They may sound scary, but if you’ve recently been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, the good news is that they are relatively common and usually harmless. It is estimated that about 10 out of 100 women have ovarian cysts, and less than 1% are cancerous. The better news is that there are many different options for treatment, ranging from natural remedies to medical procedures. So let’s talk about how to shrink those ovarian cysts — or at the very least, how to shrink any pain or stress they may be causing you.
What are ovarian cysts?
Natural remedies for ovarian cysts
If you’re seeking treatment through natural remedies, there are a few recipes that some practitioners believe can help relieve symptoms, prevent new growths, or increase overall immune health in general.
There is no scientific evidence to support that these remedies can actually help shrink ovarian cysts, but some research does suggest they can help reduce symptoms of and prevent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalances, and women with PCOS are often insulin resistant. These treatments address both.
Natural home remedies:
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil naturally lower hormones such as testosterone. They can also improve metabolic function, including insulin levels.
- Apple cider vinegar lowers blood sugar levels, which means it’s possible that it can both help treat PCOS and prevent ovarian cysts. A small 2013 study also suggests that it can help restore ovulation in women with PCOS.
- Blackstrap molasses and beetroot are both believed to be high in antioxidants (prevents or delays cell damage) and have anti-inflammatory properties. Beetroot is also believed to be antibacterial.
- Ginger, especially ginger tea, is another remedy commonly sought out as an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and a cancer fighter. Some preliminary studies found that high doses of ginger can balance hormones and help improve PCOS.
- Sanjie Zhentong Capsule (SZC) is a Chinese herb that has been studied for many uses related to ovarian health. Among them is one small study that reported SZC effectively shrank ovarian cysts in about 82% of the participants’ cysts (compared with 52% of participants in the control group, who did not receive treatment).
Caution: Before starting any treatment, even natural cures, consult your doctor as some supplements, herbs, and teas can be dangerous, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, or are a patient with diabetes.
