Top Natural Remedies for Fibroids

Castor Oil Packs

Posted by DJ (Denver, Colorado) on 03/22/2008
★★★★★

My doctor told me I had fibroids in my uterus. I applied a castor oil pack with a heating pad on the area for an hour a day for one whole week while I napped and they were completely gone at my next check up thirty days later! Amazing! I believe castor oil is a gift from God to us.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Payal (Ca) on 10/30/2018
★★★★★

Hello Friends Payal here again - Blackstrap Molasses (BSM) is the cure for Fibroids. I made my first post on 10/21 and its 10/30 this afternoon. I have gotten my life back. I will attach a video link where it is claimed that BSM somehow fixes the PH level inside of the uterus and that is how it is able to dissolve Fibroids.

I am seeing miraculous changes in my body. My belly used to be bloated like 3rd trimester - since I have 4-5 really large Fibroids measuring 20 cms

Since I started BSM 10/21, my belly has shrunk to 1st trimester - my pelvic area feels light. I don't have have the really ugly bloating, my belly is now soft. My energy levels are up and I will be resuming my sporting activities in 2 weeks - something that I have not been able to do for the last 9 months since the Fibroid increased in size from 18 - 20 cms. I can clearly see and feel that my belly has shrunk and the uterus and stomach look more normal than when we have bulky Fibroids. I plan to take a test end Dec and will post my results. I think that the BSM 1 spoon AM and 1 spoon PM in warm water (used Aunty Patty's brand) from whole foods, has thinned the endometrium lining and this has straightaway shrunk the belly. My body feels like it was 7-8 years back when I did not have Fibroids. I can walk, run and work - earlier I had no energy for anything.

what do I take

Unsulphured Black Strap molasses 1 spoon AM and 1 spoon PM in warm water

Some precautions :

1.BSM can coat your teeth since it has iron - if it bothers you please use a straw to drink it

2.BSM has high traces of copper - for me this makes my black hair go white because high copper can do it. I take Kirkland's Calcium Magnesium Zinc tablets to counter the excess copper

3.I don't use anything else

Please ladies, I am trying to get onto as many blogs and you tube videos to spread this message because nothing has worked for me last 8 years since I got Fibroids. Please pass on this message to as many people as possible because I am seeing very clear definitive improvements in my belly, uterus, flow (now scanty) and overall energy and lightness of the pelvic area

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Posted by Jane (Saint Lucia) on 11/22/2014
★★★★★

I came across Apple Cider Vinegar baking sida for fibroids on this site. I decided to try it after the molasses seemed to be ineffective. My lower abdomen was growing like a pregnant belly. I couldn't sleep on my belly, there was a hard lump on the right side where my three small fibroids are. Within a month of taking it 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar and 2.5 ml aluminum-free baking soda with a cup of water first thing in the morning and last thing at night, that lump was gone and I realized some weight loss. I haven't gone to do the ultra sound to see the size of the fibroids but my belly looks flatter, I've lost some good weight, my clothes fit better, and I have more energy. I cut out gluten, and animal products from my diet about one year now and there had been no weight loss, but the acv/bs has shrunk me, lol. I was about 160 pounds before starting d regime and had to be getting new clothes for work but in this my second month I can fit into clothes that I couldn't even get on me 2 months ago.

Different things work for different folk but this one surely works for me. I've had some very wonderful "side effects" for example increased vaginal lubrication. I hope that this helps someone as others have helped me too.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, Chasteberry

Posted by Philippa (Germany) on 04/06/2014
★★★★★

After almost 4 years, I'm signing in again to report that my fibroid is gone! Actually, it was a long and painful road, but something caused it to go from being a submucosal fibroid (it had also been diagnosed as being intramural) to "a fibroid in statu nascendi".

A few months ago, after having 6 osteopath treatments over a period of approximately 3 months, I experienced horrible pains 2 days after my period started. It was just like giving birth and lasted hours. I had no idea what was happening and after the (extreme) pain subsided, I fell asleep exhausted only to awake with a huge mass descending into my vaginal canal. I thought that I had experienced a bladder, bowel or uterus prolapse and spent the next couple of weeks visiting doctors searching for answers. My GP referred me to a gynecologist who informed me that my uterus had prolapsed and that I would need a complete hysterectomy, including removal of my cervix! The second gynecologist tried to make me believe that the the prolapsed mass was a huge cancerous tumour. It was clear, however, from the ultrasound that none of my organs had prolapsed and that the huge mass, at least in my opinion, must have been the fibroid. Neither of these doctors would confirm that it was the fibroid and so I went searching for yet another opinion. I was finally able to get a 3rd diagnosis at a renowned teaching hospital, where it was confirmed that I had a "fibroid in statu nascendi" and was quickly scheduled for an outpatient hysteroscopic surgery. The fibroid had somehow broken out of the wall of my uterus and the pain that I had experienced during my last period was actually my body giving birth to it. The surgery was performed without any complications and the recovery was a breeze. I didn't even need any pain killers after waking up from the surgery or in the days that followed.

What caused this enucleation, I am not sure. Diet (non-meat, low dairy, lots of fruit & vegetables) and exercise (running) certainly made a difference with regard to reducing symptoms and slowing growth. The other important thing that I believe aided my recovery was the osteopath. Osteopathic manipulations were performed to ensure that my body was properly aligned, with a special focus on my uterus, liver, bladder, bowels, etc. My uterus was found to be located too much to the right and with very gentle manipulations, it was recentered. Soon after that, my fibroid pushed out of the walls and prolapsed, hanging by a stem from the uterine wall.

Months later, I am feeling better than ever. It is like having a new life. No painful periods, no excessive bleading, no anaemia. In fact, I haven't taken any ibuprofen or iron since before the surgery. I sometimes slip from eating a healthy diet and must constantly remind myself to stick to it and exercise regularly. It is key. I started seeing the osteopath again to ensure that everything stays aligned. My last gynecological examination showed a healthy uterus and ovaries.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Posted by Dee (Woodstock, Ga) on 11/20/2009
★★★★★

Hello, to tell you a little history of my health issue. Over 3 years ago I experienced my menstrual cycle lasting longer and longer and I checked with a couple Ob-Gyn's who really did not listen to me. While moving to another state, the first visit to a general practitioner she asked me have you had an ultra-sound done. I went to get an ultra sound done and they found a cyst on my ovary and I had fibroids. Great.... well at least I know what it was that was causing this additional bleeding. I went to see an Ob'Gyn and she told me to go on the pill to reduce the cyst that started to work but the bleeding from the fibroids got worst to the point I bled for 3 months straight without stopping and the doctor did not seem concerned or knew what was going on. I was desparate and tried looking for home remedies and found this website. Never heard of apple cider vinegar until I found this site and I tried Ted's remedy. That is ACV with baking soda and the bleeding ceased in less that one day. I take six to eight ounces of water with two tablespoon of ACV organic and quarter teaspoon of baking soda twice a day and it works for me. Thank you all for posting your experiences on this website.It is greatly helped me. I have my second opinion coming up and will give an update if the cyst and fibroids have shrunk. I will also try the blackstrap molasses for my anemia. God Bless You!

Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Kraig (Phoenix) on 09/11/2016 12 posts

I'm surprised serrapeptase is not mentioned in conjunction with other recommendations.

Fibroids are also susceptible to being dissolved by high-dose enzyme therapy. The enzyme SERRAPEPTASE is particularly effective for this purpose. Keep the bottle of enzymes by your bedside and take 250,000 SPU with a little water first thing in the morning and last thing at night, at least 2 hours after eating. The point is for the enzymes to digest the fibroids, not your food.
The late Guy Abraham M.D., found that iodine (2% or 5% Lugol's Iodine) was really good to use in estrogen dominant diseases, including fibroids. Or you can supplement with kelp daily.
Both vitamins A and D (5,000 IU daily) have been shown to reduce fibroid tumor growth.
Resveratrol, a pigment found in red grape skins, causes a potent “anti-fibrotic” effect by reducing type I and III collagen levels so that should be recommended.
Chasteberry (vitex), as mentioned, and pokeroot will help regulate the estrogen.
Castor oil packs, as mentioned, are excellent for the lymphatic system and assist in improving circulation, stagnation and elimination of benign tumors in women, especially those who suffer from uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. But this is a time consuming protocol if done properly (good video on YouTube titled, 'Castor Oil Packs For Fibroid Tumors' that helps explain in detail).

Note, if you are a daily coffee drinker (drink green tea instead) or eat red meat frequently, both have been shown to worsen symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Teena (Melbourne Australia) on 10/06/2017 233 posts

Hi, fibroids feed on excess oestrogen, like birth control/pill etc, consider dairy milk has too much oestrogen = avoid. Also fibroids can form not from too much calcium but from deficiency in magnesium. Magnesium directs the calcium to the bones, when it's not there calcium builds up in tissue and joints causing pain. (Take magnesium in any form except oxide, perhaps magnesium malate as this is in the Apple Cider Vinegar too) I would suggest that on top of the Apple Cider Vinegar and baking soda (on empty stomach) you research the benefits yourself and consider:

Kelp tablets ( for natural iodine) boosts immune system to fight fibroids
Vitamin D3 (immune system)
Blackstrap molasses (unsulphured)
Chaste berry(actively shrinks fibroids)
Flaxseed oil or boil flaxseeds 20 mins for tea (removes excess oestrogen)
Chickweed in tea or pills (actively shrinks fibroids)
Digestive enzymes esp serrapeptase, but not at meal times(eats fibroids, tumors, arterial plaque)
Zinc (deficiency can allow fibroids to form, zinc is required for immune system)

Also eat less meat (hormones) unless organic can eat same amount.
No coffee
Green tea is very good if organic
Add turmeric to hot drinks for inflammation
Kombucha is good because it contains enzymes, just not as much as the pills.

A good and diverse probiotic tablet from fridge in health store will assist the immune system.
Hopefully you are already taking vitamin c (immune support) from a whole food source. Ascorbic acid is only one component of wholefood vit c.
The blackstrap molasses can reduce the amount of bleeding. By the way, you probably have chickweed in your garden, I add mine to kombucha to make a kind of tincture.
Avoid processed salt, vegetable and canola oils, (body treats as toxins)
Replace with unrefined sea salt, coconut oil for cooking, (so many health benefits here)

Best to you on your health journey

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Candy (Nashville, TN) on 04/27/2009
★★★★★

I can truly say that when taking 2tbs. of ACV and a squeeze of lemon juice, it cured my fibroid and I lost weight. I went to the doctor and had the Mirena (IUD) placed in to control the heavy bleeding. During my 6weeks checkup the IUD apprently came out. I was sent to have an ultrasound done and the fibroid had degenrated. I also lost 22pounds in 6weeks. My doctor wanted to removed my uterus, but I prayed about it said no to the surgery. Thank God for ACV!!!!

Dietary Changes

Posted by Melissa (Snellville, GA) on 12/30/2008

no the doctor would not tell you about natural means to treat fibroids because it would keep people out of the doctors office there for interfering with his lively hood which is prescribing medicine and patients going under the knife. natural treatments take time. you have to be patient and give them time to work

Lugol's Iodine

Posted by Stella (Ontario, Canada) on 03/16/2014 4 posts
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

When I was 69, I was using a small amount of topical hormones and knew that I had Uterine Fibroids and a thick Endometrium for about 12 years. Finally the doctor said it was dangerous to go on like this and I would need to go OFF all Hormones and have a 2nd Uterine Ultrasound, after 6 weeks had passed. The doctor thought the hormones were part of the problem. A Hysterectomy was in my future. I said I would stop using them but I didn't.

I had recently started taking Lugol's Solution (5%) Iodine and was at about 50 mg. minimum at that time. I increased it slowly to 100 mg. during that 6 weeks.

When I went back to my doctor for the results, she said "so you stopped the hormones?" I replied that I did, just so not to get in trouble. My Uterine thickness had now gone back to normal and the Fibroids had all shrunk in that 6 weeks time.

Dr. David Brownstein's book said Lugol's was used for any Fibroids and it turned out to be true.

Bonnie

Garlic and Ginger

Posted by D Dawn65 (Kuwait) on 08/27/2012
★★★★★

Last May 18, 2010 I was diagnosed of a cervical cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) of the cervix. My obgyne told me to undergo for chemo, radiation and brachy theraphy, due to financial problem I just underwent 6 days of radiation theraphy. After a year my sympthoms of the cancer was present again. I read about garlic and ginger as a herbal medicine for cervical cancer. I tried garlic first cut it in a smaller pieces and take it with water. After a month the foul smell coming from my genital was gone. After sometime I read about ginger as an ovaarian cancer cell killer. I tried it also I grated it and take it just like taking medicine together with water. After a month believe me there are fibroids that come out of my genital. I continue taking ginger and garlic to be sure that the cell will be gone and not come back anymore. I have pictures of the fibroids that were released from my body.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Mary (Bethel Island, Ca) on 10/22/2011
★★★★★

Ok... I have never offered a testimonial before but here goes... 4 years ago I was diagnosed with fibroids (6 over 10 cm each). I had transfusions in hospital and was given progesterone. 2 years ago I went off of it and things were relatively normal until this month when my period was back to gushing and clotting. The doc phoned in a prescription for more tablets but I haven't made it to the pharmacy yet. Why? Because, as I am sure you are familiar with, the last two days have been period hell. The furthest I have gone is bathroom to bed.

Lying in bed at 4 am today I realized I was going to miss my usual Saturday women's group breakfast. I grabbed my iPad and found this site. Apple Cider Vinegar? Really? so I went out to the kitchen swallowed two huge tablespoons, choked back some nausea and hit the shower. I felt better than I had so I got dressed and headed to town... Half an hour away... Armed with supplies to make a quick change when I got there, but didn't need to. Sat for an hour and got up last making a mad dash to the restroom to stop the gushing. But, no gushing, hardly a trickle. Could it have worked so fast? Stopped by the market for a few things. The more I walked the better I felt. Bought ACV tabs. Drove the half hour back home... Went to the bathroom, no gushing or even bleeding. No pain. Not even that tired...... I can't believe this is happening but I am glad for it. Can't wait to update you all on the results of my next ultrasound. God bless you for this.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Posted by Monica (Lascassas, Tn, United States) on 06/06/2010

Hi, I am new to this site and Very interested in reducing my Fibroids. 2 years ago I had a myomectomy and they were able to remove the fibroid. It has since come back and my periods are unbearable. I also have severe break-thru bleeding. My Dr. has put me on a higher dose of Birth control to control the bleeding. It has slowed down, but I don't like the side effects of the BC. I have been reading many posts of the ACV and Baking Soda.

I would like to know how long do you use this remedy. Is it everyday? And should I still take the birth control with this remedy? I am so so so desperate for help! My next step is a hysterectomy and I am not ready for that. I am only 31 years old. Please Help me!!

Thanks in advance!
Monica

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Posted by Delma (Fayetteville, Georgia) on 06/30/2007
★★★★★

In April I was diagnosed with acid reflux. In May I went to my GYN because I missed my menses for no reason for the first time in 25 yrs. my menses started when i was 15 yrs old. i am now 40 yrs old married with 2 kids.3 and 7yrs old.I went to my gyn and he said i had a 7 cm fibroid on the left of my uterus and 5cm ovarian cyst on my right ovary. I also had a tilted uterus which i already knew about diagnosed 8 yrs ago by him because sex became uncomforbable to me sometimes.I was reflux problems and given protonix by a specialist. came across this website looking for a natural rememdy to cure my acid reflux. tried Ted's acv cure with baking soda and it for 2 week 3times a day with the 2 days off. sex was comfortable, my menses showed up, my acid reflux disappeared.especially the feel of a lump in my throat. my hay fever problems cleared up ( no post nasal drip in weeks, no constant hoarseness. I went to my gyn appt friday and was told my ovarian cyst was gone, uterus was no longer titled and my fibroid had shrunk to down to 1 or 2 cm..my gyn kept looking at my chart RE-reading his notes from my last appt a month ago.. UNBELIEVABLE!!! I FEEL SOOO MUCH BETTER OVERALL..ALSO I LOST 6LBS (with no effort at all) now that was a nice surprise..Thank GOD for this website and ACV..

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Abigail (Florida) on 10/11/2016
★★★★★

I drank apple cider vinegar in water, had beets carrots and molasses twice a day, I exercised about 30 mins. A day five times a week and went away from my ex ( stress), I drink chamomile tea almost every night. I cut out animal products as much as possible .And drank lots of water and used beans or peas with meals.

My fibroids had caused me a miscarriage and was hurting my back . I did those changes for a summer, not only did I lose about 30 lbs bit when I went for check up, fibroids were almost non existent. The point of natural remedy is to decrease the estrogen. Stress, animal foods etc. Feed fibroids. Don't feed the fibroids and they will shrink. Since all that success I started talking to that bloke again.. needless to say I feel a small one but I'm getting rid of him for good. For me that's my source if stress. Good luck.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Demi (Ventura, Ca) on 01/28/2015
★★★★★

Ok I have been using the Black Strap Molasses unsulphured with the Apple Cider Vinegar for only three months and I am very happy with results! I can feel and see that my fibroids have shrunk. My menstrual is also lighter, and no cramping. No Tylenol for pain! WOW!! I had to share this information with my girl friends who are suffering from Uterine Fibroids. I wish that I would have read about this before my procedure that I had almost two years ago, which didn't work! Thank you Lord for natural remedies! Amen!!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Cathy013 (Monroe, Louisiana, USA) on 11/10/2009
★★★★★

I suffered from VERY heavy bleeding and was diagnosed with uterine polyps and possible fibroids. First was told hysterectomy; I didn't want this so I was prescribed a hormone; made the cramping, etc., WORSE; a year later I had more tests - same problem, heavy bleeding & cramping - the tests (such as saline ultrasound) were so UNCOMFORTABLE and no relief, still recommended surgery which I really didn't feel comfortable about. I searched "natural remedies for fibroids, heavy bleeding, etc." and found this site. Tried ACV and black strap molasses first (1 dose of the molasses-could NOT handle that!); then tried the ACV with baking soda (2 TBSP natural ACV from health food store and 1/2 to 1 tsp baking soda dissolved in 8 oz water once daily has worked for me). I started this in August; it is now November and I feel SO MUCH BETTER! It is unbelievable - very little bleeding at regular cycle time - little to no cramping; and I was in misery before-periods lasted for weeks and would only stop for a few days and then start again. I no longer have that problem-haven't since I started the ACV & baking soda in August. It WORKS!

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by D Velez (New York, New York) on 09/13/2009

How long were you taking the molasses before the fibroid shrunk?

Stop the Microwave

Posted by Karol (Portland, OR) on 02/22/2009
★★★★★

for fibroids -stop all microwaved meals or foods. This works and works fast. I did this about 10 years ago and did not have to have surgery. Recently, last year, I got rid of the microwave altogether. I have not missed it at all. Heating up foods does not take that long. Please stop with the micro wave. Thanks

Dietary Changes

Posted by Abs (Santa Maria, California) on 09/02/2007
★★★★★

I have been reading about how people are using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Black Strap Molasses (BSM) to shrink fibroid tumors. I used low fat vegan and raw diet and I am fibroids free. Nutrition does wonders for the body and helps its ability to heal. I started out with a vegetarian and organic lifestyle after getting fed up with allopathic medicine's appproach to the fibroids I had. I progressed to a vegan and organic nutrition and I transitioned to a raw, vegan nutrition and the fibroids are all gone. I also used herbs and spices such as Vitex (chasteberry), red raspberry leaves, astragalus, garlic, ginger, turmeric, dandelion leaves and roots, milk thistle, cramp bark, fenugreek, red clover, and squaw vine in my regimen.

Within the first week of eating a wholly plant-based diet, all my symptoms were gone. I gained a surge in energy and three months later, overcame chronic anemia that had persisted for three years. The tumors started to shrink and my hormones started to balance; I was no longer irritable. I have since been cured of mood swings, PMS, breast tenderness and fibroids. I also had a tumor on my liver that disappeared as well and I lost 38 pounds without any extra effort. I now have energy for brisk walks, bike rides, weights, yoga and pilates. I am now a firm believer in nutrition and herbs as remedies for all kinds of ailments. There are a lot of research about the effectiveness of nutrition and herbs in curing all kinds of ailments. I shocked the doctors who wanted to surgically remove the fibroids and who told me there was no cure. I am tumor free and I thank all the people who share their experiences on the web and I also thank medical doctors who are using nutrition to help their patients. It is true that we are what we eat.

Blackstrap Molasses, Turmeric, Castor Oil

Posted by HumbleHippie (Nashville, TN) on 10/24/2023 2 posts
★★★★☆

Black strap molasses, turmeric, and castor oil for submucosal fibroid

Let me begin w a little background. I am 39 years old, 120 lbs, and have 2 children. 12 years ago diagnosed hypothyroid. Have had trouble regulating levels for the past several years. About 10 years ago I had a bilateral oopherectomy removal of left ovary and fallopian tube along with a noncancerous grapefruit sized cyst that I believed was caused by an IUD. A couple of years later I had the right fallopian tube removed for sterilization and to reduce cancer risk.

The past several years I have been seeing doctors to find what's wrong with me. Horrible night sweats, intense stabbing cramps, extreme fatigue sleeping for 16+ hours at once, blood clots and heavy bleeding, back pain, pain when going to the bathroom, ect. Finally I had an ultrasound last Friday 10/20/23 and they found a 2.4" submucosal fibroid, a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst, and 2 masses on my cervix. I am terrified. Follow up app tomorrow. MRI next Thursday.

I do belive in the healing power of nature and have found relief through testimony on earth clinic in the past and have come up with a self healing regime. I start today. Black strap Molasses unsulphered 1 tsp morning and night. 1 tsp ground turmeric in juice of 1 lemon and 1 tbsp ACV w the mother once a day. Castor oil rubbed into lower belly after shower every day I am not bleeding. I am also going to make a pitcher of green tea to have on hand and drink throughout the day as well as beet juice when I can afford it. I hope it's possible to heal myself. I do not want surgery let alone a hysterectomy. Thank you everyone who contributed to my herbal plan and please send healing to me. I will post an update after I receive my MRI results. 🙏

Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Marta M (Barcelona, Spain) on 08/15/2015
★★★★★

Hello, my name is Marta and I'm 30. I've always had terrible pain and pms in my cycle. Last menstruation was the worst I've ever had, then 10 days after it stopped I started bleeding non stop so I went to the gyn and they told me I had a 7 cm fibroiT. that was 2 weeks ago . The doctors scared me so so much. I'm not the kind of person who belives conventional doctors so I did my research plus I'm totally against removing body parts at less.

I changed my diet compleatly and started Apple Cider Vinegar and Blackstrap Molasses. It has been a week now . I'm recovering from the anemia .

The problem is I was already very thin to start with and now I've lost 5 kilos, so i'm trying to find something that I can consume that makes me stop loosing weight. My weight is now 43 kilos. I'm not tall at all. On the other hand my stomach is not bloated it has changed dramaticly in a week . Could it also be the weight of the fibroid reducing? How much can a 7 cm fibroid weight? I don't feel the lump in my belly much. I'll have to wait till my next appoinment in a month.

I think it is working ( appart from too much weight loss 4 me) but still I'm quite scared, still very very tired and headaches and dizzines still there. Will keep posting . For some reason this issue has forced me to start changing my lifestyle and that is exacly what I wanted to do so, our bodies are incredibly clever ;) but I have to say all the bleeding dizziness and weakness is quite scary it does not help that my gyno and gp explained things in such a way and told me the only was was surgery even tho they don't even know why it came in the first place or why. I'm quite pissed of with that bit. I'm spanish but lived in the uk for a long time they had places like holland and barret and stuff like this but can't find anything like that here .. I'm strating acupunture and chinese medicine next week. I'll keep posted . I've read so so much in a week, I've run out of websites in both languages . But being informed of all options make me much calmer and allowes me to think which one is best so thanks for your website :)

Much love to all!

Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Pauline (Crockett, Texas) on 04/03/2015
★★★★★

I just saw all the things using apple cider vinegar and black strap molasses. I'm trying to see do you drink these by themselves or mix them both in water?