The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Anna (London, England) on 03/01/2010
★★★★★
Iodine painting
For the last three weeks I've been putting liquid iodine on 2 knuckles where I have very thick skin (no idea why). I read a lot of feedback from people using iodine on skin problems, so I thought I'd give it a try it, since I had liquid iodine in the house.
Almost immediately I saw a change. The skin, which was very rough, is now softer, almost like my other knuckles, and the skin isn't nearly as thick. One is almost normal.
I also started applying iodine about a week ago to a mini-mole on my face, and it is reduced in size.
One of the most interesting things is the change in my breasts. When I had mammograms done in the past, I was told that my breasts were dense. Now, although I didn't apply any iodine directly to the breast, they no longer feel lumpy.
Yet another thing I noticed was that I felt much less eye strain from the day I started using iodine on my hands, but it seems to be helping my eyes less than it did at the beginning.
The one thing I haven't had success with is in applying iodine on liver spots. I've been applying a few times a day to the biggest spot and so far no change, but I'll keep trying for a while.
This is a cheap and easy, harmless therapy. It's really worth trying to see if it does you any good.
Hot Flashes
Posted by Tammy (Pleasant Grove, Utah) on 06/07/2008
★★★★★
I have been having the hot flashes from Menopause the last year. I had been taking estroven or similar products, but found that Lugol's Iodine was more helpful and cheaper.
Food Poisoning
Posted by Jan (Buffalo, NY) on 04/18/2008
★★★★★
I travel extensively and carry a small HDPE bottle of Lugol's for the inevitable food poisoning that occurs in restaurant food. When I get a case of it, I take 15 drops of Lugol's in water and it takes less than 15 minutes to stop the cramps. Dr. Hulda Clark does recommend Lugol's Iodine. I buy my Lugol's in pint bottles at the local pharmacy. I tell the pharmacist that I use it for staining tissue slides for microscopy. It works every time.
Sore Throat
Posted by Nancy (Austin, TX) on 04/02/2008
★★★★★
Swab throat with iodine---never fails to kill a sore throat, so just'the "sniffles" are left.
Inflammatory Breast Disease
Posted by Janna (Boston, MA) on 04/01/2008
★★★★★
re: lugols and inflammatory breast disease. My breast was leaking a bloody discharge, and after reading articles on Lugols, specifically Dr. Miller's article (Seattle) and work done in Canada, I procured lugols and started to paint it onto my breast using a paintbrush. After a couple months the discharge stopped, the pain stopped, and I have had no further problems.
Skin Ailments
Posted by Donna (Dalton, GA) on 04/13/2007
★★★★★
I had been reading about Iodine and how it could get rid of different skin lesions, so I decided to give it a try on several Sebaceous Keratoses on my torso, several quite large. It has worked wonderfully. It took about 2 weeks for them to go away, and I applied it 2x a day most days. I put it on with a q-tip and let it dry before getting dressed. I sometimes scratched them lightly first with a emery nail file before applying the iodine. I use the Lugols, because I also take it by drops internally each day.
Dewormer
Posted by Dianna (Houston, AR) on 01/14/2006
★★★★★
I have wormed my dogs and cats successfully for twenty-seven years with iodine. Its slower than commercial wormers but safer and with less side effects. I no longer use it only because I found another natural wormer that's even better.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Robert Sarver (USA) on 11/25/2005
★★★★★
There is mounting evidence that the major cause of breast, ovarian, uterine and prostrate fibroids (cysts) and cancers is dietary iodine deficiency.
Iodine deficiency is probably also a major cause of obesity, arthritis and mental illness. I think that the MD's who performed the research for these discoveries will receive the Nobel Prize.
Within the past week I have written an article "Iodine Deficiency" which is attached. I have retained the publication rights because the article has already published by the Vitamin C Foundation at http://www.vitamincfoundation.org/iodine.htm. Two health newsletters will publish the article and I have submitted it to the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine and the Townsend Letter for publication. I intend to submit the article to other health organizations.
The health and health care implications for this discovery are enormous. Virtually every older person I know has symptoms of iodine deficiency and those symptoms are fibroids/cysts of the reproductive organs, thyroid problems, obesity, arthritis, dry eyes, compromised immune system functioning, reduced sex drive and a long list of other symptoms. Some young people already show symptoms of iodine deficiency such as ADD. Iodine deficiency may play a role in autism.
I am a chemical engineer and 58 years old.
EC: Robert was kind enough to let us post his article. Click here to read it.
Sore Throat
Posted by Hallie (The Woodlands, TX) on 11/19/2005
★★★★★
Putting Iodine on my wrists and throat did a wonder. I'm picky when it comes to tasting juice or vinegar, so the iodine was perfect!
Detox Bromides
Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe ) on 09/04/2023
Leah, maybe try to get your iodine by painting it on your skin? On the soles of your feet?
Hypothyroid
Posted by Maria (Hertfordshire ) on 06/26/2020
★★★★★
About twenty years ago I went to my doctor because I was putting on weight and feeling tired, she told me that I may have an under active thyroid, so she sent me for a blood test, and said if l do l would be on tablets for the rest of my life. So when l went home I checked my green pharmacy book and read about kelp for an under active thyroid. One week later I went back to my doctor for my results which she confirmed that I had an under active thyroid. I told her I did not want to take the tablets and I was going to try kelp, she suggested that after a month or so I would need another blood test to see how it went. So I went to my local herbal shop and bought powdered kelp, and I really enjoyed it on my avocados. When I went back for another blood test, my doctor said my thyroid had gone back to normal. And I don't take kelp very often.
General Feedback
Posted by Oscar (Syracuse, New York) on 06/02/2014
The element BROMINE is very bad for you. It is in many, if not most, breads, soft drinks, and more. Bromine displaces iodine in a very many biological processes and causes: Cancer, mental disorders, skin disorders and more. It very much screws up your entire endocrine system. This is NOT news but few are aware of just how dangerous BROMINE is to so many aspects of human health. These very real dangers have been well documented for over 30 years now.
Be wary of sea salt and seaweed foodstuffs also because they contain bromine. Using iodized salt is best. Iodine is the element you need. The element bromine readily displaces it and thereby screws up all the many biological processes involved. Ignorance is NOT bliss....Oscar
Acid Reflux
Posted by Chad (Windsor, Ontario, Canada) on 08/11/2013
What kind of Iodine did you take? Thanks.
Iodine Deficiency
Posted by Bjornbjorn (Maple Ridge, B.c.) on 07/24/2012
I drink a very large amount of water daily ( approx 4 litres or a 1 gallon ) It is through a brita filter to help with contaminants. Do you think I could be Iodine Deficient with my symptoms.
General Feedback
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/12/2012
Maggie, maybe it's better to back off on the Lugol's to a drop LESS for a few days and see if symptoms go away. Then add a drop every few days or even weeks, what's the rush? Slower seems safer to me.
Broad Benefits
Posted by David (Lubbock, Texas) on 10/27/2011
★★★★★
I noted someone had problems with burning eyes from taking iodine. I have taken 250 mgs daily for about eight months, luv it. It has fixed all my ailments, My eyes burn, if I don't wash well, scrub my face twice a day, I believe the iodine is loading up in the skin oils, and making it alkaline, which burns the eyes if it contacts them. Anyhoo, scrub your face, keep the oil off and you will live long and healthy taking iodine. david lubbock tx.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/04/2011
★★★★★
I recently came across this excellent free e-book that I think everyone should read and print off/email for friends and family members.
Iodine deficiency is rampant in most of us. Iodine is the best treatment for thyroid disorders, breast issues, bladder infections and many, many, many other issues. Iodine also clears up chest congestion. Iodine also improves babies IQ's when given to pregnant women.
Iodine also detoxes the body from heavy metals. Anyway much much more information.. Well worth reading.https://www.jcrows.com/MaryJoFahey_IodineRemediesSecretsFromTheSea.pdf"
General Feedback
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 09/21/2011
Hi Susan... Lugol's has been shown through research to alleviate and correct hypothyroid in dosages between 12.5 mgs and 50 mgs (2 and 8 drops 5% Lugols respectively). If you use the 12.5mg dose, it will take a year before full body iodine sufficiency is attained. If you take the 50 mg dose -- full body iodine sufficiency will be attained in about 3 months. I am not talking just about thyroid sufficiency here -- I'm talking about the whole body's need for iodine.
See this link:
http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james37.htm
Nascent iodine, to keep it simple, is the electrochemical form of elemental iodine and is the same as Atomidine -- what Edgar Cayce recommended. Certain people have iodine sensitivities and lugols iodine can have harsh effects on the stomach in certain people due to the iodine content. But Nascent Iodine tends to be much kinder and is also a highly bioavailable and tasteless form of iodine/iodide solution. It is, however, more expensive.
See this link for dosages and use of Nascent Iodine:
http://iodine.imva.info/index.php/iodine-dosages/
Also it would be advisable to take Magnesium Gluconate(250 mgs twice a day), Vitamin C(1000 mgs 3 times a day), Selenium(200 mcg twice a day) and zinc(25-50 mgs once a week).
The Selenium and Magnesium aid in certain thyroid enzyme processes to convert and store the iodine in the thyroid and to convert the T4 to the more active T3 thyroid hormone form respectively. Vitamin C has been proven to improve and increase iodine/iodide transport and absorbtion in both the intestines and into the cells and organs. These absorbtion problems are usually caused by excess bromine in the body which is chelated and removed by the Vit C. Zinc helps to improve the immune system and also helps to increase the rate and efficiency of metabolism in the body.
See this link for the most current and up to date research on iodine supplemetation by the Iodine Project:
http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Research_I.shtml
The need for daily Iodine:
http://www.iodine4health.com/overviews/uses/panam_uses.htm
Hypothyroid
Posted by Samantha (Edmonton, Alberta) on 10/26/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I have been using 12.5mg's of Iodine/iodide and selenium for 2 weeks now and it has been a Godsend up till now. After the 2 weeks were up I started having the same symptoms as before. Severe anxiety/fear, fatigue and really cold extremeties. I am convinced that I cannot be without a prescription now for Hypothyroidism, whether we use synthetic or non-synthetic. My symptoms cannot be stabilized without the help of western meds now. My TSH level were at 4.8, 3 months ago now. I will report back when I am on a prescrition med to let everyone know if there is a big difference. I see my PCP tomorrow.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 09/08/2010
Hello Akbor and Everyone of Earth Clinic; Here are some suggestions for you to consider. Iodine. It is greatly helpful for the removal of pathogens, metals, and the mucous that retains them and their waste. It seems that they reside very well in the digestive, lymphatic, and endocrine systems of organisms. The pituitary gland is notable because a high rate of growths have been detected in many people by surgeons. Viruses, excitotoxins, and mercury apparently have been detected in the pitutary also. These disruptions can cause a litany of symptoms. The N. D. , Dr. Lepore, writes that the pitutary leaks mucous that drips to the throat and into the chest and lungs. Supplemented Iodine discharges the pathogens and replaces itself rightfully throughout these systems, as it supports the survival of our bodies. Iodine can be desribed as a "vital force", because, among its many functions, it supports the arousal of one's instinct to survive. This is what I wish for you, Akbor. There are many brilliant posts here on EC about Iodine Cures that could help you. Also, you can take a tsp of kelp powder from a good source, mix in 1/2 glass of good water, take mouthful, swish for a couple of minutes, spit, and drink the rest several times daily. This can be done with parsely, mint, grasses, etc. I like to pretend that I'm a happy ruminant animal in the pasture. Thank you EC, for I learned about the use of this marvelous element from you all. Connie
Broad Benefits
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 09/18/2010
Hello Bessie, Hello Y'all,
Yes, Thank You, I should have included the amounts taken in my post. "Case History": kelp eating and intermittent Iodine drinking in the past. (joke) I am a 53 3/4 Y. O. F, 5'4 3/4 H. , 121 w. , that needs to learn the metric system.
I used organic kelp powder in this test and chose to accept that 1tbl, 15ml, of kelp powder contains 7.5 mg of Iodine, as a given. (could be a wide variance). I also began with Atomic Iodine 2%, and switched to Lugol's 5% at day 8. (sorry folks, as I am still in a state of anecdotage, I do not have a good comparitive explanation for this, for you).
Wk. 1, 10 drops 2% Atomic Iodine tincture, 1tsp. Kelp powder in smoothie. End of Wk. 1, 15 drops 2% Atomic Iodine, 1 tsp. 3x daily kelp powder in 4oz water. Herx. Effects: mild acne on chin, mild constipaton, "roiling colon" with immoderate flatus. Began daily enema, followed with oral probiotic supp. (50 billion).
Wk 2, discontinued Atomic Iodine, began Lugol's solution 5%, 2 drops daily, 1 tsp. Kelp powder 3x daily. Began to apply Lugol's, undiluted 3 drops, to shingles lesions at base of spine and on bum cheek. (no pain here, but caution to others). Day 11, experienced mild heart palpitations and mild anxiety. (recurring songs in the brain). Began "pulsing", by discontinuing Lugol's and kelp for 2 days. Restarted Lugol's 5% 1 drop and kelp 1 tsp. At day 14. Continues to "pulse", skipping suplementation for 1 or two days, then restarts at lower dosage.
There appears to be a wide variance in an individual's needs for Iodine, and it's difficult to distinguish detox effect from side effect, but, for me, the benefits outstand the deficits in this endeavor. Bessie, I hope this "windy" discussion is helpful, as, finding one's indivdual needs is a good challenge. (maybe I have shown this, unwittingly) Tom from Sk. And Bill from the Philippines have provided us with great links to information about Iodine's effects, and I am grateful. Thank You, EC, Connie