Baker's Cyst
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Natural Remedies for Baker's Cyst Relief

| Modified on Apr 07, 2025
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A Baker's cyst, a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee. It can cause pain, tightness, and restricted movement. While medical treatment is sometimes necessary, many people find natural remedies helpful in reducing discomfort and inflammation.

1. Cold and Warm Compress Therapy

  • Cold compress: Apply 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation and swelling.
  • Warm compress: Use after inflammation has gone down to promote fluid drainage and circulation.
  • Alternate hot and cold packs for improved results.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Supplements

Several herbs may help reduce inflammation around the knee joint:

  • Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.
  • Ginger: Reduces joint stiffness and supports circulation.
  • Boswellia: Known for supporting joint mobility and reducing swelling.
  • Consider taking these as teas, tinctures, or high-quality capsules.

3. Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil is traditionally used to support lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation.

  • Soak a cloth in warm castor oil and place it over the cyst area.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and apply a heating pad for 30–45 minutes.
  • Use 3–4 times per week for best results.

4. Gentle Stretches and Knee-Friendly Exercises

Staying active with low-impact movement can support healing and prevent stiffness.

  • Hamstring stretches – help reduce tension behind the knee.
  • Heel slides and quad sets – maintain mobility without straining the joint.
  • Swimming or water walking – reduces stress on the knee while keeping it moving.

5. Epsom Salt Soaks

Soaking the affected leg in a warm Epsom salt bath may help reduce pain and promote muscle relaxation.

  • Use 1–2 cups of Epsom salt in warm water.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes a few times per week.
  • Can also add essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for extra relief.

6. Supportive Lifestyle Tips

  • Stay hydrated to support joint lubrication and lymphatic flow.
  • Reduce inflammatory foods like sugar and refined carbs.
  • Elevate the leg to reduce pressure and fluid build-up.

Note: If your Baker's cyst is painful, persistent, or getting larger, consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying issues like a meniscus tear or deep vein thrombosis.

Real-World Experiences and Reader Insights

Read below to see which natural remedies have helped our readers find relief from a Baker's cyst, and share your experiences!

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.
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Baker's Cyst Remedies

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Posted by Raydel (Ontario, Canada) on 07/11/2021

My wife has been suffering with a Baker's Cyst for over 3 years. Just as she took steps to get medical attention, Covid shut everything down (2 days after her MRI). Finally, she got an appt with a specialist, only to be told they can't do anything and prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. For goodness sake, we can remotely fly a model on Mars 40 million miles away, but can't fix a Baker's Cyst?

Her left knee is noticeably swollen (one of these knees is not like the other). :-) can anyone suggest a remedy/cure? My bride would be most grateful.

Raydel

Replied by Mama to Many
(TN)
07/13/2021

Dear Raydel,

We have had success using frankincense essential oil on cysts. I use it straight a few times a day on cysts. If the oil seems too strong for her, use castor oil as a carrier oil. It is also good to help reduce cysts.

~Mama to Many~

Charlotte
(TEXAS)
09/19/2024

Having chronic pain behind left knee and laterally with some swelling for several days....just reapplied Castor Oil with Frankincense Oil. I will need to keep reapplying it to lessen pain. I also put ice packs on it.

Replied by mmsg
(somewhere, europe)
07/14/2021
★★★★★

Reydel, look up poultices made of French Green Clay, and/or Castor Oil.

Replied by David
(Anchorage)
10/03/2021

There is a manual therapy called Fascial Stretch Therapy. They have a technique that mobilizes the tissue at the posterior knee. Speaking with one of these therapists may be helpful.

Replied by Judith
(Canterbury)
08/26/2023

Castor oil packing using organic castor oil and heat would be worth trying. Leave pack on for one hour.

Replied by Soapy
(US)
03/10/2024

Raydel: I was diagnosed with a Baker's Cyst. My Orthopedic doc said it could be drained in his office. I have not had it done because he said mine was not that big. If it gets worse we can talk again. Talk with your Ortho doc.

Castor Oil

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Posted by Marge (Phoenix, Az, USA) on 11/28/2009
 ★★★★★

I've been using castor oil packs as a healing treatment off and on for years since first learning of their efficacy from a 'holistic' doctor here in Phoenix. Once years ago I accidentally slammed a car door on my ankle which caused tremendous swelling and bruising and I simply could not bear any weight on my foot. Elevated the leg and wrapped the ankle in a rag soaked with castor oil and applied heating pad over ankle. Remained that way for most of the night and upon waking, nearly all swelling and bruising was gone and I was able to walk and bear weight on injured ankle again! Amazing.

Several years ago tripped and fell down a flight of concrete stairs landing on both knees. Both knees swelled and were in excruciating pain. Proceeded to lie down with both legs elevated on top of several pillows and applied a well-soaked castor oil pack to each knee. Placed heating pad on top. Next morning - pain, stiffness and swelling was 95% gone and was able to go about my normal activities.

Am currently working on severe tendonitis in right shoulder affecting rotator cup and extending down right arm, using castor oil treatments at night. Will let you know results.

Castor Oil and Ice

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Posted by Jackie D. (Santa Clarita, Ca) on 08/17/2016
 ★★★★★

I have been experiencing an issue with my knee for months now. There are no tears, etc. just some bone on bone and swelling but I developed a bakers cyst (Swelling behind the knee). Well, I have tried just about everything under the sun, a cortisone shot lasted about 3 days, elevation, ice, heat, etc. and nothing has relieved the pain and swelling.

About one week ago I started elevating my leg at night and icing for 15 mins on, 15 mins off about 4 times per night.

After that, I have been rubbing castor oil directly on my knee and the back of my knee massaging it in. Today, my knee hasn't felt better in months! I highly recommend trying it!

Chiropractic, Chondroitin and Boswellia

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Posted by Iteach5 (Virginia Usa) on 03/08/2014
 ★★★★★

I, too, have developed a Baker's cyst. Because I was walking abnormally, I subsequently developed inflammation in both feet, misaligned back, and painful leg cramps. After hobbling for two months, I finally saw my chiropractor last week (who is also a herbalist). He diagnosed my problem, did adjustments to my knee, and recommended chondroitin and boswellia 4 times a day. He also recommended massage therapy and ion cleanse which I haven't yet pursued. Within a week, my cyst had reduced in size from one inch in diameter to about one-third of an inch.

Last night I had a fall, so now I'm back to square one with ice packs and elevation of leg.


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