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.
Castor Oil
Posted by Kimberly From Florida (Pensacola, Fl) on 07/17/2013
★★★★★
I have fibroctstic breasts from, I believe, birth control pills. I have cut out caffeine and that helped a lot. I also wear a non-binding and well fitted bra. However, occasionally I have painful swelling. I started using castor oil packs. I keep the pack on for an hour a day. By day two, no more sore breasts!
Iodine
Posted by Amy (Marietta, Georgia) on 09/27/2008
★★★★★
For about 6 months, I was having increasing soreness and cysts in my breasts for the last 2 weeks of my cycle. My Dr. said I had fibrocystic breast disease and avoid caffeine and chocolate (not a good option for me!). I tried an iodine treatment posted here and was AMAZED at how quickly the pain and knots disappeared. I began taking 1 tablet/day of 5 mg Iodine and 7.5 mg Iodide. Noticed improvement within a few days. After 1 month I've cut back to 1/2 tablet per day, still with great results. I read some studies showing that low levels of Iodine are linked to greater risk of breast cancer, so I think Iodine supplements are especially good for me.
Vitamin E, Eliminate Caffeine
Posted by Nola (New Orleans, La) on 07/08/2012
I never had normal breasts even in my teens. They were always fibrocystic. It wasn't until after I had early cancer treatment (lumpectomy and radiation) and then sought natural medicine did I learn about cleansing. I learned about liver cleansing and how there are 3 types of estrogen. One is metobolized thru the liver and excreted thru the urine. After years of your liver filtering "junk" in Rx, food additives, preservatives, food dyes, anesthesias, airborn environmental toxins that go into our lungs and from there enter out blood stream etc. It gets clogged. Like a car filter if you want to think of it that way. When you change the oil in your car you change the filter too right? Think of your liver as a filter too. My estrogen levels were way off the charts. I was so estrogen dominent. The endocrinologist couldn't tell me why. But I put my faith in God and He helped me find info online about the 3 types of estrogen and the role the liver plays in them. So if you think about it this is what happened and WHY I WAS estrogen dominant. I say WAS!!! As your body makes estrogen and does not excrete it as it should - it recirculates thru your body and blood stream along with what is already there that also hasn't been eliminated. Makes simple sense! Once I cleansed my liver with in 1 month my breasts were absolutely normal for the 1st time in my life. I had no idea that would happen. I cleansed to lower my estrogen levels and then it cured the fibrocystic tissue in my breasts. When I went back to the encocrinologist she couldn't believe my estrogen levels were normal. She asked me what I did and didn't know what to say when I told her. She was happy but as a mainstream medical practitioner she looked so trapped in what she could only do to help her patients as approved by the hospital who pays her pay check. That's not medicine. Managing diseases is not medicine.
Anyway you are probably wondering how do you cleanse your liver? It is simple. Drink Apple Cider (not apple cider vinegar) for a week and eat very lightly. No meat, cheese, sugary sweets, fried foods - more salads and soft foods. The pectin in the apple cider has an affect on softening deposits in the liver and gall bladder. Do this for 6 days. (Start on a Sunday). On the 6th day b/f you go to sleep mix 1/2 cup of organic unrefined olive oil (OO) with either 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed organic lemon juice or organic grapefruit juice (I perfer grapefruit juice). Use a hand mixer to totally mix both juices. Take a straw and drink it down and immediately go and lay down for the night on your right side. Do not wash the dishes or do anything else after you drink it except go right to sleep. Lay in this position for as long as you can. When you awake in the morning you will feel an urge to go to the restroom. When you do you will expel debris from both your liver and gall bladder.
I could not believe the energy that I felt after I cleansed my liver for the first time. I also no longer had seasonal bronchitis after this. I became a firm believer in natural cleansing. If you have this condition you may want to try this. I wish you all the best!!!
Diindolylmethane (DIM)
Posted by Smith (Los Angeles) on 12/21/2022
★★★★★
I used DIM 100 mg for breast cysts, and it cleared them up in a couple of days. I had actually scheduled a mammogram and took DIM after reading an article about it. I almost canceled my mammogram, but decided to have once since it had been some time.
When I mentioned DIM to the female technician, she said there was a pharmaceutical product you could take. Of course, there was. But DIM can be bought over the counter, and is much cheaper and works. A win, win. I'm really surprised no one has posted about this.
Iodine
Posted by Jerry (Miramar, Florida) on 04/16/2021 29 posts
Thank you..What can I eat?
Iodine
Posted by Terry (Ok) on 05/02/2017 7 posts
Turmeric
Posted by Leemarie (Georgia) on 05/01/2015
★★★★★
I began making eating Turmeric paste that I made from Turmeric Powder 5 years ago. I am 45 now and have had fibrocystic breast tissue all of my life since I can remember. I began making the drink and having it 2 times a day and if not drinking tea would put it in my scrambled eggs and saute with onions or in my ground beef. I use turmeric root in my home-made organic chicken broth and beef broth too. Basically I get it however I can into my diet.
My skin became radiant and very soft all over and my face glowed. And my husband said my skin felt damp. It was a major change from my very dry skin in contrast. And finally I noticed that there was something different about my breasts. And my husband actually pointed out that they weren't lumpy anymore. I've always had that kind of breast tissue and so when it went away they were smooth feeling and no lumps at all. I had no idea that it would benefit me in that way but I'm very glad about the changes. I also had no more painful underarms that I'd become accustomed to and so the changes are welcome. I absolutely love Turmeric.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Posted by Mary (British Columbia, Canada) on 01/05/2015
★★★★★
I have had terrible breast cysts. One time I had 16 cysts asperated at once. Recently I had a cup of fluid asperated from one cyst alone. I've had 2 cysts become infected and had to go on antibiotics. I've had surgery twice. I feel like a freak, but I've since discovered how to get rid of them and I wish I had known this years ago.
This is how
- Get a hot water bottle and fill it with hot water.
- Now get a bag of frozen peas.
Put the hot water bottle against the cyst ( my bottle has a soft knitted cover on it) for about 4 or 5 minutes. Now take it off and put the bag of frozen peas against the cyst for about 4 or 5 minutes. Alternate 4 or 5 times ending with the hot water bottle. You will notice a difference the first time you try this. Do it the next day and you probably won't have to do it again after that. It tales the pain away quickly. It's really a miracle.
Vitamin C, Lugol's Iodine, Vitamin E
Posted by Janie (Pasadena, Ca, Usa) on 07/15/2011
★★★★★
Following all the feedback I have read on Earth Clinic in the past few weeks, I have finally figured out a remedy combination to help my extremely painful fibrocystic breasts (so bad lately that sleeping face down causes tremendous pain):
* Lugol's Iodine: 1 drop in water/day
*1,000 mg Vitamin C Sodium Ascorbate (which is 1 teaspoon Ascorbic Acid type of vitamin C to 1/2 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in a glass of water. I take it on an empty stomach, but not first thing in the morning, which can cause diarrhea.
*1 capsule of Vitamin E/day
The pain reduced by 50% after 24 hours and by 90% the 2nd day of these remedies. I have now cut back my Lugol's iodine dose to 1 drop every 2-3 days. I think it was the addition of the Lugol's that made an immediate difference.
Inversion Therapy
Posted by Catelyn (New York, NY) on 02/25/2010
★★★★★
I have painful fibrocystic breasts, especially as my period approaches. I have tried vitamin e, evening primrose oil, but they haven't helped with the soreness and pain. Last week I saw someone's post on this site using an inversion board for breast health and lymphatic drainage. Getting an inversion board is out of the question because I live in a tiny apartment. What I did instead was lay with my back on the bed and stretch off the side of the bed with my hands above my head dangling towards to the floor. I tried to get the steepest stretch possible. It's not very comfortable position but my back felt sooo good after. I stayed in this position for 5 minutes on Monday and 10 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday. I can't believe it but today (Thursday) I woke up with no pain in my breasts! Wow wow wow!!
I hope other women will try this and send their feedback.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fit In Florida (Winter Springs, Florida) on 12/01/2012
★★★★★
Apple cider vinegar worked for me within 24 hours. Usually I have 2 weeks of breast pain, however a few days after the monthly pain started out of desperation I took 2 Tb of ACV in the morning. The next day the pain was 90% gone so I continue to take the ACV daily. Be sure to take the Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (unfiltered) because it has more of the curing stuff in it and I found that other brands repeat on me. No one wants to be burping apple cider vinegar all day.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Laura (Carbondale, CO/USA) on 12/27/2008
Breast Cancer, hormonal imbalances, tender breasts, low energy, feeling cold, cracking skin, etc.
Please check out NASCENT iodine. There are different forms of iodine out there - RESEARCH this one extensively - chances are if it can't help you, it may benefit someone you know!! To a healthy life.... Laura
Vitamin E, Eliminate Caffeine
Posted by Mary (Regina, Canada) on 09/17/2008
Dear Mary:
Another thing that works for fibrocystic breast disease is lugol's solution iodine. Iodine is also supposed to prevent breast cancer. My naturopath said in 2-3 years the lumps will dissolve due to the iodine. I take 10 drops per day which is about 60mg of iodine. I also got a thermogram done to put my mind at rest and get a clear picture of my breast health. The thermogram (infra red picture of your breasts) shows changes years before any cancer gets a chance to develop. Relieved my worry and no radiation. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?
Iodine
Posted by Jean (London, England) on 01/11/2005
★★★★★
I can confirm that iodine in the form of kelp is a cure for fibroystic breast disease. I have been taking it for about 10 years and it works so well that if I don't take it for a few days, say if I run out of tablets or forget to take them on holiday, my symptoms return within days. I have read that taking iodine can be dangerous if you have thyroid problems, but I don't see how the dose I take (1 tablet a day or 150mg) can be a problem. The side effects caused by conventional medicine e.g. diuretics, can be much worse, so I was determined to find a natural remedy. I think this use of iodine/kelp should be more widely known, but there seems to be a curious silence about it. Maybe it is too cheap and readily available as you suggest in your article! Keep up the good work.
Iodine
Posted by Rebecca (Maryland ) on 12/04/2019
I also wanted to provide a list of the most commonly used herbal supplements and essential oils with the highest amounts of estrogen for anyone trying to avoid excess estrogens: Herbals: Aloe, Ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, Astragalus, Black cohosh, Burdock root, Cat's claw, Chasteberry/Vitex, Fenugreek, Dong Gui/Dong Quai, Golden root, Hops, Kudzu root, Lavender, Licorice, North American ginseng, Milk thistle, Mistletoe, Red Clover, Rhubarb Saw Palemetto, Stinging nettle, and Turmeric. Essential oils: Lavender, Aniseed, Basil, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clary sage, Coriander, Cypress, Evening primrose, Fennel, Geranium, Oregano, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, and Thyme. I will add another post with foods as well!
Iodine
Posted by Rebecca (Maryland ) on 12/04/2019
The following foods are highest in phytoestrogens: ALL Flax products including: flax seeds, flax oil, flax milk, flax crackers, flax cereal, and flax bread. ALL Soy products including: tofu, soy, edamame, soy cheese, soy meats, soy milk, soy cereals, soy crackers, soy lecithin, and supplements with added soy, soybeans, tofu, tempeh, textured veggie protein (soy), soy burgers, soybean sprouts, soy sauce, Miso paste, soy yogurt, and soy protein powder. Additionally: Veggie burgers, Hummus, garbanzo beans, chick peas, Sesame seeds, sesame oil, Multigrain bread, crackers, cereal, Black bean sauce, and doughnuts. Other foods that are slightly lower in phytoestrogens but should still be limited: Dried apricots, Almonds, Cashews, Alfalfa sprouts, Mung bean and sprouts, Dried dates, Sunflower seeds, Chestnuts, Dried prunes, Rye bread, Walnuts, Almonds, Cashews, Winter squash, Hazelnuts, Collard greens, Peanut butter, Cabbage, White beans, Peaches, and Red wine. I know many of the foods, herbals, and essential oils I mentioned in my posts are usually considered healthy and many come highly recommended on this website as well. I am only passing along information to anyone who may be trying to limit their exposure to estrogens, so don't shoot the messenger! Best to you all!
Iodine
Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe) on 06/20/2022
Jerry, I've read that staying away from dairy should be helpful. Read up on it.
Fibrocystic Breasts
Posted by Jayne (Manawatu-Wanganui) on 12/26/2017
★★★★★
I am 42 and have had fibrocystic breasts for years. I use lugol's iodine to treat them. It works every time. I just wish I didn't have to keep using it. I take 2-5 drops orally and always with food or it gives me a sore tummy. Sometimes I apply it topically but orally gives me much faster relief if I need it. I use the protocol for using iodine from the breast cancer choices website.
Avoid Decaf
Posted by Gigi (Greensboro, N.c. ) on 10/19/2017
★★★★★
I too suffer with fibrocystic breast disease, and I only drink decaf coffee once or twice a week, and it still cause me to have breast pain and underarm pain as well. I was told a few years ago to stop drinking the decaf coffee, which I did. However, sometimes I just need a cup of decaf coffee.
Vitamins E and D, CoQ10
Posted by A.b. (Usa) on 11/19/2015
★★★★★
I have been struggling with fibrocystic breasts - the pain starts 10 days after the first day of my cycle. About 3 weeks ago I started on Vit E (400iu) and CoQ10 which is supposed to be very helpful. I also realized I was very deficient in Vit D so I started on it. I'm noticing a difference already.
I will incorporate iodine once I get my Vit D level stabilized as I think the deficiency worsens the detox that comes with iodine. A Vit D deficiency can make you uncomfortable in both your groin and armpits which really contributes to the breast pain since it is so near your armpit.
Also I have read that Vit D does help balance estrogen.
Lady's Mantle
Posted by Faeqa ( Amman, Jordan) on 10/18/2015 73 posts
★★★★★
Lady's Mantle cured Fibrocystic Breasts
My sister has many Fibrocystic Breasts the largest one is one sm. Before a month I asked her to drink Lady's Mantle tea (Alchemilla vulgaris), she couldn't drink more than one cup a day because she had a sever headache and dizziness of it and she stopped it after one week. Last week she saw her doctor, after made Ultrasonography she told her that the cysts are vanished.
Before 2 months I used it for a cyst out the breast (on the skin) I drank one cup a day without any side effect after 10 days the cyst turn to boil, few days the boil had excreted its contents and the skin cured without any scars on it.
Iodine
Posted by Shan (Md) on 01/14/2016
Hi, how long do you need to be on iodine 12.5 mg before you expect to see results for fibrocystic breast changes. I have been on it for 3 months and I haven't noticed any changes. I want to figure out when to quit this supplement and try something else. Thanks.
Iodine
Posted by MissM (NY) on 02/14/2021
I am hypothyroid as well, and had same issue. You can try painting the soles of your feet, if chest is too sensitive, or belly. I also used iodoral tablets. Just try one to make sure you are not allergic. Optimism website has more information.
You would be surprised at how little doctors know about being hypo and getting chest pain. I was given painkillers, hormones which did nothing. I only found out about iodine usage for this condition by searching on the web. Iodine worked immediately on me. No more chest issues!
And then getting on natural thyroid meds helped, Armour and NPThyroid.
Turmeric
Posted by Ava ( California) on 05/02/2015
How wonderful! Could you please share your recipe for the paste and the turmeric drink you make? Thanks!
Iodine
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 07/31/2014
Hi Sarra from Australia - Quite a few years ago (well, about 20 actually), I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and fibrocystic breast disease and saw Dr. David Derry in Victoria, BC.
At that time, he gave me a prescription for natural thyroid and told me that many women with fibrocystic breast disease are also hypothyroid. For the fibrocystic breasts, he told me to use Lugol's 5% iodine and paint a quarter-sized circle on my breasts where the lumps were every day. It took six months or more until, very, very gradually, the lumps disappeared. Bear in mind that was about 20 years ago and he didn't suggest ingesting it - probably because he was a regular MD who was restricted by conventional medical authorities.
Since then, Dr. Derry wrote a book about iodine and breast cancer and, I believe, he says iodine (1 to 2 drops of 5% Lugol's) should be ingested.
Here is a summary called "Connecting Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Breast Cancer, Thyroid Function and Iodine" by Elora Gabriel. Both Dr. Jonathan Wright (Tacoma, Washington) and Dr. David Derry are quoted. You might find it useful.
https://www.greenwillowtree.com/Page.bok?file=iodine.breastcancer.thyroid_art.html
Although I don't have any problems with fibrocystic lumps now, as a precaution, I started taking 2 drops of 5% Lugol's every day in a glass of juice. I don't apply it to my skin any more because I heard it wasn't as effective as ingesting it (and it stains anything it touches! ). I've had no bad reactions to ingesting Lugol's but everyone is different.
I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure other contributors will have advice for you. Take care, Bess
Vitamin C, Lugol's Iodine, Vitamin E
Posted by Tammy (San Francisco, California, Usa) on 08/07/2011
★★★★★
These remedies work. My severe breast pain was gone in 3 days. I am drinking 1,000mg of sodium ascobate vitamin C a day plus taking 1 drop of lugol's iodine in a small amount of water every 3-4 days. I didn't do the vitamin E though. Thanks you very much.
Vitamin C, Lugol's Iodine, Vitamin E
Posted by I Need Help (New Jersey, Nj, Usa) on 12/06/2011
Was your Lugol's iodine 2% or 5%? Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Faeqa ( Amman, Jordan) on 05/29/2018 73 posts
Hi: The best remedy I tried for breast cysts is drinking 2 cups of Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) tea, within 10-14 days it will disappear.
Avoid Xenoestrogens
Posted by sara (the beaches) on 10/20/2022
the harm is usually when you consume these things raw, the harm is greatly reduced when cruciferous veggies are lightly cooked.
Rhodiola
Posted by Patricia (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 05/10/2009
★★★★★
I've been taking Rhodiola for 5 weeks and have increased energy and have lost about 15 pounds that I have been struggling with for the last 5 years. I have had breast cysts that have disappeared and my memory has definitely improved. 6 weeks ago I attempted to climb the 7 flights of stairs to my condo when the elevator was out. I had to stop and rest at each floor. Today I take the stairs instead of the elevator without stopping at all.
When I started taking Rhodiola, my daughter had told me about it but I didn't know much about the herb only that it would give me an energy boost that I really needed. The only negative factor that I have experienced is insomnia, so now I make sure that I don't take the herb after about 3pm. I take 2 - 250 mg per day. One in the morning as soon as I get up with 10 oz of warm distilled water and the juice of 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon, and one around 3pm at my work breaktime with lots of water.
Rhodiola
Posted by Susan Cole (Beverly, Ma.) on 03/14/2009
★★★★★
I have cysts in my breasts and was having xrays at hospital done and they made my left side breast cyst burst . The pain was very bad and I went looking for natural cures and found Rhodiola rosea and one capsules stopped the pain . I took it every day from that time on to now. I use only natural cures now and eat natural foods only
Iodine
Posted by Gina (Lethbridge, Ab, Canada) on 12/27/2008
★★★★★
My naturopath recommended Lugol's, eight drops per day, for asthma. I took it as directed and it completely cured a completely different problem. My breasts has been so painful, for nearly a year, that I had to hold them still with my hands when I got out of bed, crying from pain. Lugol's completely cured this. If I lower the dosage or skip it, the symptom returns.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Maureen (Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada) on 01/04/2009
★★★★★
My comments are for Rena from New York: dated Jan 4, 2009. I do not know if the following will help you, but for normal breast soreness most women feel before their period, jumping on a rebounder (mini trampoline) will eliminate the tenderness/soreness. You need to jump daily and start when you are not feeling any pain so by the time of the month that you are normally sore, (in your case, day 15) you should be surprised that you are not suffering any discomfort at all. Work up to rebounding at least 45 minutes daily. It's easy to do, although I should warn you it's like any exercise. You will feel your insides "exercise" sore at first. So work up to the 45 minutes. Also a cheap Wal-Mart type rebounder is not a good idea; there is hardly any bounce to them. The bounce is what moves the lymphatic system and eliminates the tenderness/soreness.
Vitamin E, Eliminate Caffeine
Posted by Dassmoguls (Jamaica) on 03/17/2015
★★★★★
I have been taking the Iodine Sea Kelps for a week now and have experienced some relief of the breast pain. I am also going to supplement it with Vitamin E & C, Selinum and Magnesium.
