Best Home Treatments for Ganglion Cyst

Many of you guys would have experienced a lump like structure on your wrist or maybe around your other joints. Some of you might have also panicked by the size and shape of it. Even I did !
First of all there is no need to panic. You can visit your doctor for advice and medication. When I visited my doctor, he told me I might need a small surgery for the cyst to be removed!

Phew!! Scary! So I will just give some information what is the cyst and why it can be caused. And some therapies which can be used to cure from the Ganglion cyst.

What is Ganglion Cyst 

As per simple terms, the Ganglion cyst (also known as Bible cyst) is a non cancerous lump that is created between your joints. Initially it is a very small structure, which you might not be even aware of. It grows bigger gradually if not treated initially. Generally, as per scientific terms, a vacuum exists or is created in between tissues or tendons of your joints. A sac like structure is created filled with liquid. (See image below).

Causes of Ganglion Cyst

These generally occurs more in women aged between 18-40 and gymnasts. It also effects men. The real cause of the cyst is not known. But it can be due to pressure exerted on tissues in between joints.People suffering from osteoarthritis or those having a joint or tendon injury are also likely to develop this problem. For many of the folks, it does not hurt or pain. But with time, the cyst increases in size and might be painful. It might hamper the regular movement of your joints in some cases.

Treatment of Ganglion Cyst

Below are all the remedies available for the treatment of Ganglion cyst. 

1. Eraser method.

If the cyst is not too large and is less painful. You can use this method for a couple of days. 

Take an eraser (maybe an old one). Its edges should be worn out, and large enough to cover the cyst. Make sure, the edges are not pointed,but rounded. Place the eraser on the cyst carefully. A stretching bandage (see below image) should be used to cover the area now. Use safety pins to ensure the bandage is intact. Use this method overnight to have maximum effect.  

If the cyst is too large or this method does not work, it might be difficult to cure using this method.

2. Soak Cloth in Warm Water and apply.

Another way is to soak a cloth in warm water. Then remove excess water. Now, place it on the cyst and the surrounding area for 5-10 mins. Repeat for few times a day. This will help in reducing pain and improving blood circulation. This method will however not prevent the cyst from growing.

This can also be done using black Tea bags.

3. Apply Frankincense oil (One of the best remedies)

This is one of the best remedies to cure Ganglion cyst painlessly.

Apply 2-3 drops of Frankincense oil on the cyst and the affected area. Cover it with a soft bandage. Do it daily once. This will help to reduce the size of the cyst gradually. Repeat this for two weeks to prevent the recurrence of cyst.

4. Ice bags

This method worked for me. Apply ice (2-3 cubes of ice or a small ice bag at one time). Apply for 10-15 mins, 2-3 times a day. While applying ice, massage the affected area. Apply gentle to medium amount of pressure. After some time you might even feel the cyst 'breaking' inside. The liquid from the cyst then gets assimilated into the body. Thereafter you might feel some amount of pain as well. But it will subside after some time. If it does not, one can apply any local ointment.

5. Turmeric and Ginger.

Drink ginger tea for 2-3 times a day. One can increase the ginger intake in daily meals. Alternatively, you can also take ginger supplements. (Please consult a doctor if you are allergic to ginger or prior to taking any supplement).

Ginger with its anti-inflammatory properties helps to reduce pain and discomfort.

Turmeric paste(or juice) can be applied to the cyst for 2-3 times a day, for several days. It will help to reduce the pain.Alternatively, turmeric can also be used as a food intake or in some supplement form. (Please do consult a doctor prior to taking any supplement)

6. Arnica 

Arnica can be used to treat the Ganglion cyst, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to reduce the size of the cyst and make it less painful. Various forms of Arnica can be used including ointment, capsules, gel, topical cream. To use it in form of a capsule, please take doctor's advice.

7.Mixture of Glycerine, Epsom Salt and Borax

This mixture is also useful for lightening and healing a ganglion cyst. The mixture includes three oz of warm glycerine, 1/8 teaspoon of borax and a half teaspoon of Epsom salt. After having all these items, mix them until they are dissolved. Use this mixture to cover the cyst by using a cotton swab for cleanness.Apply a bandage over the area. Use a medical tape to secure. This treatment should be used for two times a day.

8. Smash the Cyst (Not at all recommended)

In early days, there was a therapy to smash the cyst with a heavy object like a book(like a Bible, hence the name Bible cyst!). This remedy is not at all recommended as it can be painful as well as cause injury to other parts of the body, especially joints. 

9. Pierce with a needle (Aspiration)

The liquid is drained out by piercing a needle through the cyst. In fact, even doctors use this method (known as aspiration) to drain out the liquid using an injection. This method can be really painful. Also, the cyst might return within few days after the aspiration method.

10. Surgery 

When the cyst becomes too large or painful, doctors recommend surgical removal of the cyst. The percentage of success with surgery is around 50-60. Ideally this should be the last resort.