A lipoma is a soft lumpy growth that develops beneath the skin. This growth is made up of excess fatty cells contained withing a fibrous capsule and visible just beneath the skin.

Lipomas are doughy to touch, and are often painless. It is important to mention that these lumps are benign, that is, they are not cancerous and do not change to become cancerous at any given time.

The most common locations for lipomas include parts of the body which have a high concentration of fat cells. These include the upper thighs, the armpits, the buttocks, neck and torso, but it is key to note that the lumps can develop on any part of the body.

essential oils

The precise cause of lipomas remains unknown to-date, but it is believed to be largely an inherited condition. In some cases, minor injuries predispose the skin to the development of these growths. Some of the symptoms of lipomas include the presence of a small lump (usually 1 cms – 3 cms in size) that is movable and remains the same in size over a period of time. The most disconcerting thing about lipomas is usually the location of the lump and its visibility which causes discomfort for many people. A lipoma is often diagnosed by its physical appearance, but if there are any doubts, the doctor will usually take further medical steps to verify the state of the lump.

The good news is that there are a handful of home remedies that you can use to treat lipomas naturally. For this natural approach to be effective, however, it is important to be consistent. Patience is key as the remedies will often take more than a couple of weeks before any positive results are noticeable. This is a preferred solution as most lipomas are painless. If, however, the lipoma gets infected, or becomes bothersome, it may be eliminated surgically. For both approaches, it is vital to consult your doctor.


1. Natural Oils and Herbs :

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 2 Teaspoons each of neem oil and flaxseed oil and green tea.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Taking a natural approach to the treatment of lipomas is an effective way to manage the lump as well as reduce its size. Neem oil has long been used for this condition because it protects the skin and helps shrink the lipomas. Flaxseed oil on the other hand, is laden with omega fatty acids that go a long way in eliminating inflammation of the lump especially in cases where a minor injury gave way to the overgrowth of the fat cells.

Add green tea to this remedy in order to introduce its antioxidants to the mixture. Antioxidants are integral to the efficiency of this remedy as they aid in regulating blood glucose levels and the amount of adipose tissue beneath the skin. In addition, the tea makes for an excellent base in this remedy preparation. Follow the remedies below to treat lipomas naturally with minimal side effects.

Directions:

  1. Prepare a herbal ointment by mixing the two oils first.
  2. Make 1/2 a cup of green tea and allow to cool. You may drink the tea that remains after the preparation of this remedy.
  3. Mix the oils and green tea before applying.
  4. Use this remedy at least twice daily over a period of four weeks or so until you notice that the lipoma has shrunk in size and its appearance is less obvious.

 


2. Chickweed + Natural Oils:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: 1 Tablespoon of chickweed and 2 tablespoons of any of the following: flaxseed /neem oil or green tea.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of the most important home remedies for the elimination of lipomas is chickweed. For a long time, it has been thought that the accumulation of these fat cells is one of the ways the body eliminates toxins. This is where chickweed comes in as it is used to reduce the concentration of fats under the skin. Add to this remedy either flaxseed or neem oil for its aforementioned benefits as far as natural lipoma treatment is concerned. Green tea, as mentioned, has excellent antioxidant properties that help in toxin removal. Prepare this remedy as a salve and apply topically as indicated in the directions below.

Directions:

  1. The oils and/or tea are used to prepare a base for the remedy. You may mix the three or use any one of them.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of chickweed to the mixture and blend well so that you have a smooth and consistent paste.
  3. Apply the resulting salve on the lipoma.
  4. Use this remedy daily until you are content with the progress you have made.

 


3. Honey and Flour Mixture:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Tablespoon of flour, 3 tablespoons of honey, bandage and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Honey has long been used as a versatile home remedy thanks to its range of healing properties. It is no surprise therefore, that honey is recommended for the elimination of fat deposits beneath the skin. This properties make honey a preferred remedy for treating lipoma naturally. Flour is added to ensure that the mixture is consistent as well as to provide a base. You will need a bandage to hold the mixture in place. The remedy preparation takes just about 10 minutes, but application is recommended for 24 hours.

Directions:

  1. Mix the raw honey with the flour until you have a creamy mixture.
  2. Apply a generous amount of the remedy on the lipoma, preferably about 1 cm thick. This improves the efficiency of the remedy.
  3. Cover the lump with a bandage and let the paste remain on for 24 hours.
  4. When this time elapses, simply rinse the skin using warm water and apply a fresh layer of the remedy.
  5. Keep at it for about a week or two as you monitor how the skin progresses.

 


4. Dietary Changes:

Time Required: Varies depending on one’s specific diet.
What You Need: Healthier sources of fat.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of the most important ways to reduce the size of lipomas is to make dietary changes that eliminate processed foods as this is likely to increase the size of the lumps. In addition to eliminating high sources of fat, it is best to to avoid artificial sweeteners. Research shows that soy has been linked to lipoma formation, and must therefore be taken with caution or after consultation with your doctor. For some people, dairy intake has been shown to increase the lump formation, and may therefore be avoided altogether. In place of these foods, it is best to switch to healthier sources of fats. These include nuts, lean cuts of meat as well as vegetables.

Directions:

  1. Replace processed junk foods with healthy nuts, fruits such as avocado as well as lean cuts of meat.

 


5. Castor Oil:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: 2 Tablespoons of castor oil and old pajamas (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Castor oil has long been used in shrinking lumps and growths that develop on the skin. These healing properties come in handy as they help shrink the size of the lipoma over a period of time. Note that castor oil is quite greasy and may be difficult to clean up. Since this remedy is applied overnight, you may want to use old pajamas or bedding to ease the cleaning process and avoid greasy clothes.

Directions:

  1. Place a few drops of the castor oil on the lipoma and massage well at bedtime.
  2. Let the remedy remain overnight and clean up the following morning.
  3. Use castor oil daily until the lipoma is eliminated.

 


6. Turmeric:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of either castor or coconut oil, bandage, disposable gloves and cotton wool. Glass of water (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Turmeric powder is one of the most popular options in Ayurvedic medicine. Its healing properties may be harnessed both externally through application, and internally through preparation of a turmeric drink. Note, however, that turmeric stains easily, and the remedy is best prepared using disposable gloves. Coconut or castor oil is used not just as a carrier oil, but also for the immense health benefits on the skin. Prepare this remedy as follows.

Directions:

Prepare Turmeric Paste

  1. Make sure you wear the disposable gloves prior to preparing this remedy.
  2. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of the choice carrier oil so that you have a paste for topical application.
  3. Apply a thick layer of the paste on the lipoma and massage for a minute.
  4. Cover the lipoma with a bandage and allow the remedy to stay on the lump overnight.
  5. Rinse the skin well the next morning and repeat daily.

Prepare Turmeric Drink

  1. Place 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a glass and add warm water.
  2. Stir the mixture well and drink daily. You may use both options at the same time for greater synergy.

 


7. Echinacea:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Echinacea capsules.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of the theories advanced towards the development of lipomas is the accumulation of toxins in the body. For this reason, it helps to boost the immune system with some of the herbal remedies that play a key role in treating lipomas. Echinacea is a herb that is packed with antiviral and immune-boosting properties that help shrink the lump. The best way to use this remedy is to use the capsules following consultation with your doctor particularly if you have pre-existing conditions.

Directions:

  1. Simply take the Echinacea capsules twice daily. If you have any doubts, check with your doctor on the way forward.

 


8. Sage Oil:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Sage oil and bandage.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Studies show that sage oil has a given affinity towards fat cells in the body. This is what makes the oil perfect for the natural treatment of lipomas. When applied topically, the sage is absorbed through the skin pores where, over a period of time, it causes the elimination of the fat cells that lead to the lump formed. Sage also has the advantage of retaining a homeostatic balance within the body, and this slows down the enlargening of the lipoma.

Directions:

  1. Soak the cotton wool in the sage oil for a few minutes.
  2. Massage the lipoma using the wet wool before wrapping the gauze.
  3. Let the remedy remain on and wrap with gauze to hold the oil in place and enhance the healing process.

 


Other home remedies suggested for the natural treatment of lipomas include good old apple cider vinegar, regular exercise as well as select natural oils. It is important to remember that lipomas are largely harmless, but in cases where they cause discomfort, it is recommended to have them removed. This is not without its challenges as it poses associated risks of a surgical incision. Your doctor’s recommendations should also be made available.