Summary

Lipomas are soft fatty growths, sometimes hard to differentiate from subcutaneous cysts.  The fundamental difference is that the cyst is filled with the protein keratin whereas a lipoma is filled with adipose (fat) cells.  Lipomas are most commonly found beneath the subcutaneous (deepest) layer of the skin on the abdomen, chest, back, neck, thighs, upper arms, or armpits. 

These growths are slow growing, small (1-3 cm), and benign.  For some there may be multiple growths simultaneously. Although they are usually painless there appearance may be annoying. There is no explanation of what causes them but they do seem to run in families. Even though they are fatty tissue the fact that someone might be overweight does not contribute to their occurence.

Some differences between lipomas and subcutaneous cysts are:

•  A lipoma may be somewhat “lumpy”, a subcutaneous cyst will be a single smooth lump.

•  A lipoma will have fairly well defined edges, a subcutaneous cyst will have softer edges.

Abscess, cancer, cyst, lipoma or tumor?

Here are some differences between terms used to describe “masses” or “lumps” that may form in the body.  Common terms are abscess, cancer, cyst, and tumor. 

•  Tumor – a mass of tissue or abnormal cellular growth. They may be cancerous (malignant), or not (benign).

•  Cancer – a rapid cellular growth that may spread from one part of the body to another.

•  Cyst – a closed sac filled with gas, liquid, or a semi solid. They are usually not cancerous. 

•  Lipoma – a benign growth filled with apidose (fat) cells usually just beneath the skin.

•  Abscess – similar to a cyst but is filled with pus.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends:  Deep Blue, frankincense, grapefruit, Slim & Sassy

Essential oils based products:

Also consider: geranium, helichrysum, lemongrass, sandalwood

Suggested protocols:

From experiences others have suggested apply 1-3 drops each of frankincense and Slim & Sassy (or grapefruit) topically to the area twice daily. 

If there is pain (lipoma is compressing a nerve) use Deep Blue topically for the pain.

Experiences and Testimonials of others

Joy – I have an acquaintance with a lipoma on her back. She is scheduled for surgery in late February, but is having a lot of discomfort and pain with it. I was thinking Deep Blue or frankincense. Any thoughts?

Pat - There are different types of lipoma most of them are painless, it sounds like your friend has the one that causes pain and discomfort. Usually it is because it is close to or compressing some nerves. I would use the oils you suggested and add some lemongrass. Use a little oil or carrier in case it is too warm.

Cindy - I would suggest grapefruit or Slim & Sassy topically on the area of concern. These oils contain compounds that may help reduce the lipoma.

Vikki - Joy, I'm interested to know the results! Is there any news from your friend?

Joy - She found the best results with the Deep Blue and has since had the surgery. Now she's using the Deep Blue for arthritis!

 

Katy - My toddler has a large lipoma on her shoulder blade.  We were originally told it was a hemangioma. (She has 2 of these in other places)  Now that I know for sure what it is, I am looking for the best oil(s) to apply.  It is very vascular (LOTS of veins around and on it).  I have begun to apply frankincense daily (1-2 drops neat).  I would love to hear other recommendations.  Thanks.

Kirsten - These things normally are benign and don't cause a lot of problems but it's a nuisance if they are in an area where they get knocked around.  The hemangiomas ought to resolve themselves over time.  Frankincense is my favorite oil so if you have only just started to use it, give it some time to see what happens.

 

Tahna - A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue. Has someone successfully "treated" one of these? If so, how?

Pat - Right now I know two people taking the following oils with tumors: Equal amounts of frankincense, helichrysum, sandalwood and geranium. These are all anti-tumor oils and I cannot tell you if it works yet. One has a benign tumor on her thyroid, the other has fibroid tumor on her ovaries. They are also taking internally the lemon, melaleuca and oregano blend that Dr. Hill recommended.

Kathy - Pat's protocol seems spot on.  I would have included grapefruit. Frankincense and grapefruit neat twice daily.  Eat good!  No Soda!

Protocols folks recommend for children

 

 

Diet and Nutritional complements to essential oils

Help from Julia's Natural Kitchen

Abscesses are nature's way of purifying the body, by bringing toxins and waste materials all to one place, so that it can easily be drawn out. Pus is formed by the loss of organic sulfur from the cells, therefore herbs that contain organic sulfur, such a garlic, can be used to rebuild and prevent this condition.

In general, the brighter and tighter the redness, the smaller the abscess; the softer feeling and darker colored, the larger the abscess. A thick yellow pus is considered healthy, where a thin watery greenish pus is considered infected and unhealthy.

 

Abscesses heal when the discharge stops and the cavity of the abscess begins to close.

According to Dr. J. Christopher “The basic cause of all abscesses, tumors, cysts, etc., stems back to an impure bloodstream, with its major cause being improper food intake. This condition causes poor action of liver and bowels, a faulty digestion, or disturbances in the lymphatic glands are generally responsible for the accumulation of impurities in the blood.”

Poultices will bring the abscess to a head and clean it out.

A poultice made of 1 part Lobelia and 3 parts Mullein is very effective in drawing out the toxins as well as relieving pain

· A poultice made of hot onions put directly over the abscessed area

Add a few drops of an essential oil of choice to the poultice for added effect.

 

How to make a poultice:

Dried Herb Poultice

Grind dried herbs into a powder with a mortar and pestle,and add enough warm water to make a paste. The paste should be thick enough to be applied to the affected area, but it shouldn't be stiff.

Spread the herbal mixture over a piece of gauze, cotton or muslin that is large enough for the affected area. Clean the affected area before placing the poultice on it, and wrap the poultice with a towel or plastic wrap and secure it into place. Keep the poultice on for anywhere from 1 to 24 hours depending applying a fresh poultice as needed.

 

Fresh Herb Poultice

Chop up about 1/2 cup of the fresh herb and mix with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Simmer herbs and water for about 2 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture, but don't drain. Spread the herbal mixture over a piece of gauze, cotton or muslin that is large enough for the affected area. Clean the affected area before placing the poultice on it. Wrap the poultice with a towel or plastic wrap and secure it into place.

Keep the poultice on for anywhere from 1 to 24 hours depending applying a fresh poultice as needed.

Once the abscess has burst and pus has drained off, apply a poultice of comfrey leaves or root.

 

Dr. Mom the Kitchen:

Garlic Tea

1 small garlic clove minced and mashed with a ½ tablespoon of honey

Juice of ¼ lemon with 2-3 drops of CPTG Lemon Essential Oil

1 teaspoon of mint or sage

½ teaspoons minced parsely

Let steep for at least 10 minutes and strain. Drink the same day if using mint, however, if using sage it can be kept in the refrigerator and will be good for two days.

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