed below are some of the more common types
of cysts and following this is a more comprehensive list
that expands on information originally found in Wikipedia.
Baker’s cyst – This is swelling in the
knee as excess synovial fluid (the lubricant of the knee)
builds up in the back of the knee. This can be caused
by a tear in the meniscal cartilage, arthritis, or other
knee injuries. If large enough to be felt it will be like a
small water balloon and can become painful.
Breast cyst – A common breast cysts
occurs in those in their 30s or 40s as milk glands may grow
up to one inch in diameter. These cysts, if large enough to
be felt, may feel like a small water balloon, a lump with
quite distinct edges. Breast cysts can be associated with
fibrocystic disease wherein unusual fibrous growth of tissue
in the breast can produce a mottled texture. Again
these lumps will have well defined edges. These cysts
are associated with hormone changes in the body and
associated pain or discomfort can vary during the monthly
menstrual cycle. These are generally benign growths
and some will disappear over time.
Ganglion cyst - These cysts form at
joints in the body and are common in the area of the wrist.
A common name used is Bible Bump coming from the concept if
they were thumped with a heavy book they would disperse
(might work temporarily). There is not a known
reason for their formation. They are associated with
the sheath that holds the synovial fluid around joints and
tendons. They fill with a fluid similar to the
synovial fluid and it may thicken or harden over time.
Ovarian cyst –The most common type,
functional ovarian cysts, form during the monthly menstrual
cycle. There are other types of ovarian cysts that can
result from diseases including cancerous cells. Functional
cysts may form on or inside the ovarian glands and are not
uncommon during child-bearing years. During the monthly
cycle when an egg develops in a follicle it may not release
in the normal way and the fluid that remains becomes a
follicular cyst. If the egg is released but the
remaining follicle accumulates blood the cyst is called a
corpus luteum cyst. Each of these may become painful
if they enlarge or break open. Spotting or bleeding may
occur.
Sebaceous cyst – These are usually found
as lumps under the skin and are a result of a swollen hair
follicle or some skin trauma. The sac of this cyst is
filled with keratin, the protein used to form hair and nails
in the body. These cysts are typically small and slow
growing but they can, on occasion, become inflamed and
tender or painful. This may include drainage of a pus
like material.
Comprehensive list (if the location is
not self-evident from the name it is included in parenthesis):
•
Acne cyst
•
Arachnoid cyst (brain)
•
Baker's cyst or popliteal cyst (behind the knee joint)
•
Bartholin's cyst (vaginal)
•
Breast cyst
•
Buccal bifurcation cyst (teeth)
•
Calcifying odontogenic cyst (jaw/teeth)
•
Chalazion cyst (eyelid)
•
Choroid plexus cyst (brain)
•
Colloid cyst (brain)
•
Corpus luteum cysts (ovarian)
•
Cutaneious cyst (skin)
•
Cysticercal cyst – cysticercosis from pork tapeworm (brain
or muscles)
•
Dentigerous cyst (associated with the crowns of non-erupted
teeth)
•
Dermoid cyst (a term used to describe a variety of cysts)
•
Epidermoid inclusion cyst (skin)
•
Epididymal cyst (found in the vessels attached to the
testes)
•
Follicular cysts (ovarian)
•
Ganglion cyst (hand/foot joints and tendons)
•
Glandular odontogenic cyst (jaw)
•
Glial cyst (brain)
•
Gartner's duct cyst (vaginal or vulvar cyst of embryological
origin)
•
Gorlin cyst (jaw/teeth)
•
Hydatid cyst (larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, a
tapeworm - liver or other organs)
•
Hydrocele (testicle)
•
Keratocyst (jaw, now classified as a tumor)
•
Liver cystic disease
•
Meibomian cyst (eyelid)
•
Mucoid cyst (ganglion cysts of the digits)
•
Mucous cyst (lips)
•
Nabothian cyst (cervix)
•
Nasolabial duct cyst (upper lip)
•
Nasoalveolar cyst (upper lip)
•
Odontogenic cyst (teeth)
•
Ovarian cyst
•
Paradental cyst
•
Parapelvic cyst (kidney)
•
Paratubal cyst (fallopian tube)
•
Periapical cyst (teeth)
•
Pericardial cyst (chest)
•
Peritoneal cyst (lining of the abdominal cavity)
•
Pilar cyst (scalp)
•
Pilonidal cyst (skin infection near tailbone)
•
Pseudocysts (not actually a cyst but an inflammatory nodule)
•
Renal cyst (kidneys)
•
Pineal gland cyst (brain)
•
Polycystic ovary syndrome
•
Popliteal cyst or Baker’s cyst (behind the knee joint)
•
Radicular cyst (teeth)
•
Residual cyst (jaw/teeth)
•
Sebaceous cyst (sac below skin)
•
Spermatocele (testicle)
•
Tarlov cyst (spine)
•
Trichilemmal cyst (scalp)
•
Vocal fold cyst
Abscess, cancer, cyst, polyp or tumor?
Here are some differences between terms used to describe
“masses” or “lumps” that may form in the body. Common
terms are abscess, cancer, cyst, polyp and tumor.
•
Tumor – a mass of tissue or abnormal cellular growth. They
may be cancerous (malignant), or not (benign).
•
Cancer – a rapid cellular growth that may spread from one
part of the body to another.
• Cyst
– a closed sac filled with gas, liquid, or a semi solid.
They are usually not cancerous.
•
Lipoma – a benign growth filled with apidose (fat) cells
usually just beneath the skin.
•
Abscess – similar to a cyst but is filled with pus.
•
Polyp – a tissue growth that protrudes from a mucous
membrane (nasal passage, cervix, colon) usually benign.
[search helps: Taenia, cystic
mastopathy, fibrosclerosis of breast, chronic cystic
mastitis, fibrocystic mastopathy, mammary dysplasia,
faruncle, carbuncle]
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
FrankincenseC, Oregano, Sandalwood
Essential oils based
products: AromaTouch Technique, Clear Skin, Life Long
Vitality supplements
Also consider:
AromaTouch, BasilC, Deep Blue, Helichrysum, Peppermint, Wild Orange
Note: to
understand the E and C superscript go to Home and
scroll to New Helps.
Suggested protocols:
General
• For
cysts near skin surface: 1 - 2 drops of Frankincense
(or diluted Oregano) topically 2 - 3 times daily until cyst
is diminished.
• For
internal cysts: 1 - 2 drops Frankincense under the
tongue 2 - 3 time daily. Some suggest topically apply
Lemongrass, Melaleuca, and Myrrh topically as close to the
organ as possible.
•
For pain caused by pressure from a cyst: Deep Blue
topically.
Ganglion cyst
•
2 drops of Oregano topically on the cyst in the mornings.
Dilute if necessary.
• 2
drops of Thyme topically on the cyst in the evening.
•
Repeat daily until the bumps dissipate.
Ovarian cyst
A simple suggestion. Soak
the end of an organic tampon in Frankincense and Sandalwood
and insert at night while sleeping. Repeat nightly.
Another suggestion:
•
Blend: 8 drops Clary Sage, 8 drops Frankincense, 8
drops Lavender, 8 drops Cypress, and 2 tablespoons melted virgin
coconut oil
• Soak the mixture into the tampon
Use natural tampons without chlorine.
• Insert overnight. Do nightly for one week,
• Then switch for a week to: 8
drops Frankincense, 8 drops Geranium, 5 drops Myrrh, 2
tablespoons
grape seed oil.
Subaceous cyst
•
Frankincense has been used successfully by many, others
suggest adding Lemongrass and Lavender or using Clear Skin
• One
person reported very good results using the
AromaTouch
technique
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Baker’s Cyst
Ree - Aloha
Everyone, Does anyone know how to treat for a ruptured
Baker’s cyst behind the knee? Mahalo Nui Loa,
Pat - Has the cyst drained? Sometimes
when they rupture and drain they heal over and fill up
again. I would use Oregano (a very hot oil so drop it just
on the affected area) and alternate with Melaleuca and
Marjoram. It wouldn't hurt to take capsule with Melaleuca,
Oregano and Wild Orange, equal amounts, once a day for one
week.
Cindy - For ruptured cysts on knuckles,
I use Deep Blue followed by Peppermint. Wonderfully pain
relieving, and it clears them up very well in my experience.
Breast Cyst
Submissions
directly to
EverythingEssential.me.
Our thanks to:
Katz
katzleija@yahoo.com
Katz -
I recently developed a cyst the
size of a golf ball on the inside edge of my
breast. It was very sore and bruised looking
on the top. I put Wild Orange on it (mostly
because I craved the smell) and Frankincense
alternating. I had a friend look at it and
check the size so we could monitor what
would happen. I applied the oil twice a day,
neat, and in three weeks it was the size of
a grain of rice. Yea oils!
Krishna - Cyst on
breast. Any ideas! Oils and how to! Any suggestion would be
appreciated!
Vikki - There was a great testimonial on
cysts I heard last night. A lady from Seattle had a friend
who was going to be having surgery to remove a cyst. Three
weeks before the surgery she gave her friend Cypress, Basil
and Frankincense (I believe it was in a capsule) 2x a day,
then switched out the Basil for Oregano.. The lady went to
the doctor prior to surgery to locate the cyst by ultrasound
and they couldn't find it.
Ganglion Cyst
Submissions
directly to
EverythingEssential.me.
Our thanks to:
Stuart
prodoterra@me.com
Stuart -
I had a large Ganglion Cyst on the
back of my hand behind the thumb. It was the
first time I had come across this and after
much research I was about to give up and
then.....I was reading about the properties
of Melaleuca and thought 'Why not' so I put
three drops twice a day on the cyst and
after a few days it was gone!!
Marti - Does anyone
know what helps with a ganglion cyst? Thanks.
BK - I had 3 different cysts on
different parts of my body until recently. I never went to a
doctor and had them officially diagnosed. But I had friends
say that they were cysts, calcium deposits, bone spurs, or
bible bumps. I'm not sure, but I think these would also be
called ganglian cysts. I had one on my foot on my hand and
a small one that had barely started revealing itself on my
wrist. Here's what I did.
My foot spur was bothering me the most, so I started
using a blend of Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Cypress, Lavender
Peppermint, Thyme and Basil. 5 drops each in an15ml bottle
then match the amount of essential oil with coconut oil. I
would rub this blend on my right foot every morning and
night. Without fail for 3 months. I had tried a similar mix
using oils from Young Living, but it never helped, so I
figured it wouldn't hurt to try doTerra oils. One day it
was strange, I realized that it was almost gone! It seemed
almost overnight or I just hadn't been paying attention.
Then I also realized that the bump on my hand and wrist
were completely gone!. No doubt, using the blend on my foot
everyday, also helped with the bumps on my hand and wrist.
I am also a huge doTERRA Frankincense fan, and used it
often for massage for myself and my family, so I would
credit the Frankincense for aiding in the blend as well. It
definitely wouldn't hurt to add frank to the blend. I hope
this helps. Do it daily or more. Be patient.
Rob - It I had at ganglion cyst, I would
try 2 drops of Oregano on the cyst in the AM (neat if they
can take it, if not, dilute 50/50.) Then 2 drops Thyme in
the evening directly on the cyst. Daily frequency till the
bumps dissipate. Maybe it's the antibiotic/anti-inflammatory
and antibacterial properties that dissipates the fluids in
the cyst, but I've heard this is an effective protocol.
There are many oils with similar properties as well.
Ovarian Cyst
Kat - I found out I
have a hemorrhagic cyst on my left ovary. It is a cyst
filled with blood, and very painful. My doctor did not want
to operate now for fear that it would bleed too much and I
would most likely have to remove the ovary. He said lets
wait and let your body reabsorb the cyst as much as
possible, then check it in a week or so. He wants me to take
it very easy so I don't pop the cyst and have internal
bleeding. Any ideas on what to use to help my body reabsorb
a blood filled cyst?
Pat - I would get some organic tampons
and soak the ends in Frankincense and Sandalwood and insert
at night while sleeping.
Skipper – Ovarian cyst. My daughter's
doctor told her to take primRose oil along with good
vitamins and calcium. Well I have already put her on
the LLW, but she experiences much discomfort with the cyst
most of the month. So is there a doTERRA oil with the
primRose in it or would something doTERRA has work as well?
Kathy - This is a protocol a good friend
of mine used with success. Use natural tampons without
chlorine. Blend: 8 drops Clary Sage 8 drops Frankincense 8
drops Lavender 8 drops Cypress 2 tblspn melted virgin
coconut oil Soak the mixture into the tampon Insert over
night. Do nightly for one week, then switch for a week to: 8
drops Frankincense 8 drops Geranium 5 drops Myrrh 2 tblspn
grape seed oil
Pancreatic Cyst
Janyce - My friend is suffering with a
cyst on her pancreas. I don't know the details or the name
of the ailment but she now has a drain. She is pretty well
debilitated from this. Apparently, the cyst cannot be
removed because it is "part of the pancreas". I would like
to talk to her about what oils she could take to help her
pancreas heal. I have looked at the pancreas oils in our
book, but does anyone know about this particular ailment and
what would work best? And how to use?
Pat – I suggest that she start by
dropping Frankincense under her tongue daily and also
rubbing: Lemongrass, Melaleuca and Myrrh directly at the
pancreas area.
Pilonidal Cyst
Jackie - Pilonidal
Cyst dilemma. Can anyone recommend a treatment for this?
I believe it's a bacterial infection. I'm thinking
they should use Melaleuca topically and perhaps Oregano oil
in capsules. Does this seem the best solution?
Pat - One of the most effective
treatments come from being able to drain the cyst. I
remember when my daughter had this and after draining it
completely we were very fortunate that it never came back.
You solution is workable, using the Melaleuca and On Guard
are great options. You are fighting a bacterial problem so
even using Oregano with the On Guard is a capsule would be
helpful.
Sebaceous Cyst
Cory - I have
a friend whose 7yr old boy has a cyst on the side of his
face near the top of his ear and across from his eye. His
mom said it looked like a black head when it started, but
now is hard and looks like a foreign object is under the
skin. The pediatrician sent them to a plastic surgeon who is
planning to cut it out at the end of May. Other than
sabaceous cyst they don't really have a diagnosis. The
doctors said they would biopsy it later. The wound will need
a lot of attention and will leave a 1 1/2" - 2" scar. The
mom would like to go a different route, if possible. What
oils would you recommend, how often, and how should I dilute
them.
Amelia - I also have a sebaceous cyst
but it's on my inner wrist and I have been applying a
mixture of Lemongrass, Lavender and Frankincense to it.
When I do apply these it goes away almost instantly but then
it returns and when it does I just apply the oils again. If
it were me I would put it in a carrier oil just because of
where the cyst is located and because it's for a
child...hope this is helpful...
LMD - Hello, Does
anyone have any information or success stories on Sebaceous
Cysts?
Suzy - My husband has these and has been
using Frankincense. The ones that have not gone away
entirely, have shrunk by at least half their beginning size.
He just applies it every night before he goes to bed, after
his shower. He just tips the bottle onto his finger
and dabs each cyst.
Amelia - Yep Frankincense...I have one on my wrist and I
just keep applying Frankincense...and Balance for whatever
reason seems to make it go away even faster. Weird thing is
that mine has not totally gone away but when I use the
Frankincense it immediately shrinks it...like it disappears
completely for a few hours or a day but then it comes back.
I just keep applying Frankincense to it and I believe
eventually it'll disappear forever.
Tami - Not sure if what I have is the
same, but I get these cyst type things on my face every once
in a while. Today, I got one and my strong instinct said to
put Oregano on it. I did think about Frankincense, but the
feeling of the cyst and my intuition mingled with it said to
kick the thing in the butt and not be nice about it. I put a
dab of Oregano on it twice today and it is almost gone
already. Normally, these things will take a week to go away
and they can become painful too.
Deedle - Are there
any oils to use for sebaceous cysts? my daughter has them on
her head and they can be very painful!
Pat - I have heard that the Clear Skin
blend helps with these cysts. I would also recommend her
starting the LLV supplements so her body can heal and she
will cease to grow these cysts.
Betsy - Any ideas
on how to remove a fatty cyst. I am putting neat
Frankincense once a day on it at the moment. I am open to
suggestions.
Kathy - Try the AromaTouch technique a
few times. Last year I had a growth on my foot - not even
sure what it was but it was a hard lump - maybe a bone spur
but it hurt and was growing bigger (taller) and I had it for
about 3 or 4 months, I went and had the AromaTouch technique
and by the end of the day - so within 10 hours it was a lump
of mush, I could still feel like a melted lump and the next
day the lump was gone - I was amazed!
Wendy - I remember my friend saying she
gave Helichrysum to her
unbelieving-essential-oils-would-never-work dad to put on a
facial growth (I can't remember what it was). It
worked, so he started getting it for himself.
Ready, Set, Grow
