Effective Natural Remedies for Bartholin Cysts

| Modified on Jul 06, 2024
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.
Alkaline Diet
Posted by Susan (Columbus, Ohio) on 11/27/2014
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

The best cure for bartholin cysts is an alkaline diet. It is the ONLY thing that works for me and can take a golf ball sized cyst down to a pea in less than a week. No sitz baths or any topical treatment with this as that NEVER worked for me. When we get these nasty cysts it's because our body is completely out of balance and needs oxygenating food to remove all the toxins. A bartholin's cyst is our body's way of trying to release toxins, so instead of just trying to cure the symptom, you have to fix the main problem and cure the source of the ailment. I will admit it is hard to stick to this diet, but it is sooooooo worth it when you see such quick results and can avoid being sliced and diced by the docs and a catheter rammed up there, no thanks! Never again! The long and short of it is you want to eat tons of leafy greens, drink lots of water with lemons and limes (I understand counter-intuitive, but these fruits have a powerfully alkalizing effect on the body), soaked raw almonds, sprouted seeds, EVOO & flax seed oil, and that's about it for the first week. I'm also a very busy working mom, so I don't have time to sit in a sitz bath 7 times a day, and all it ever did for me cause a yeast infection too. I'm a firm believer that this is an internal problem and needs an internal remedy. Applying anything externally is like having a mold infested house which a person keeps spraying the outside, hoping it solves the problem. You have to get in there and clean the house!!! Hope this helps, good luck to everyone and God bless!

Castor Oil
Posted by Charlotte (Uk) on 09/19/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Bartholin Cyst:

I used just castor oil not even on a pack. Just repeatedly applied it throughout the day maybe 4 times or more depending on when I went to the toilet. My cyst had got so big and infected it was going to need surgery to have it removed. It had gone solid. It couldn't be drained. I took antibiotics the doctor gave me for 2 weeks and used garlic, tea tree and salt sits baths for 3 weeks with next to no change... but pain had lessended. then I decided I had 2 options... castor oil or cbd oil. I read that also works well.

The moment I got home from being told I needed surgery I started applying castor oil and stopped the other treatments. (I was trying everything too, Apple cider vinegar which burnt me. Turmeric packs, silica and raspberry leaves. As well as the sits baths and hot flannels) I also had to deal with thrush from antibiotics which I cured with creme and natural yogurt.

Within 3 days of starting the castor oil it went down dramatically and after a week it almost went. It still hasn't completely returned to normal after but I'm in no pain and don't need surgery anymore. It's less then a pea now. Even if it stays like this it's still 100 times better then the plum size it was before. I also noticed my emotional well being had a part to play in the healing process. When emotional or over whelmed it would be uncomfortable and seemed to be inflammed again or more. But when happier and in a good energy space I seemed to heal better and faster. I hope this helps in anyways or I hope you find a remedy that works for you. Xx


Sitz Bath
Posted by Lisa (Connecticut) on 07/31/2014
★★★★★

SOLUTION:Get fluids moving naturally.

Had Bartholin Cyst, the size of golf ball. Alot of pain, swelling, soreness, tried the following: tea tree and grapefruit seed extract topically-BAD IDEA -worse pain!! Also did castor oil hot packs applied to the area 2 nights in a row, all night, very hot water baths with a cup of epsom salts, cup of sea salt, and cup of baking soda. NO RELIEF!!

Then I spoke wih a Naturapathic Doctor today-- he said the problem is that fluids are not moving. The fluid that comes from these glands is for the purpose of lubricating pre-intercourse. Somehow those fluids have to start moving again. Well, the area was so inflammed, ultra sensitized and there was a great feeling of pressure that I instinctively felt would be relieved if I helped to "get fluids moving". I don't know if this is what he was implying, but I did another hot sitz bath, went back to bed and did what I could to "get fluids moving"-- three times.

Immediately felt alot of pain relief and did another sitz bath, the cyst broke up, alot of blood and fluid. You may think this is unconventional, but I have been dealing with excruciating pain for 48 hours and this was the thing that "got fluids moving" and broke up the cyst. It would be a natural instinctive way to---- "get fluids moving" as the Naturopath said. Most importantly: IT WORKED!!!!!

I do believe that the castor oil hot packs, baths with epsom salt, sea salt, and baking soda also were integral to the success of this. Sorry if you think it's crass, IT WORKED!!! I think taking a knife to the problem is crass and draconian. THANK YOU EARTH CLINIC!!!!!


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rr (Washington) on 11/26/2016
★★★★★

Today my cyst burst, after 6 days. I have had them 4 times before. This time, I tended to it early, and was only in excruciating pain the last 24 hours, and it did NOT grow to a lemon/orange size, or get infected, of which has happened to me before. The secret it to treat them super early.

I wanted to thank everyone for sharing on this forum and the others, because this think is the most painful thing ever and it's wonderful to be Googling remedies and read people's success stories when we're in such pain!

Today, actually, I called urgent care to confirm they have staff who know how to do a word catheter and drainage, because one time, I took the painful cab ride to an urgent care, and it turned out the person did not know how to treat it, and then I had to take another trip (luckily same day) to an amazing obgyn. Luckily, however, I did not have to go, because it burst.

I NEVER take aspirin or aleive - and today the pain was so HORRIBLE I took one 12 hour Aleve and was amazed at how well it worked.

You WILL get through this. Here's how I did it this time...without going to the ER or OBGYN.

Ingredients to get - if you can get organic get it, but don't worry if it's not organic.

1. square cotton pads

2. witch hazel

3. turmeric powder

4. coconut oil

5. tea tree oil

6. seal salt or mortens salt

7. apple cider vinegar

8. a few cup or small glass bowl - to mix ingredients, or to dip cotton into

9. spoon - for mixing ingredients

10. baking soda

11. Turmeric pills - to take orally - the brand I like is Gaia. These are the ones that are liquid inside the pill

12. a bathtub - I am so thankful for my bathtub!!

Things I did to make it burst:

Every day I had the cotton pads literally wrapped around the cyst. The skin around the cyst area can get a little raw, so just find a way to place the cotton near or around the cyst so the area around it is not getting rubbed in a way that hurts, and that the cotton pad is totally saturated with whatever you are putting on it.

I put some coconut oil in a bowl, and sprinkled the turmeric powder in the bowl. I mixed it so it became a paste. Then, I put the cotton pad in there, generously put as much turmeric/coconut oil paste on the pad, and then wrapped this around the cyst. It felt very calming, and like it was working! I went to work this way. I prepared a few other small cotton pads with the turmeric paste on it, and kept it in a spice jar in my purse. I changed the turmeric paste pads one time during the day at work to ensure I had enough paste on my cyst throughout the day.

As the days wore on, what I noticed was that there was actual blood on the pad I put on the cyst with the turmeric and coconut oil. This wasn't when it burst, this was before. My guess is the turmeric was somehow pulling out of the cyst a little bit of blood, and for sure, bringing the cyst to a place where it was about to burst.

In the am before work, and when I got home, and at night, I'd put witch hazel on the pads and put this on/around the cyst. This felt so calming and soothing. Later, I put tea tree oil also on the pad with witch hazel to give it extra powers.

I also took sitz baths 1 before work and 1-2 at night. I put tea tree oil and witch hazel in the bath. Please touch the cyst in the bath! Ensure it is getting all the water and healing oils to all areas of it. This will also help that it is not getting infected. This is so important when you are putting the cotton pads around the cyst - it will really hurt - but try and be sure that the witch hazel or tea tree oil really get to ALL the areas on the cyst and AROUND the cyst - so it does not get infected.

I also took baths with SALT - and think this really was something that helped me. Pour in alot, and be sure that it is dissolving close to the cyst in the water.

I tried ACV - a wonderful all healer - on a cotton pad and put it on my cyst but my intuition said that was not the strongest thing for me. I really encourage you to listen to your intuition and gut response to how each remedy is making you feel.

Later, when the cyst felt like it was --- really tight, really full of puss, like the skin of the cyst was getting thinner --- I put on the small cotton pad a mixture of baking soda and salt that I mixed in a small bowl. I read that in another forum, and think this really helped me pop it.

Right when I was researching is I could find calamine in my area to try the Phobey's remedy - it burst. Someone wrote to not worry if you have all the ingredients, and I agree. Just use what you have and keep trying.

Another thing that helped me with my last cyst - and this one is prayer. Prayer in ANY WAY that works for you. I also literally "talked to" the cyst - and just thanked it for bursting, and visualized it bursting, and visualized me being so happy when it was finally OVER. These things are HORRIBLE, but you CAN get through it. I did, and I felt like I was about to pass out from the pain on the 6th day. And that was the day it finally burst.

Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Jan (London, UK) on 04/15/2015
★★★★★

I've just got rid of my bartholin cyst using Tea tree oil - rub it in neat twice a day - bingo! No need for antibiotics etc, they seldom work anyway

Sitz Bath
Posted by Annas (Littleton) on 06/23/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Okay so I have had Bartholin cysts for about 10 years. One grew the size of a lemon because I didn't have insurance to get it treated. The one I just currently resolved I did completely on my own.

First I took 2 sits baths each day for two days.

Second I used a lavender salt scrub on the affected area before the site baths. After all this is caused by a clogged duct. What do we do to our faces when we have clogged pores from makeup? Anyways it sounded logical to me.

After the bath I would pat dry and then applied tea tree oil to the affected area. After just 1/12 days ( or 3 treatments of each) the thing ruptured and completely drained itself. It was much less painful than enduring the cyst or having the procedure done. Hope it's just as effective for you as it was for me. I also want to note that for two days after I rubbed tea tree oil on the site. Tea tree oil is a natural bacterial. The only side effect that I noticed from using it was a tingle down there.


Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Trinaray (Michigan) on 06/07/2016
★★★★★

I had a bartholin cyst that started about 6 days ago. I read about the tea tree oil remedies. I'm happy to say it works and saved me from the knife!

I applied tea tree oil 2x daily and took 2 sitz baths. After the 2nd bath (didn't have time to do more) on the 6th day it burst. The doctor wanted to cut it open and put a catheter in it on the 6th day. I had that procedure before and it's extremely painful so I decided to give the tea tree oil a few more days. I came home and did the 2nd bath and then applied tea tree oil and in less than a hour it started draining. Oh what a relief. I wish I knew this the 1st time.

Thanks for the great remedy it really worked. Mine grew to the size of a golf ball hanging and as it gets close to bursting it becomes VERY painful but when I applied the tea tree oil it seemed to numb the pain. It definitely did the job and the pressure is relieved. The doctor gave me antibiotics and I only took one today so I know that it was the tea tree oil. Thanks ladies.

Castor Oil Packs
Posted by Tina (Alabama) on 11/19/2013
★★★★★

I have done the castor oil packs. They have gotten rid of my bartholin cysts for good. My tampons used to come out almost shaped like a C because of my cyst. But now they come out normal. Trust me on this!!!!!!

Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kathy (Michigan) on 04/16/2017
★★★★★

I feel I've (reluctantly) joined the "Sisterhood of the Bartholin's Cyst." But I have to say how very grateful I am for all of you who shared your experiences and solutions to this problem. Overnight I discovered a cyst and it (in the words of my kids) "freaked me out." I hurried and called my Gynocologist who got me in, cut me and, while she could feel it, couldn't find it to lance it so, bless her heart, she numbed me up (how do you say, ouch! ) and rummaged around in there for some time before giving up and sending me home with antibiotics and a follow up appointment. The inflammation worsened and pain increased exponentially. Thinking of going back to the doctor to let her "try again" was...well, unthinkable. I had hesitated to search online for fear of scaring myself more but my fear of a repeat of my doctor visit superseded my other fears. Anyway, that is how I stumbled upon this group of brave and resourceful ladies. I ran out (or rather had my husband, bless his heart, run out) and gather up the supplies listed in this forum. I did sitz baths with epsom salts and tried the tea tree oil and witch hazel. I did the visualization, self talk and I gave prayers of thanksgiving (in anticipation of success) to my Creator for giving our bodies an incredible capacity to heal itself. I also got the turmeric pills too but didn't need to use them before the cyst burst while sitting in the bath. How do you say, "ahhhh! " I will start the tumeric now to aid in healing. I still have a ways to go -- more is draining but when I see my doc tomorrow, I will say, "no thank you to the needle and knife." Thank you my sisters!

Multiple Remedies
Posted by Col1218 (North Carolina) on 01/07/2016
★★★★★

I recently had a Bartholin cyst. It wasn't overly large, about the size of a small dried pea and it wasn't abscessed. I did go to the Dr. just to make sure it wasn't anything serious, but she did give me antibiotics in case it did become infected and advised me to take warm baths or sitz baths with Epsom salt to help bring it to the surface. I did try that which helped a bit, but it was very time consuming and the cyst wasn't shrinking too much. I went on earth clinic to find other remedies and did find that mixing calamine lotion with tea tree oil and witch hazel did actually help. Along with an occasional Epsom salt bath, the cyst shrunk to almost nothing, but I stopped the treatment before it was completely gone and the cyst started coming back.

I've read that Tumeric helps with shrinking certain tumors and I've used it as a successful acne treatment in the past. I decided to try mixing coconut oil and the turmeric together and putting the mixture on the Bartholin cyst. I'm proud to say it's almost gone!! I'll continue with the tea tree oil/calamine mixture, but the turmeric and coconut oil seem to work well even though it's really messy and can stain clothes and fabrics, so use with caution.

Vitamin E
Posted by Crystal (Tracy, Ca) on 02/16/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Oh my goodness. I have suffered from Bartholin's cyst for over 20 years. 15 years ago I had one reach the size of a grapefruit ended up in the emergency room with a marsupilization. I never had one again until about 2 years ago. The other side. Life is so cruel. 2 ruptured on own until I had enough. Another one. I called my OBGYN and told them I had an abscess. Unfortunatly it burst before I got there. When I arrived the on call student Dr. said she was concerned because it did not fully drain. She mentioned cancer. Saw my regular dr 2 weeks later she said not cancer keep an eye on it we will do surgery if needed. For one year I have had an uncomfortable not abcessed golf ball sized lump. Never went away. Dr. still insists surgury no cancer though. I am desperate feel like doctor knows less than I do about this.

I hit the internet. I have stuck tea bags in there bought essential oils epsom salt baths. You name it tried it. I found the post about vitamin e.

Only one of its kind no one has mentioned it. Poured vitamin E oil on it and the gland drained before my eyes. Not the usual burst but natural drain where the gland is. Meanwhile in the last two weeks I had a ganglion cyst (also an ailment) once again surface on my hand. I bought vitamin E capsules. Took them within 24 hours hand cyst gone. Bartholin gland 3/4 of size. Vitamin E!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU FOR POSTING!!!!!!!


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Aeb (Usa) on 01/31/2016
★★★★★

I sure hope you have had success with your cyst! It's a lot to go through, especially if you have them repeatedly! I had one over two decades ago and my ob/gyn very quickly and easily opened it up with a sterile needle, pressed on it to drain it, and I was over it! All in his office; nice and easy. I believe I may have had another that I squeezed at home, about 15 years ago, right at the beginning stages (I say I "may have" because I did have another issue once of a very large pimple "down that way" that I took care of...my memory fails me a bit on whether I had another BC or not).

ANYWAY, two weeks ago today, I woke up with a blocked B. gland and recognized the feeling. I would say that the swelling was about the size of a cherry tomato. It did not take long for it to grow the size of a large egg (or a kiwi! :) ) For the past two weeks I tried everything I found online. I did a couple of sitz baths a day with tea tree oil and epsom salts, continued taking my serrapetsase and D3, added vitamin C, restarted probiotics, and began regular homeopathic doses of Silica and of Calcarea fluorica. I ordered the magnesium sulfate drawing ointment, but it has not yet arrived. I drank lemon juice in water and steered clear of sweets (couldn't resist a bit of chocolate here and there.)

When the pain was really excruciating, and after each bath, I applied tea tree oil and couple of drops of clove oil in shea butter to the area. That was soothing (after the initial twinges). When I remembered, I took some tincture of Turmeric followed by coconut oil (to help with the absorption of the Turmeric.) Sometimes I used a hot water bottle at night. A couple of times I tried the advice of alternating heat and ice. After almost two weeks and still so much pain, I wondered what more I could do. Last night I ordered a special essential oil blend made specifically for BCs. I was also going to try to make a turmeric salve....looks very straight-forward, but I was lazy.

Just this morning, the thing finally started draining on its own! I woke up to use the bathroom and was very very pleased to see that after 2 weeks, I was finally on the mend!

I was on the verge of ordering the online ebook everyone was talking about, as I realize that diet is very important. Have you purchased that? Perhaps that would help you avoid repeated bouts with these nasty cysts.

Sorry to be so lengthy...

I do have a question. Now that it is draining, what is the best way to protect the area against infection? I will continue taking Kyolic garlic, but will have to stop the colloidal silver (forgot to mention that I was also taking those two natural antibiotics! ), since I have been taking it for two weeks already. Maybe Echinacea.

Any tips on avoiding infection now that it is draining will be very welcome.

I, too, am so grateful to this Earth Clinic forum for providing so much advice and encouragement!


Vitamin D3, Colloidal Silver
Posted by Jimmychinga (Honolulu, Hi) on 02/28/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My wife has been suffering from Bartholin Cyst for a couple of years. Flare ups that lasts for weeks multiple times a year.

Very very painful. Doctors only made things worse by cutting the cyst open then squeezing and cleaning. Followed by "just enough" anti-biotics for the cyst to flare up again in a few weeks. 4 operations and 3 doctors later... still the same. She couldn't walk, move... It was horrible. Each flare up would last about a month.

Then we finally visited a Naturopathic doctor who suggested using Vitamin D3 (10,000 IU) and Colloidal Silver (I think it was like 15 drops under your tongue twice a day) and a couple of Unda Numbers.

The very next day, less than 12 hours, the cyst sorta blew it self up and disappeard within in a few days never to return.

Wow. Just simply wow. It's been more than 3 years since and still cyst free.

Tea Tree Oil
Posted by k. jay (a) on 04/29/2022
★★★★★

Tea Tree Oil for Bartholin Cyst

I apply tea tree oil with a cotton wool bud to the affected and surrounding area several times a day. I do this until it drains. This remedy has worked over 5-6 times for me! I plan to avoid tight clothing and have a hot bath at least once a week to avoid infection again. It's awfully painful and can be scary I'm thankful to have this site for guidance!.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Charity (Arkansas) on 03/13/2018
★★★★★

First cyst day before yesterday. Trick seems to be treating early. It started out the size of a pea and then the next day was the size of a small marble. It definitely hurt to touch and it was a little difficult to walk comfortably. I found this page and had my husband buy almost everything I saw referenced here: Australian tea tree oil, castor oil, turmeric, probiotics, witch hazel, small round cotton pads, coconut oil, etc.

I was desperate to kick this thing fast so I wouldn't have to endure the lancing process from the doc I read about. I mixed coconut oil, witch hazel, tea tree oil and turmeric and soaked a cotton pad with it. I applied it directly to the cyst and keep it there. I also made a warm compress by heating up a hot water pack and wrapping it in a warm towel. Placed it “down there” for a few and then went to bed. When I got up this morning and switched out the pad, I noticed blood. It had burst! There was very little pain after the pain I endured the day before. I placed a new cotton pad and went to work. Took it out and everything seems to have drained. No pain whatsoever. I'll keep an eye on it. Though we bought a bunch of stuff I didn't use, I am so thankful I found this page. The relief I felt this morning was amazing!

Thank you, thank you, ladies, for sharing your stories!!!

Sitz Bath
Posted by Bella (Malaysia) on 06/02/2017
★★★★★

I've been suffering for BC two years ago, pay a visit to OB specialist, they given me painkiller and antibiotic to resolved it, I asked them to do procedure on me but they turn me away by saying that its only small lump. I went home walking with excruciating pain (it 10/10, I've never felt so much pain in my life). I took sitz bath (no added salt) 4-5times for about 4days, and cont taking antibiotis and painkiller before that little satan burst in afternoon. I was BC free for about 2 1/2 years.

Last friday (26/5/2017) I felt small little lump at my genital area but wasnt sure if its a BC or not so I decided to left it on its own. 2days afterwards, I felt it getting bigger but no pain felt, so I talk to my doc about it. She not giving me anything coz I said it doesnt hurt until the next tuesday(30/5/2017) I felt like it bugging me whenever I walk and sit. So I asked my doc to examined me and confirmed it was BC. (damn hell). She contact a specialist at nearest hospital to refer me to them, however the specialist asked me to try antibiotic first. I was a bit relieve coz its holidays weeks for us. So I decide to do sitz bath at home, I did few times a day (without salt) and massage that little satan, I bought serrapeptase online and took it 2x daily (since a pill is only 40uid, I took 3 to increase the dose), I also bought Australian Tea Tree Oil to rub at night, Kerdel Horsetail herbs supplement. I did everything for few days and the cyst getting bigger and its even hard for me to sit and walk (i walk like a monkey lol).

After trying anything I could, finally I felt like the lump has soften a bit but still tender to touch. So I did a mixture of baking soda and salt and apply it with cotton pad on my cyst, its not long I felt burning at my skin so I decide to take it of and continue with tea tree oil. I rubbed a few times a day.

Today(2/6/2017), I already lost hope to try anything I could. I told myself, if this cyst hadnt burst tomorrow I will straightly go to ER to make it drain. Before sleep I took a sitz bath again, and ate 2 tablet of horsetail herb and went to sleep without applying anything on the cyst. Sleep was hard when I cant even find comfortable position to rest my eyes. Few hours later, I touch the area and its wet, I try to move my legs and smell the odor, (guess what its foulty smell), so I get up and find my skirts all wet, when I turned on the lamp, I see blood and white yellowish stain. So I rush to bathroom and do sitz bath along to drain the cyst. Its a bit painful(but not as painful as having the growing cyst). After drain the cyst, I place a cotton pads with tea tree oil to ease the pain and prevent infection. I still can feel the small lump right now but not as painful as before. So I will continue to take my supplements and antibiotics, along with sitz bath and massaging the area to clears the clog.

My advice, its okay to try anything that u could, just don't lose hope. It will get better even it can make u depressed, emotional and physically hurts. I havent ate for 2days in a row, and I can feel that im malnutritions right now. Talk to some one about your condition. Im sorry to be lengthy, but I really do hope my experienced will help u guys a bit.

Lots of love,
Bella



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