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.
Wounds
Posted by Larry Forsyth (Norwalk, Iowa, Usa) on 02/06/2012
From your iodine page:
https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/iodine.html
Having been trained as a medic in the U. S. Air Force many years ago during the Viet Nam era, I have a working familiarity with Iodine. Back then, the antibiotics we used most for field use were Penicillin and cloromycetin (not sure about the latter's spelling). Cloromycetin was great for surgery in less than sterile conditions but it could have serious drawbacks, frequent or long term use being some of them.
For surface wounds iodine seemed to work for nearly everything since it would absorb "beneath the top skin layers". That was what separated it from other germ killing agents popular back then.
When using Iodine on a wound, it was never placed on the open wound itself, only around the edges of it. Hence its absorption usefulness.
Goiter
Posted by Jessica (Chicago, Il) on 10/04/2011
★★★★★
YES I have to agree with the Iodine. I take 4 dropper fulls and literally in 48 hrs my thyroid/goiter (not noticible, but I can feel it when I swallow) has literally shrunk so well I can't feel it when I swallow anymore! I love IODINE!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/05/2011
Thanks Bill, all very interesting. A question, how much Lugols iodine should I give to my 4 1/2 year old son? He does have a language delay and other problems so I think he is definitely deficient.
Also iodine should be supplemented with selenium I read as well.
Here is an excellent youtube video of a speech by a Dr on some of the cancers that are caused by iodine deficiency, namely endometriosis which leads to endometrial cancer, PCOS is also an iodine deficiency which leads to cancer. Fibrous breast tissue also leads to breast cancer if not supplemented with iodine. Goiter also leads to cancer.
As the Dr says iodine has been removed from bread, and from milk and we are told not to eat much salt (for some people their only source of iodine). A disaster.
A worthwhile interesting video to watch for everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoMfg76gAUo
Iodine Painting
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, La Union) on 10/04/2011
Hi Debbie... Regarding your precautions on taking Vitamin C with Lugol's Iodine supplementation -- I think your advice is perhaps incorrect. Ted from Bangkok has always advised taking Lugol's with Vitamin C to avoid headaches and other after-effects of taking the lugol's.
And recent research by The Iodine Project in 2005 would also suggest that taking Vitamin C with Lugol's Iodine is also quite beneficial. Here is their research:
Evidence that the Administration of Vitamin C improves a defective cellular transport mechanism for iodine: A Case Report
Vitamin C seems to help remove absorbed bromine from the body in rather large quantities, thus greatly aiding iodine transport and eventual iodine re-absorbtion by the thyroid and the rest of the body.
Kelp
Posted by Jarret (Calgary, Ab, Canada) on 03/09/2011
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Seaweed, Kelp, are high in arsenic and mercury. I was doing research into taking these as a 'natural' form of iodine. I changed my mind after reading up on it. Liquid Iodine and Acv has been working well for me.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Bessie (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 09/19/2010
Many thanks Connie! I'm starting with Lugol's (1 drop twice daily) and virgin coconut oil (starting with 1 tablespoon and gradually working up to 2 or 3 tablespoons) for my hypothyroid problems. I haven't had too much luck with kelp in the past so I'll see how the Lugol's/VCO works. Many thanks for taking the time to explain your procedure! I've learned so many things from the Earth Clinic family - I'm very grateful :) Best of health to you!
Iodine Book Recommendations
Posted by Robert (Martinez, Ca, Usa) on 06/19/2010
I will refer readers to Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., who has spent 25 years researching Iodine/Iodide & using this dual supplement in a very inexpensive formulation called Iodoral. He states that both iodine & iodide are necessary as they are needed by different bodily systems. Dr. Brownstein's books are also inexpensive on Amazon, about $10 or less. The amount of iodine/iodide in one tablet is 5 mg & 7.5 respectively for a total of 12.5 mg. The average Japanese diet contains about 13.8 mg which is 100 times the RDA. Fluoride is a poison & if you do research, please note that Adolph Hitler used fluoride to passivate the German people. Fluoride will disrupt the functioning of both the thyroid & brain. Note also that most of the antidepressants on the market contain fluorine. It is important to have a healthcare professional test iodine levels by load testing & checking urine for iodine levels excreted. Saliva/serum levels of iodine can be used to detect a transport deficiency which may be remedied by the use of Vitamin C & unrefined sea salt. Dr. Brownstein states that "iodine deficiency is a huge public health problem. The exposure to goitrogens,(substances that promote goiter), including bromide, fluoride, & chlorine derivatives, has exacerbated the iodine deficiency problem. It is one of the main underlying causes of many varied illnesses including thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, cancer (including breast & prostate), & other health issues". Some people are highly sensitive to meds & supplements & they may need to take microdoses of iodine in the form of Atomidine which is Edgar Cayce's formulation & also used by Brownstein in his clinical practice .Lugol's solution was developed by Jean Lugol a French physician who found in 1829 that iodine was not very soluble in water & used potassium iodide. The final soluton was a mixture of 5% iodine & 10% pot. iodide in distilled water. Two drops were taken which contained 5mg iodine & 7.5mg iodide. Iodide is the reduced form of iodine which contains an extra electron.It was thought that the intestinal tract could easily convert iodine to iodide but research has shown this is not true. Different tissues of the body respond to the different forms of iodine. The thyroid gland primarily uses iodide.To decrease the incidence of goiter, pot. iodide was added to table salt. The problem with the commercial salts is they are chemically processed & toxic. Real salt which is minimally processed & only air/sun dried is the best salt to use which also contains trace minerals. Dr. Brownstein also has a book on salt.As the thyroid primarily uses iodide, the breasts utilize iodine. Iodine will decrease lipoperoxidation of breast tissue & body in general. Lipoperoxidation can lead to many serious illnesses such as cancer & autoimmune disorders. Different tissues concentrate different forms of iodine & using a supplement that contains both iodine & iodide is preferable to using one that contains only one form. The downside to Lugol's solution is the dosing which can be inconsistent, as one drop may not be the same size each time it is measured. Iodoral is in tablet form & can be titrated to the needed dose. Again it is important to get tested for your individual needs.
The Importance of Iodine
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 06/17/2010
The audio link below is a must listen for all women who are suffering from fibrocyistic disease, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian disease, endometriitis, breast and uterine cancers and people suffering from hypothyroid goiter, allergy problems, asthma, emphysema, heart tachycardia and arrhythmia, diabetes and much more.
The interview below also establishes the important relationship between the lack of iodine in our diet and the simultaneous steady increase of other dangerous halogens like bromine and fluorine in our food and drinks with all the multitude of dangerous and disturbing physical and mental problems and diseases that can arise from this.
An Interview with Dr Flechas(audio recording)
Enlarged, Cystic Thyroid
Posted by Andrea (Winchester, Kentucky) on 04/15/2010
★★★★★
I have been using a colorless kelp iodine for several months for an enlarged and cystic thyroid. My blood tests for thyroid indicated a low level of the hormone. I used chemical replacement for a few months and felt much better, but the thyroid was still enlarged. I used 3 drops, twice a day as recomended on the bottle. The swelling stopped. I stopped taking the chemical prescription. My blood tests normal. The thyroid is still very slightly enlarged, but doesn't bother me any more.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Anna (London, England) on 04/25/2010
Update: I gave up on using iodine on liver spots because I couldn't see any change, but continued using it (although not quite as often) on my 2 areas of thick skin on my knuckles and 3 very small moles.
In my experience, when I started using providone iodine on any of these areas, there was a dramatic change in the first few days, which would lead me to believe that in another couple of days, the problem would be gone altogether. Well, that didn't happen, but now I see that the area on one of my knuckles is finally completely normal. I.e., it took 3 days for it to get 80% better, then 3 months to get 100% better. The other little moles are now small enough that you only notice them if you touch them (they were really small to start with). I'm going to keep on applying the iodine in the hopes they too will disappear completely. Oh, and my breasts are still not lumpy like they were before the iodine.
Goiter
Posted by Nuri (Tacoma, Wa, Usa) on 01/04/2010
I grew up in the 1940S and 1950's in what was called "The goiter belt" of Northern Minnesota where many elderly ladies and men had huge growths protruding as much as 6 to 10 inches from their throats. Dad put 1 to 2 drops of red iodine into our 8 ounce glass of milk every morning for more than ten years. I do not know if this prevented us from goiters, but we are all goiter free and there were no apparent side effects as we are all physically healthy. A little wacky psychologically but I don't know if that had anything to do with the iodine.
Arrhythmia
Posted by Linda (Titusville, Fl) on 01/21/2011
Is elemental Iodine the same as a saturated solution of potassium iodide (sski)?
Arrhythmia
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 01/22/2011
Dear Bill, and what is the difference between Lugol's and kelp? Not that I have ever found Lugol's, I only know it from this site!
Atomidine
Posted by Yoshi (Australia) on 03/04/2016
As a user of Lugol's Iodine Solution and selenium for my hyperthyroid condition I just want to point out I have looked into "Atomidine" or otherwise known as "Nacent Iodine". The short version is that it appears to me to be a scam. My best estimate is that it probably contains potassium iodide in water and no elemental iodine such as in Lugol's solution or Iodoral tablets.
Here are the reason's why:
- No available Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and therefore the ingredients are hidden from the public (is this legal?)
- Dubious chemistry formulation that appears to be complete bogus (using electricity to keep elemental iodine unbound what the?! ? Ask a chemistry student about this but my reading suggests it's nonsense)
- Reportedly no awful taste like Lugol's solution
- Reportedly it's clear and not a dark purple brown
- Reportedly less irritating to the skin and digestive tract than Lugol's
- These last 3 points experientially and scientifically all lead me to believe just a solution of water and potassium iodide.
Interestingly enough I also came across another couple of odd names "decolorized iodine tincture" and "white iodine" tincture. They all had MSDSs and it was no surprise that they contained nothing more than iodide usually potassium iodide. Hence why they are clear and do not stain.
So bottom line is don't pay top $$ for Branding nonsense. If you want to take the recommended iodine + iodide the cheapest is simple Lugol's solution or the tablet form such as Iodoral. If you want to use a clear iodide remedy such as for removing warts, moles ect around the hands, face or anywhere visible you don't want unsightly yellow/brown staining then try a potassium iodide solution. One container I saw that contained a 6% solution said it could be used topically for hair loss. I want to try this as I've read Lugol's does work topically for hair loss but not without unsightly yellow/brown stains and scabbing formation.
The other thing I'd point out that is if you have days your stomach is too sensitive to take Lugol's try potassium iodide as this doesn't irate the skin anywhere near as much as the iodine. Now I know Dr. Brownstein, Dr. Flechas etc say many of the glands need iodine and you therefore need iodine + iodide but I'm just saying if you, for whatever reason, have days you cannot take Lugol's from stomach upset the at least you can take potassium iodide which will work on the thyroid.
Thyroid Issues
Posted by Samlaunch (Knoxville, Tennessee) on 09/27/2009
I had hyperthyroidism. The area around my throat (thyroid) bulged out my eyes bugged out. Then, I took three vitamins (1 of each per day) and everything shrunk back to normal: Selenium, Co Q-10, L-Lysine. From using myself as a human guinea pig, salt seems to reactivate my thyroid condition. Baking Soda is sodium bicarbonate so you'll notice sodium (Na). The vitamins would fix the problem and the baking soda would bring the problem back. I don't have cancer so I don't need to use baking soda. Then, I stumbled onto hot cocoa (flavanoids) which reduces blood pressure. Cures won't work if you misuse your body by staying out of shape and eating junk food. I don't have hyperthyroid these days and sleep soundly every night, all night. My doctor in Tennessee said that everything looks good, throat looks normal, eyes look good and heart sounds nice and calm.
Removing Iodine Stains
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 06/12/2012
To remove the iodine stain -- create a solution of ascorbic acid and use this to get rid of the iodine on the carpet. Doing this changes the dark brown color caused by molecular iodine to colourless because it converts the dark brown molecular iodine in lugols to colorless iodide.
You could also try rubbing the stain with real lemon juice -- which also contains ascorbic acid and so should also remove the carpet stain in the same way.
Skin Cancer
Posted by George (Cave City, KY) on 02/07/2009
★★★★★
skin cancer: Have been using 10 percent iodine on basil cell carcinoma on my face. It is working fantastic. Just remember apply many times per day. One of mine was the size of 1 plus inches in diameter and has gone down to 1/2 in in 3 wks, no soreness, no bleeding and no scarring as of today. I will continue until they are gone. Iodine is the best I have seen, having had moh's surgery, 11 hrs on my nose, they did a wonderful job, but this is a lot less painful, and is working wonders. Keep up the good work....I am 67 years old.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Mary (TN) on 09/16/2024
The Japanese consume between 5,000 and 13,000 mg. 1,000 mcg is equal to 1 mg. That is a very low dose. Listen to Dr David Brownstein's interviews available on YouTube— he has written books about iodine
Food Poisoning
Posted by Pamela (Houston, Texas) on 11/16/2008
★★★★★
I had a chronic case of salmonella food posioning. I read in Dr. Hulda Clarks book 6 drops of Lugol's iodine 4 times a day would get rid of the salmonella. I forgot how long she said to take it. I usually take the iodine for a couple of days after I feel better. Lugol for me works every time I pick up any salmonella bacteria from eating out.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Posted by Wjbaumchen (Lennon, Michigan) on 09/24/2010
Lot of bad information on what you can ingest. Iodine that is non-radioactive and in it's elemental form is safe to ingest. That is basically two iodine atoms bound together kind of like O2 is two oxygen atoms bound together. Iodide is just some form of iodine that has something else bound to it like potassium iodide their is one iodine atom and one potassium atom bound to each other. You can turn any Iodide back into elemental iodine by hitting it with a strong acid then an oxidizer. Lugols contains both forms of iodine for best absorption at a rate of 2x's as much Iodide as iodine that is the magic ratio of Lugols. As to the warning about Iodine not everyone with thyroid disease responds the same and we know that iodine works best when two or more forms of it are presented to the body at the same time. So ideally it is best to try it first. No decision should be made based on fear must have data to make a decision. You can buy potassium Iodide about 150grams of 99.9% lab grade or USP grade for about $27 so not expensive at all from that you can make Lugols by turning some of it into elemental iodine and leaving some it as is. If you live outside of the USA it is easy to by Iodine Crystals and Potassium Iodide and make you own dirt cheap in large amounts. If you live in the USA Iodine Crystals are now controlled and you have to register with the DEA to order or import it. Because less then 1% of the population uses it to make illegal drugs we all have to suffer. Like I said it is not hard to convert Iodide to Iodine but it is stupid to have to do this. Tinkture of Iodine has elemental pure Iodine at 2% and has Sodium Iodide at 2.4% and 47% Alcohol the rest is water. It is safe to use orally and topicaly but the sodium iodide is not the best form to use because most people have too much sodium any ways and really need to get more potassium in their body. Little rhyme from a few hundred years ago for doctors. " If you do not know the where or why? Then prescribe the "K and I"! " k is used on the periodic table to represent Potassium and I is for Iodine....
Thyroid Issues
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 04/28/2008 490 posts
Congratulations to Jan -4/18/08. When more people stop thinking M.D. stands for medical deity and follow their own judgement as you did & took Lugol's solution to cure your goiter instead of taking the endocrinologist's radioactive pill to kill off your hyperactive thyroid. I have a great niece who now has to take thyroid medication because of that mistake. She was only l6 when they gave her that radioactive pill!
Sore Throat
Posted by Chris (Battle Creek, MI) on 01/31/2008
★★★★★
For almost 3 days my daughter was complained of her throat feeling like she was swallowing knives. Nothing would take it away. After having tried the egg whites for her fever and it working I came back to this site and sure enough - a remedy for a sore throat...IODINE! I put some on her wrists and on the sides of her throat. It took a little bit - like hours, but her sore throat went away and has not returned since! It has been almost a week now! Thanks again for the wonderful remedies!!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Ian H. (Marton, New Zealand) on 01/09/2008
★★★★★
Three members of our family have been seriously affected by three different sensitivity disorders. Myself with fibromyalgia for 11 years, my daughter with MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity) for at least two years and my wife with chronic fatigue syndrome for about two years.
I recently read the articles on iodine use for mammary fibrocystic disease and decided to treat us all with 12.5 mg iodine/iodate (50:50). The results after two weeks have been very promising. All three report increased energy and better sleep.
The MCS patient lowered reaction on exposure to voc, mold and carpet, absence of morning nausea.
The CFS patient: less depression, better hearing and better appetite, no headaches.
The FMS patient: less pain in major sites (cervical, thoracic and lumber spine), arm-wrist, better cognition, better tolerance to aerobic exercise, fewer migraine headaches. I will follow this up for six months and report again.
Thyroid Issues
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 12/15/2015
Dear Carmel,
I had a similar experience. I felt terrible all the time and was diagnosed as hypothyroid. The prescription medication made me feel worse, too.
I went off of it and started taking Iodine, selenium, vitamin C etc. I also took Extra Virgin Coconut Oil daily for a long time. All of that made me feel much better. In fact, last time I had bloodwork done, my thyroid numbers were normal. I still take iodine and other supplements. I start feeling badly if I run out.
A blood disorder I had had for decades cleared up as a side benefit of whatever I was taking (I suspect the Coconut Oil)! :)
~Mama to Many~
Kelp
Posted by Fran (Rocky Face, GA) on 02/12/2007
★★★★★
Please tell those who are asking that I had read where, if ACV was taken up to 36 hours straight right after a stroke, that all symptoms would be reversed. Also, you might like to know that when a person is getting a transplant they should be on kelp as this helps the body to receive and accept the body part. If not on kelp most likely the body will reject as a foreign part. God Bless You , Fran. I use potassium base iodine not sodium. you can read about this on iodinesources.com-- should remove skin tags etc..
Kelp
Posted by Fran (Rocky Face, GA) on 01/12/2007
★★★★★
Kelp is a herb with iodine in it. What I read was if you are going to get an organ transplant be sure and take kelp as it helps your body not to reject the organ.
Menstrual Issues
Posted by Heidi (Troup, TX) on 12/07/2006
★★★★★
I had been menstruating for 7 weeks straight (very heavy) and went to my family doctor. She wanted to put me on birth control. I am 37 and I smoke so I didn't think that was a good choice. I decided to see me chiropractor who put me on the iodoral iodine and my menstrual period stopped in 3 days and has been regular for over 7 months. I also feel better and have more energy. I can tell if I haven't taken them. I start to feel "blah".
Skin Ailments
Posted by Bliss (Brooklyn, NY) on 07/15/2006
★★★★★
Thanks so much for providing this useful information. I had a mole on my neck which was removed when I was a teenager and in the last few years (30 years later) it grew back even larger than it had been before, and I was worried about how much a dermatologist would charge to remove it (not to mention the pain). It was large and pink, one inch by 1/2 an inch, and in 8 days it has shrunk and dried up, and is now a small scab which should fall off in a few days. Thank you again!
Skin Ailments
Posted by Wood Doctor (Houston, Texas) on 10/01/2010
IF you are using the Lugols for skin tags you stopped too soon. They will really swell to a couple of times there size. They become very tender to touch. You are so close at this point if you keep putting the iodine on twice a day. Usually within a few days they fall off. Don't stop applying the Lugols until the skin is perfectly smooth in that area.
