Lugol's Iodine

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Lugol's Iodine for Hypothyroid and Lupus

Lisa (Jax, FL) on 06/14/2026
5 out of 5 stars

I was diagnosed hypothyroid last year and put on Naturethroid. I never really felt much energy on it, and have frequent infections so I decided to begin dosing Lugol's iodine 2% as an overall antiseptic, detox and help for my thyroid; I stopped taking the Naturethroid and began a low and steady dose, around 10 mg daily. I have been taking iodine now for a year, now up to 80 mgs, sometimes taking breaks for a day or two, worried that I was taking too much even though my energy was very good and increasing. Blood work was decent too with a decrease in thyroid antibodies, etc. In the meantime, I was diagnosed with Lupus (9 months after I began dosing the Lugols). I had some body pain that wasn't severe, but never had a rash or any other symptoms; prescribed hydroxychloroquine but couldn't bear the side effects, and the pain seemed to be increasing. I was concerned that maybe my iodine was too high and stopped for 3 days. The next morning, I was completely wiped out and in pain spending the whole day in bed. So I began the iodine again. It seemed to help with energy, but I wasn't sure about the pain or how it effected the Lupus. I then took another 3 day break with the same result thinking then that it must help with the Lupus pain. The third time I was off the iodine for 3 days, it was to take an iodine test (Hakala labs), and again the body pain. It was hard to get through the 3 days to even do the test. The test showed 55% urine excretion rate, whereas 90% means your body is saturated, so I was far from that. The bromide test showed that my rate of bromide was 2x the average American. The bromide blocks the body's iodine uptake, so I was not getting as much iodine as I thought, but it was detoxing the bromide. So I am back to increasing my iodine every few days. In the meantime, my body pain from the Lupus is non-existent and my energy only gets better. Unless I work out or work hard I have body aches, then it is only in the mornings. I have talked with two of my doctors and they don't understand how iodine is helping me or effecting the Lupus, but they do see my results.

Question About Lugol's Iodine

Katzie (Cancun, Mexico ) on 03/07/2024

After reading about how iodine can mess up biofilm, I finally bought myself a bottle. The stuff is great! But on the bottle's directions it says "For Talisman use only (and keep away from children)". What does "Talisman use" mean? Thanks in advance for any answers received! Bless you all and be well!!

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Robin (Woodstock Georgia) on 10/03/2023
0 out of 5 stars

I've been taking Lugols iodine for 3 weeks now. This week, my dose is 7.5 mg which equals 3 drops of 2% solution. I've been extremely regular right from the start of taking iodine. My only unpleasant side effects have been sweating more than usual and feeling sleepy some days. On those days, I do salt loading with sea salt. Yesterday, I was very hungry while waiting for dinner to cook. A friend had given me some Simply Nature Veggie & Flaxseed chips, so I ate quite a few before dinner. Nothing else about my diet was out of the ordinary. I always eat a.huge salad of spinach or kale or mixed spinach/kale. Then, today...WHAM... I got a huge case of diarrhea totally out of the blue! When I read up on flaxseed I found out it can cause diarrhea and can contribute to eliminating heavy metals because it has lots of soluble fiber. So, beware, if you're on an iodine protocol and are having a BM daily, flaxseed can send it into overdrive!

Re: How to Take Lugol's Iodine

Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 01/09/2023
5 out of 5 stars

I found a paper that claimed it takes 50 mg per day for about 3 months to clear out iodine's anti-iodine brothers (bromine, fluorine and chlorine) and restore the body's stock of iodine. That's what I'm doing. I started with topical povidone iodide, and added iodoral, 12.5 mg (one tablet) and am increasing gradually. I'm only now at 25mg.The povidone iodide fixed a sore lumpy breast the very first couple of days but nobody seems to know much about the effects of the "povidone" aspect of that so I quit using it.

I've also been taking half of a 130 mg tablet of potassium iodide every few days, as well.

I just received my Lugol's yesterday so haven't used that yet, trying to decide how I want to do it but iodine is an element and I've found no evidence that it needs to be taken in any particular form or in any particular medium so I'm going to put it in my raspberry vinegar shot. When I get to 50 mg, I'll be adding two drops to the morning shot and 2 to the evening.

I have had some minor skin irritation and one lump in the breast that has migrated to the top of the breast, just under the skin. I might try to help that along with a clay pack but I'm going to try some Lugol's with DMSO first. See what happens.

Re: How to Take Lugol's Iodine

Randy (Illinois, USA) on 01/07/2023
5 out of 5 stars

I use 50 drops of Lugol's 2% in the morning and again in the afternoon. Total 100 drops a day. Morning coffee and afternoon iced tea. I can't tell any taste difference. I take it for metabolic syndrome.

Iodine for a Ganglion Cyst

Homer (Thessaloniki - Greece) on 11/11/2022
1 out of 5 stars

In the article it says "Skin Problems that Benefit from Topical Iodine Use" and includes ganglion cysts.

I've tried it for my ganglion cyst which is not skin problem! Nothing happened. I've tried Betadine 10%, every night for a month.

How to Take Lugol's

RB (Somewhere in Europe) on 04/18/2022
5 out of 5 stars

How to Take Lugol's

I found a better way. I took a different approach. In the last 3 months, every morning, right after my breakfast, using three 00-sized gelatin capsules, I have swallowed 36 drops of 5% Lugol's Iodine (LI).

Advantages: One, I get all the benefits of chlorine, fluoride and bromine detoxification. Two, this is, or seems to be, the only way I'm able to take LI with food, without having to dilute my food. Three, this way I don't have to taste LI every morning. Four, this way I am able to take higher doses of LI.

Disadvantage: There is only one disadvantage; you need to have good manual dexterity; you also need to assemble the capsules quickly and carefully. There is only one danger; if one of your capsules breaks, the resulting LI exposure will irritate your throat. However, if you plan ahead, and if you ensure the capsules are well-sealed, slippery and able to go down quickly enough, then this is not going to be an issue for you.

I hope someone can use this!

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Ter (NC) on 04/04/2022
0 out of 5 stars

I know I'm in need of iodine due to the skin patch test. However, every time I take Lugol's I get a Diverticulosis flair and constipation. This is very painful until it passes. Anyone got any ideas about this, why it happens, how to treat it? For now I'm doing the skin loading and take kelp.

Need Help Diluting Lugol's Iodine

Looky24 (Slovakia ) on 03/18/2022

Iodine dose 12%.

Hello, please, I would like to ask. I bought a 12% lugol iodine. How can I dilute a 12% to 5%. I think 12% is too much if I want to paint iodine on testicular cysts.

1. How long does it take for iodine to pass through the skin to the cyst? How many drops are needed after dilution? And how long will it take for cysts to shrink?

2. I also want to take iodine orally. How do I dilute 12% iodine to 5%? How much water do I need to drink with dilute iodine and how often? I know that iodine is used with selenium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C.

I apologize for the stupid questions, but I'm taking it for the first time and I want to be 100% sure.

Thank you very much for any advice

Lugol's Iodine for Pink Eye and Sinuses

Susan McFie (UK) on 10/18/2021
5 out of 5 stars

I use Lugol’s iodine for everything...transdermally and orally. Initially, I had some mild detox symptoms but now just positive results. I have even used it as eye drops...conjunctivitis....just one drop of 5% Lugols well diluted...in half a small glass of water. Very effective nasally too.

But I’m wondering if this might also work for people with sleep apnea.

Lugol's Iodine for Colds and Flu

John Scot (Scotland) on 01/29/2021
5 out of 5 stars

I use Lugol's also and feel it will protect against any Virus or disease. I normally have 10 drops in a glass of organic 3 times a week never taste the iodine and never seem to have a real cold or flu. Sometimes have a blocked nose but goes away very quickly. Jjust try it with Organic milk, tastes better. I use the strongest Lugol's Iodine 15%.

Re: How to Take Lugol's Iodine

Marie D (Nc Usa) on 10/08/2020
5 out of 5 stars

A friend of mine who has been taking Lugol's for 7 yrs. places the drops she takes into an empty gelatin capsule and swallows with water. I have tried her method and it works like a charm!

Need Advice on Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Sue (Malaysia ) on 07/02/2020
0 out of 5 stars

Started Lugol s iodine a month ago. Started slow with one drop for 1 week plus, right now I am on 3-4 drops daily (5%). I have adenomyosis and read about all the good of iodine. However, ever since started taking iodine, I don't seem to sleep so well, I have few / some hot flushes daily, and most of all I missed my period during month of May.

Would be pleased if anyone with experiences r able to advise.

Thanks.

Sue

Lugol's Iodine for Acid Reflux

Angela (Oh) on 10/15/2018
5 out of 5 stars

Like Michelle from Ohio, I too have been cured of horrendous acid reflux with Lugols iodine. I was using it for other reasons and after a few months I realized my acid reflux was completely gone. I have had problems eating oranges, bacon, onions, OJ, etc all my life and now I can eat or drink what ever I want. Glad to hear of someone else getting well with it. I read once that the body needs iodine to make stomach acid that actually stops the reflux.

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Hisjewel (Usa) on 02/14/2018
0 out of 5 stars

I remember inquiring for help concerning the tingly sometimes, burning feeling on my face. I had started thinking it was stress.

I got some advice that got me through that time.

Soon I stopped using some of my supplements then start back up again.

Well, I had stopped using the Iodine. I had been obviously taking too many drops for me, about 4 drops of 5mgs or 7mgs of Lugols Iodine in a glass of water.

Any way I wanted to kill an infection, so I started back on the iodine. One to two drops in water this time, plus a little on infected area. I began to feel that old tingly burning feeling in the face again.

It good to know what is causing a situation, then we wont be trying to fix it while still consuming the cause.

I only took it a few days this time. Just enough for my healing.

HisJewel

Lugol's Protocol - Update

Epeach (Ga) on 02/13/2018
5 out of 5 stars

I wanted to update my success from use of Lugol's Iodine Protocol and other healthy ideas I have found on E.C.

I began using Lugol's and companion nutrients 7 month's ago. Starting with 1 drop of 2 percent until I reached 20 drops.(please read protocol here on E.C.) I tried to change my diet, but was injured and now at the mercy of my husband and children for purchasing and preparing most of my food. Anyway, I have been indulging a little in sweets, fried foods, and breads. I did eliminate diet soda. I only use the water purifier from the fridge. Hopefully, because we have city water, I will be able to get a good one for the entire house, soon.

I also use 1 tblsp. ACV (for weight control and kidney stones, which I have passed 3 pain free), lemon/lime in each glass of water, baking soda, and Borax (had a terrible anxiety attack 2 days ago from it and my face broke out, badly! ?). I take a borax/Epsom salt bath each day. I stopped taking P*x*l for anxiety and OCD, 4 months ago, after slowly tapering (1/2 dosage of 1 pill weekly, until completely eliminated), began using a non-fluoridated tooth paste, and switched to sea salt.

Results:

I am never tired during the day. I used to come home from work and take a nap, and sometimes sleep right through to the next morning!!!

My face is clear of acne. (except, that one day)

My seasonal allergies do not bother me, anymore.

Food allergies are not as aggressive. (Dairy)

No more breast fibrosis.

Goiter gone.

Toe nail fungus gone...fingernails not completely cured, but nails not afflicted, are long, strong, and healthy.

Frequent headaches gone.

Hand blisters gone (I believe a fungus).

Energy restored.

Gray hair (light amount) turned back to original color and thinning hair grew back healthier. It turned very dark/reddish for the first 3 months after beginning protocol(?) I was born blonde.

Eyebrows grew back to outer edges of eyes.

Several moles have disappeared. (external use of Lugol's)

Brain fog lifted most days. (I still suffer with bad weather)

OCD tendencies are reduced.

No need for reading glasses. Dr. said my vision actually improved!
Emotions in check, for the most part. (situational)

Avoided all colds/flu/viruses that my family suffered.

So as you can see...E.C. posters (THANK YOU)...I am restoring my health without the use of Modern Medical Doctors! Did I say thank you?

Lugol's Vs. Nascent Iodine

Kitty (Niagara Falls, Ny) on 02/12/2018
5 out of 5 stars

I just read your very informative article about Lugol's Iodine. Would I be able to get an answer if there is a difference between Nascent Iodine and Lugol's Iodine? ..... I went to 4 different Dr's to get my thyroid levels checked, about 2 years ago, and all the test came back normal. But after researching it, I realized there was something wrong with my thyroid I had all the classic symptoms of a low thyroid. After more research I bought the Nacsent Iodine and started taking it, but found that taking it orally was not possible for me, too many side effects. I started applying it to my skin which worked much better for me. I started out with 4 drops, 1 each to my inner thighs, and the other 2, one each to my inner wrist. The first 6-8 months they disappeared rather quickly, sometimes within 2-3 hours. I used this method for about 2 years and have never felt better. After that, I only used it on my wrists, and now it depends, most times one drop will do it. But after reading your article on Lugol's I am wondering if it would be better if I used "it" instead of the Nascent Iodine. I very much would appreciate your help. I would use it in the same manner. Thank you very much. Kitty.

Lugol's Iodine

Queen (CabaÃÂ±as, El Salvador) on 12/11/2017
5 out of 5 stars

Iodine for Fibrocystic Breast Disease, uterine fibroid, ovarian cysts and hypothyroidism

Hello wonderful people, I was officially diagnosed with Fibrocystic Breast Disease (FBD) about 2 years ago. I also was diagnosed with a uterine fibroid the size of a grape and one cyst on each ovary and hypothyroidism. I have had FBD since I was 19 years old. My breasts were so lumpy I was afraid to touch them. My breasts would become so painful before my period that I was forced to sleep wearing a bra. I have been on the iodine protocol for about 14 months now. I am a 42 year old woman who exercises like crazy (I am a triathlete). I eat very healthy now. I have eliminated dairy products, soy, caffeine, preservatives and processed sugar. I eat 95% organic and grass fed beef.

I started taking 100 mg of lugol's iodine for the first 3 months, then I was taking 150 mg for 4 months. After that, I went back to 100 mg. Now I am back to 150 mg. I believe my ovarian cysts have dissolved because I don't feel nauseous anymore and I don't have pain in my ovaries like I used to. And at some point I bled and it wasn't time for my period so I am assuming the cysts burst. Regarding the uterine fibroid, I am not sure if it has dissolved completely, but I know for sure it has shrunk because my period isn't painful anymore and I don't get lower back pain either like I used to. In terms of my breasts, they are almost free of lumps. I haven't done an ultra sound yet, but I can feel the difference in texture and pain. I can say pain is 95% gone during pms. My thyroid is working well now. I have energy and I don't feel tired anymore.

I have added castor oil packs on breasts and put an ice pack afterward. I alternate the castor oil pack on each breast every day and I am also taking a homeopathic tincture my naturopath recommended.

I read on this site how people have felt a difference with small amounts of iodine in a short period of time, but it has taken a while for me to see great results. I have read Dr. David Brownstein's book and I was surprised at how his patients improved with smaller amounts. It took 3 months (100 mg per day) after starting the iodine protocol to notice my hair wasn't falling out so much. I thought it was normal to lose so much hair. I read somewhere on the internet that people used to take between 300 mg to 1,000 mg of iodine to treat diseases before drugs.

In the nutshell:

Lugol's iodine (5%) 150 mg a day

Magnesium taurate 500 mg a day

Selenium 500 mcg a day

Sodium ascorbate 2.5 to 5 grams a day

B complex

Himalayan sea salt about 1 tsp a day

I take St. John's Wort, apple cider vinegar and baking soda in small amounts most days of the week. I am in the road to being completely healed and I am grateful for this site and the people who post their experiences. Thank you all and remember BE PATIENT.

Lugol's Iodine Feedback

Epeach (Ga) on 08/22/2017
5 out of 5 stars

I began taking Lugol's iodine 2 percent last week (5 days ago) under the tongue 2 drops a day. I began using this this because I have a load of skin issues and other ailments I will address. This is what changes I have experienced so far...

I have blisters all over my palms and fingers and finger nail fungus. My hands exploded with tons more painful blisters and sensitivities/ fungus went rampant (getting worse before better for 3 days)... then all of them dried up. Now my hands look really dry like I used bleach to clean without gloves. I keep finding little spots all over my body like I dropped Elmer's white glue and they flake off. Not sure what was there to begin with that needed to go away.

I also have had many ailments described as what iodine deficiency does to some people and this is a small list of issues I have had: Fatigue, weight gain, sugar cravings, enlarged thyroid (no prescription meds), cysts, yeast, pimples, irregular women's cycles heavy or none, to mention some. Through research on Earth Clinic, Iodine should fix this, hopefully.

I did notice some improvement in energy, my skin seems to be clearing. I have also used it topically on a row of 5 moles on my neck, no bandaid just putting it on each morning. They are shriveled up a little so I know it is working. I am just going to keep applying. I will update soon.

Lugol's Iodine for Ear Infection, Tinnitus and Deafness

Jacqueline (Devon) on 11/27/2016
5 out of 5 stars

I posted previously about this subject. I got an old eye drops bottle - tiny. Cleaned it and put 1/4 of Lugol's (I used 7%) but 5% will be ok. Fill up the rest of the bottle with cooled, boiled water and then stick the dropper bit back on. I put 3 drops, into the ears 3 times a day for the next 4 days and the pain from a severe ear infection, tinnitus and deafness all vanished, never to return. That was several years ago and it still hasn't returned, and had suffered every year, for many years, and it was untouchable by antibiotics. It should work against a fungal infection, too. Lugol's is always in my cupboard. I also got rid of a urine infection last year with it.

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