Bartholin’s Cyst: Ayurvedic Management, Treatment Protocol, and Natural Remedies

A Bartholin’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that develops near the vaginal opening due to blockage of the Bartholin’s gland duct. Sometimes, it may get infected and form an abscess, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty in sitting or walking. In modern medicine, treatment includes antibiotics, drainage, or surgery. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach for managing Bartholin’s cyst by reducing inflammation, balancing doṣas, removing obstruction, and rejuvenating reproductive health.

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Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, Bartholin’s cyst can be correlated with Yoni Granthi (localized swelling/growth in the female genital tract) and sometimes Upadansha–yoni arbuda depending on the clinical features.

• Kapha doṣa – causes obstruction and cystic swelling.

• Vāta doṣa – leads to pain and hardness.

• Pitta doṣa – when infection develops, it produces burning, redness, and pus.

• Samprāpti (Pathogenesis): Agnimandya (poor metabolism) → Kapha–vāta duṣṭi → obstruction of srotas (channels) in yoni → Granthi formation (Bartholin’s cyst).

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Ayurvedic Treatment Protocol

1. Nidāna Parivarjana (Avoidance of Causes)

• Avoid excessive oily, heavy, and cold foods.

• Maintain genital hygiene.

• Prevent prolonged sitting and excessive heat exposure.

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2. Śamana Cikitsā (Palliative Therapy)

• Internal Medicines

  • Kāñcanāra Guggulu – best for granthi and cystic growths.

  • Kaishora Guggulu – reduces inflammation and infection.

  • Varuṇādi Kaṣāya – useful in Gulma, Granthi, and pelvic swellings.

  • Punarnavādi Maṇḍūra – helps reduce swelling and purify blood.

  • Arogyavardhinī vaṭi – corrects metabolism and āma.

• External Applications

  • Triphala kvātha parisheka (wash) – for cleansing and reducing inflammation.

  • Pañcavalkala kvātha dhoopana (fumigation) – prevents infection.

  • Lepa with turmeric + guggulu + triphala choorna in ghrita base – for reducing hardness and swelling.

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3. Śodhana Cikitsā (Purification Therapies)

If cyst is recurrent or associated with pus/infection:

• Virecana (purgation) – eliminates pitta–kapha doṣa.

• Basti therapy – useful in chronic or recurrent cases to balance vāta–kapha.

• Uttarabasti (local intrauterine therapy with medicated ghṛta/oil) – under strict supervision, using Kañcanārādi taila or Phala ghṛta.

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4. Local Management (Upakrama)

• Lekhana karma (scraping therapy with herbal kṣāra) – to reduce cyst bulk.

• Kṣāra karma / Agni karma – can be used in stubborn, recurrent cases as per classical guidelines.

• Vrana ropana cikitsā – if cyst ruptures or forms abscess, wound healing herbs like Haridrā, Guḍūcī, Yaṣṭimadhu are used.

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5. Rasāyana Therapy

For recurrence prevention and reproductive health:

• Śatāvarī – improves female reproductive wellness.

• Guḍūcī – balances tridoṣa and enhances immunity.

• Aśvagandhā – strengthens tissues and prevents stress-related aggravation.

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Diet and Lifestyle

• Prefer light, warm, easily digestible diet.

• Use turmeric, garlic, and ginger in daily food.

• Avoid excessive sweet, oily, and cold foods.

• Practice yoga postures like Vajrāsana, Baddha Koṇāsana, and gentle pelvic stretches.

• Maintain strict personal hygiene.

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Integrative Approach

• Small, painless Bartholin’s cysts can be managed with Ayurvedic medicines and local care.

• If cyst becomes large, painful, or abscessed, surgical drainage may be required; Ayurveda can support recovery, reduce recurrence, and improve tissue healing.

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✅ Conclusion

In Ayurveda, Bartholin’s cyst is managed under Yoni Granthi with treatments aimed at reducing cyst formation, balancing Kapha–Vāta, and preventing infection. Medicines like Kāñcanāra Guggulu, Varuṇādi Kaṣāya, Punarnavādi Maṇḍūra, local applications with Triphala kvātha wash, and cleansing therapies like Virecana and Basti play a key role. With proper lifestyle, hygiene, and Ayurvedic support, Bartholin’s cyst can be effectively managed and recurrence prevented.