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.
Cilantro
Posted by Ron Charles (Indianapolis) on 07/27/2023
★★★★★
After reading comments on this site, and on the Mayo Clinic blog for Grover's I tried the Cilantro for my Grovers. My case extended down my arms and legs and was unbearable - causing sleep loss.
My dermatologist was skeptical and chuckled at Cilantro but it does work.
I bought a large high speed blender and do 5 bunches with frozen fruits Ginger & Honey, and then pour this into a plastic pitcher to last all week. I have noticed the itching goes away sometimes and I will reduce my intake and the itching then comes back - but as long as I get about 1 bunch in every 2 days the itching is at a minimum.
In reading about Grover's a good amount - there is some commonality where cause appears to be tied to - Drastic temperature change exposure (to & from Florida trips), exposure to deodorant skin pore clogging soaps, Mercury/Metals (fish etc), Mold, bacteria, or the Shingrix vaccine.
Some have found relief or cure from metal cleansing treatments - but there are cases of people contracting Grovers after metal cleansing treatment. Some have found cure with mold / bacteria treatments. Light sun exposure does seem to help but the ultra ray medical procedure doesn't seem to have much success and the steroid injections provide only temporary relief if any.
Cilantro is very good for the skin and has cleansing filtering properties which may help clear the Metals, Mold, Bacteria enough to temporarily stop the symptoms.
Cilantro
Posted by Jane (Florida) on 06/02/2023
★★★★★
Cilantro seems to work!
I was first diagnosed with Darier's Disease in 2017, but I didn't think I had that as no one else in my family has this problem. It was a very small area at first. Every year it seemed to get larger. I moved to Florida and it started really spreading. Tried all those things everyone else has tried, steroid creams, Retin A as suggested by dermatologist. Never helped a whole lot. I finally went to another dermatologist here in Florida as it has been horrible! Did another biopsy and said it was Grover's Disease. That made much more sense to me. I can't do any exercise in Summer as it is just insane how miserable this disease is. The only relief I did find was washing myself with Hibiclens, which helped heal the itchy, red, spots on the trunk of my body - my back and front abdomen.
So once I received this diagnosis, I started searching and found this site. So I did try the smoothie cilantro recipe. I just used a bunch of organic cilantro, banana, and orange juice. After about 3 days, I started noticing it looked better and the itching started to subside. Now I was also sick from a cold, which caused this to rear its ugly head. Which Doc confirmed that can cause it to make an appearance. I am pretty sure that this cilantro made it disappear. I couldn't believe how it cleared up to where you can't tell I had it. Unbelievable, as usually if it does get better, I sometimes have lingering spots that take forever to clear... usually would be months. So I am a believer.
Thank you to whoever figured this out! Very grateful! I now drink a smoothie about 2x a week and I'm good. Not sure if I should only do this when it flares up, or maybe if I drink it every once in awhile, if it will keep it away. Definitely try it!
Cilantro
Posted by jake (chicago) on 04/16/2023
★★★★★
My grover's is 90 -95% gone since I started cilantro and cilantro-chlorella tinctures several times a day. Sauna followed by modified citrus pectin and activated charcoal (just a half to a whole teaspoon) helps keep the itch away.
Cilantro
Posted by Kim (FL) on 03/27/2023
★★★★★
Since finding out about the Cilantro "cure" I tried it and it worked for me. I shared my findings with The Mayo Clinic Grover's Disease support group and almost half of them tried it and it worked for them as well. IT WORKS WELL for most sufferers.
Cilantro
Posted by Porty (New Zealand) on 09/27/2022
★★★★★
Grover's Disease: I've now been trying cilantro for around 10 days and I think I'm starting to feel a little less itchy, so I'll keep it going for a bit.
I found an easy way to down the cilantro without a smoothie that adds lots of carbs and sugar. In a Nutribullet I mash 15 – 20 grams of fresh cilantro with 12 cup of frig-cold water, then I drink it in about 5 – 6 gulps. But here's the trick – I keep my epiglottis closed while I do it, so I taste nothing. It's the same as pinching your nose, only easier. Anyone who's done a little snorkeling will know what I mean. Try it now: Breath through your open mouth but not through your nose. That's it, you've closed off your epiglottis.
When I finish drinking, I rinse the cup with a little tap water then rinse my mouth and spit it out. Then, with my epiglottis still closed, I rinse my mouth with a little Listerine or similar mouthwash. Then I start breathing through my nose again and there's no cilantro aftertaste. The last couple of days I've tossed some parsley into the brew. I might even try some kale. HTH :-)
Cilantro
Posted by Donald (Ponte Vedra) on 09/20/2022
★★★★★
It appears Cilantro Extract is helping my Grovers! I'm taking it 3 to 4 times a day plus using Witch Hazel twice a day. Looks 80% better. I use Butt Paste and Triamcinolone every now and them as an adjunct!
Cilantro
Posted by Kristen (Aliso Viejo) on 05/28/2022
★★★★★
Cilantro worked again!! Half a bunch of organic fresh cilantro per day for 3 weeks and my skin is now completely clear!! I had Grover's on my whole back, upper legs and stomach area. This is the third time I have cleared it up with cilantro!! I highly recommend this to everyone. It's inexpensive and easy. Best wishes to all!
Cilantro
Posted by jim (mission viejo ca.) on 04/17/2022
★★★★★
I am cured of Grovers. I did 3 changes in my treatment
1. half bunch cilantro smoothie daily for 60 days.
2. stopped eating shellfish, crab, and shrimp.
3. 2 ounces of honey daily.
My Grover's went away 18 months ago and has not returned. The pain and torture of Grovers is the worst thing I have ever endured. Now I am cured!!!
Cilantro
Posted by MJ (Chicago, IL) on 03/18/2022
★★★★★
Cilantro extract successful for Grover's disease
I was officially diagnosed with Grover's disease about a year ago after a decade of a relatively mild form. About a month ago we were leaving for Hawaii and my trunk and chest were covered in bright red spots. After Googling and finding my way to this site, I found the herb pharm extract at Whole Foods and brought it with me on vacation. Within a few days, things started to clear up. When I returned from vacation I stopped with the extract and the Grover's immediately returned. I restarted, use one dropper every day, and I am completely clear. I am usually somewhat averse to natural remedies (after growing up in a home hostile to medicine), but was desperate after my dermatologist could offer no other options (topical steroid didn't work). He (as well as I) am stunned by the results. I have no idea how well this will work for others, but it absolutely has worked miracles for me.
Cilantro
Posted by Bluebird (Canyon Lake, Texas) on 12/04/2021
★★★★★
My husband has Grover's. We read about Cilantro tea on this site. He has been drinking it for a week and he has seen tremendous improvement!
I just put a handful of fresh cilantro in a saucepan, cover with about a cup of water. Bring to a boil, then turn on low for 20 minutes. Keep the lid on the pot.
Cilantro
Posted by Teena (Victoria) on 09/24/2021 233 posts
★★★★★
Grover's disease is caused by build up of heavy metals, cilantro works because it chelates these out of the body.
Cilantro
Posted by Charlie (Clay County, FL) on 09/18/2021
★★★★★
I have Grovers Disease. I knew I was in for it when my Dermatologist looked at my back and said "OH WOW"! Three other physicians came in and looked with the same look in their face. They took pieces of my skin and determined it was grovers. So after a week of prescriptions and I wasn't getting better, I tried this cilantro smoothie.
I added blueberries, a squeeze of fresh lemon and ice to the smoothie. It wasn't that bad. Nothing to report after three days, BUT on the fourth day the itching calmed down. Then a daily progression of no hive like lesions on the inside of my arms and no hives between my legs. I been on the smoothie for about 10 days and what a difference! Bumps on my all but disappeared, just a slight occasional itch, nothing more than normal. All I can tell you it worked for me! Give it a try.
I'm thinking about cutting down to every other day to see what happens. I'm amazed and no I stopped all meds when I started the smoothie. I haven't had this for that long, maybe a month, but sometimes ya just gotta try something other than drugs. Ask me anything if you want. Thx for reading this. Charlie
Cilantro
Posted by Kristen (Aliso Viejo, CA) on 09/12/2021
★★★★★
This worked for me!! I had a mild case of Grover's and after eating 3 cups of fresh organic cilantro per day for 3 weeks, it was completely resolved. I blend with banana, yogurt and almond milk and can make a four day supply at one time. Give this a try!!
Cilantro
Posted by AussieWayne (Queensland, Australia) on 01/08/2021
★★★★★
Hi guys,
I just thought I should post my experience here so that others may know about this as well. I am a male of shall we say mature years and a long time sufferer of Grover's Disease (20 Years). I do not seem to have the severity that some unfortunate people report here but it is enough for me to seek a solution. I recently discovered this site and decided to try the cilantro/corriander shake treatment after experiencing a major flareup.
I have been having a half bunch in a shake each day for the last 18 days and I am amazed to report that for me this has made a huge difference. I nearly want to say it is a complete cure but at least cautiously advise that it has removed all signs and symptoms of Grovers for me. The red stinging bumps and itching are no longer a daily battle for me to endure. I would judge my level of affliction before as moderate but with flareups and nowhere as severe as some sadly have reported here.
I don't believe that the other ingredients of the shake make much of a difference to the overall efficacy as I have mixed and matched with various ingredients but always include the half bunch of cilantro/corriander. For me, I generally use either blueberries or watermelon and MCU oil as a base and mix it up from there using a blender. I also include 50g of natural sauerkraut to help with gut health.
I will continue for maybe another 12 days or so and then cease and see if it comes back again. Hopefully not but at least I now know that I can return to this method of treatment if it does.
For anyone contemplating trying this, I say what have you got to lose.
It tastes great, it's natural and it is just healthy food overall.
Good luck to all in these difficult times we find ourselves in.
Cilantro
Posted by Sue (St Albans, Uk) on 06/04/2020
★★★★★
This is the just about best remedy I have seen anywhere for Grover's Disease. I do hope other members try this; it certainly is the best, simplest, cure for most sufferers of this awful condition.
My husband suffered with Grover's for several years and now, finally, his rash has gone (although he has other itchy rashes too). He used a very similar protocol, the key being Cilantro (or Coriander as we call it in UK). It's a miracle herb. When he was taking zinc, Lipo Vit C, D3, K2 (always add K2 if taking D3) and probiotics, they didn't help until he started Cilantro 23 days ago.
Cilantro
Posted by Kim (United States) on 08/30/2019
★★★★★
From experience, the liquid and caps do not work nearly as well as the fresh. Please give it another try with at least a cup or two in a smoothie each day.
Cilantro
Posted by Janis (United States) on 07/12/2019
★★★★★
I am asking you and others who have tried cilantro to respond with your results using cilantro to treat GD. Like you Max my results were wildly successful using this "crackpot" idea. I have had GD on and off for about 5 years and all the assorted prescription meds I tried were of little if any help. I am classic with a 1 year initial break out and then I would get 6 months on and 6 months off.
I want to share with my dermatologists, I have 2) and ask them to consider passing this treatment on to their patients.
From what I have read on this site and also the Mayo Clinic skin site discussing GD I find about 50% of us have success. I also do believe it is tied into a metal detox from what I have read. A blood test recently showed I am allergic to 5 metals, but I began this detox without that knowledge. I also have 2 other forms of eczema, so clearly I am eczema prone.
In your description please include your results based upon how much you consume: fresh, frozen or pill/capsules, how often you take it: daily, every other day and so on. How long you were on it before you noticed any benefit. If you didn't improve how long before you stopped.
I so wish I had know about this treatment years ago. I started this early in April 19 and this is the first summer in years I am able to participate in my families outdoor activities, yet the best benefit of all is to be itch and pain free. I can sweat without the stinging burning. Before even when in the dormant stage my torso always felt hot, as if it were sunburned and that also is gone.
Please help me with your information so we can help others.
Cilantro
Posted by Janis (United States) on 05/03/2019
★★★★★
I've been following the cilantro smoothie plan religiously for 2 1/2 months. I figured why not, if it is a "crackpot" idea it shouldn't hurt to try.
After 2 weeks my new outbreak of GD stalled, didn't get worse. After a month the itching and pain was still not advancing. I would consider my itching and pain minor compared to normal outbreaks. Then in about 1 1/2 months my papuales started diminishing and some scabs came off and itching almost totally gone. No pain now and it is such a blessing to be able to lay on my back or sit back in a chair or not drive a car hunched over the wheel to keep the pressure off my back which hurts.
Today am 95% better. Pink scarred skin with 95% of papuales gone. Most my recurring outbreaks last 6 months.
On the Inspire eczema site we have a discussion going and about 50% of us are having tremendous success for what we call "The Cilantro Club". We learned about this treatment not from a doctor but from a blogger who read about this treatment on your site.
I will keep up this smoothie for life as many I have read about go off once symptoms abate to only have it return.
Thanks to who ever started this discussion!!!
Cilantro
Posted by Vicki (Portland, OR) on 03/10/2019
★★★★★
Hi All:
I was diagnosed over 4 years ago with Grover's on chest/rib area. After close to a year of Western Medicine I talked with an acupuncturist.
Made a remedy of:
couple tablespoons coconut oil (warmed to liquid) and
about 10-15 drops each of these essential oils: frankincense, chamomile, lemon and cilantro.
It will solidify to a salve. Applied 2-3 time a day.
Cut the bumps/itch by 95% within several weeks. Now use regularly am - pm to keep it at bay.
Just had minor surgery on both knees....guess what? Sleeping on my back and sitting in a chair with legs up...brought Grover's to my back...and almost my entire back (right shoulder blade spared so far). First time ever on my back.
Am applying cilantro essential oil directly to bumps and then my "remedy" on top (3x/day). Has reduced the itch by 60% within 2 days.
Will keep you posted.
BTW: Chinese medicine loves cilantro because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Cilantro
Posted by Kim (Florida) on 02/22/2019
★★★★★
UPDATE - I couldn't stand the itch , so I went back on Prednisone 1/15/19. I started with 8 pills (40mg) on day 1 and weaned down 1 pill each day for a week until done. But I kept up with the Cilantro (whole bunch) smoothies. I took my last pill yesterday. Usually a couple days before I I am done with the Prednisone (when I'm down to one or two pills a day) , I feel the rash and itch begin to come back. So far, I have no rash or itch! I am not sure if the Cilanto finally started working or if the Prednisone knocked it out. But I am cautiously optimistic that I have it under control. I don't want to jinx myself, but I honestly think the Cilantro did the trick after a little over a month and adjusting the amount to a whole bunch instead of half. It's still early. I promise to update in another week or two and let you all know if I remain itch and rash free.
- On a separate note, I continue to research this disease and found another possible remedy. PABA. It has been found to help many people suffering from other skin conditions, rashes/auto-immune disorders like, sunburn/heat rash, pemphigus (autoimmune disorder causing skin blisters), and dermatomyositis (a muscle disease causing inflammation and skin rash). I also read where other people have tried it for different autoimmune rashes and found success. No specific mention of Grover's Disease, but thought there could be a connection and worth a try. l actually ordered some to try. But it hasn't arrived yet. I also may not need it. But if Grover's comes back I will give it a try.
ps Ava, I gave my contact info to the email provided by moderators. Hope to hear from you soon!
Cilantro
Posted by Mike (Washington State) on 02/11/2019
★★★★★
I just wanted to add my support for cilantro. My terribly itchy Grovers only subsides when I'm eating ~1/2 bunch of cilantro per day. When I go on vacation and can't get it, the itching and bumps come back. When I get home, I eat cilantro regularly again, and it gets better. How can we spread the word to the medical community? It is frustrating that none of our dermatologists are knowledgeable about, and supportive of, the cilantro cure.
Cilantro
Posted by Jeff (Ventura, CA) on 02/10/2019
★★★★★
20 days and still drinking a smoothie every morning. The rash is still 80% gone and it definitely is not as red. It kind of wanes. The rash can still appear when I take a warmer shower. I have to say my back is sooo much better. I used to feel thousands of bumps on my shoulder blades, that is almost completely gone. I'm going to say this is probably going to take a longer time to completely go away if at all, but with the minimal itch I think I can finally live a normal life. My self confidence is also back. I still give credit to the Chlorella and Cilantro. Kim and Ava, keep your heads up as well as everyone else.
Cilantro
Posted by Ava (North Florida) on 02/06/2019
★★★★★
Jeff,
So happy to hear of your continued success. Thank-you for your update. My smoothie has essentially the same ingredients as yours, minus the Chlorella. I am on day 5, but no help yet so I'll definitely add it. I will keep everyone updated on my progress. I have only been using 1/2 bunch so I'll increase to 1 bunch a day. Best to all!
Cilantro
Posted by Kim (Florida) on 02/06/2019
★★★★★
Jeff,
Thanks again for update. I am on day 10 of Cilantro smoothie (I've been using half bunch with just water and a little sherbet to kill the taste) So far I don't feel or see any improvement, but I will increase to a whole bunch and add the cholorella and change up the ingredients to better match yours and see if that helps. I am off the Prednisone and while I was on it, it cleared up the rash and itching but as soon as I was almost weaned off, the itch came back and new rashes are appearing. But it's not covering my whole body like it was, so MAYBE it's working??? I can't quite be sure yet. I'll update again in a week or so.
Cilantro
Posted by Jeff (Ventura, CA) on 02/03/2019
★★★★★
Update:
13 days in and my rash is about 80% gone. I have very little itching. Occasionally some small spots itch, but nothing like before. If anyone is interested in the makeup of my smoothies, they are 1/2 a banana, 4 or 5 strawberries, 1 kiwi, several blueberries and blackberries, 5 or 6 pieces of pineapple mixed with some orange juice and 1 whole bunch of cilantro. Adding more banana somewhat kills the taste of the cliantro. I do take a teaspoon of Chlorella mixed with orange juice 45 minutes to a hour before the smoothie. I wish everyone the best of luck and god bless.
