Foods to fight Ovarian Cysts and fibroids

Ovarian cysts can be found growing on the outside of the ovary, as well as pushing into the ovary itself.  In both cases, pain and inflammation are common.  The cyst itself is a fluid filled sac which directs the body to feed it with more fluid and restricts blood circulation, which would help the cyst to dissolve.  For these reason’s, one with ovarian cysts is best to stay away from foods which are cold and phlegmatic (or damp); While enhancing foods that are warming, dry up dampness (including phlegm) and promote circulation.


While I hate to tell someone to NOT EAT a type of food, in this case it’s an important mention.  And so, I apologize as many of these foods are the ‘yummy’ foods of the standard american diet.  


Foods to avoid>>>at very least to limit while you work to avoid…


  • Foods cold in temperature; 

    • Including actual cold foods such as icey smoothies, ice cream and iced beverages 

    • Plant fruits/herbs like peppermint, spearmint, cucumbers, and watermelon.  

      • These are all seasonal to the summer, and if it's the summer season, cystic growth is potentially less impacted by enjoying these as they naturally cool your body.  However, if it isn’t in season, I would reconsider including these into your daily routine. 

    • Raw vegetables may slow the metabolic system and  be difficult for the body to digest.  Over time this may promote dampness to accumulate.  

      • Raw veggies are cooling and clearing.  They are excellent as temperatures begin to and stay warm.  

      • In the winter months especially, lightly sauteed veggies would be a better approach.  

  • Sweet foods…

    • These are naturally damp building.  Especially if the sweet source is a purified sugar or processed food

    • Foods with highly concentrated sweeteners

  • Mucus forming foods include

    • Dairy

    • Eggs

    • Meat

    • Lard or butter

    • Oily foods including nuts and seeds, especially peanuts.



You may be wondering…SO WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD FOR ME???


Foods that dry dampness and increase circulation.  Now this list I’m giving you is not that long.  The key here is to have 3 of these ingredients to any 1 (to none) of that listed above.  And of course, there are other food selections out there!  Simply include some of these foods (and limit those above) and you’ll be moving in a more positive direction to alleviating the ovarian cysts(s).



Foods which dry dampness>>> 

  • Rye 

  • Amaranth

  • Corn

  • Aduki beans, 

  • Celery

  • Lettuce

  • Pumpkin

  • Alfalfa

  • Turnip

  • Kohlrabi

  • White pepper

  • Raw honey 

  • bitter herbs including chaparral, chamomile, pau d’arco. 

  • Raw goats milk will usually not contribute to damp conditions in the body.


Foods which disperse stagnant blood>>>

  • Turmeric

  • Chives

  • Garlic

  • Vinegar

  • Basil

  • peach seed

  • Scallion

  • Leek

  • Ginger

  • Chestnut

  • Rosemary

  • Cayenne

  • Nutmeg

  • Kohlrabi

  • Eggplant

  • white pepper

  • aduki bean

  • sweet rice

  • Spearmint

  • Butter




Decoction for speeding the reabsorption of tumors, cysts, cancers and similar growths in the lower abdominal region;


1 part turmeric 

1 ½ parts licorice root

4 parts cinnamon bark 

5 parts peach seed


Integrating nutrients with your menstrual cycle:


Before and during menstruation, Iron and iodine should be abundant in the diet to replace blood lost in the menses. These foods will assist in building the blood in such a way:

  • Vitamin C increases iron absorption

  • Most veggies

    • Tomatoes, citrus fruits, and most other fruits should be used sparingly, as they are very cooling.

  • Most whole grains

  • Spirulina, a common micro-aglae

  •  Legumes

  • Cabbage

  • Bell peppers

  • Broccoli

  • Sprouts

  • Parsley

  • Rose hip tea. 


These foods are a good source of calcium (which is depleted as we age thru menstruation); as well as zinc:

  • whole grains

  • Legumes

  • Seaweeds

  • dark greens


Vitamin E is essential for keeping the blood “slippery” and flowing. Sources of Vit E are 

  • whole grains

    • especially wheat

    • Rice

    • Oats

    • Quinoa

  • And the outer (more aged) leaves of 

    • Cabbage

    • Broccoli

    • Cauliflower

    • Sprouts

    • Spinach

    • dandelion greens

    • carrot tops

    • and mint.

Alethea Jones