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How to use Lugol's solution / Iodoral®

Lugols Solution is iodine and iodide in solution

Other names for Lugol’s Solution:  Potassium triiodide solution, IKI (Iodine Potassium- Iodide); Aqueous Iodine Solution BP.

First introduced as a bactericide and fungicide in 1829 by French physician, Jean Lugol.   Original Lugol’s solution is a transparent brown liquid consisting of 10 % potassium iodide to 5% iodine to 85% distilled water, called a 5% solution (contains total iodine content of 130 mg/mL as iodide ions (I- ) and triiodide ions (I3- ) ). During the early 1900’s, this iodine / triiodide solution was used extensively, effectively and safely in medical practice, for both low activity and above normal activity of the thyroid gland. It has now been discovered that it has many more benefits including dealing with reproductive organ cancers, cysts

How to use Lugol’s solution

Lugol’s As a dietary supplement

Administration of iodine / iodide in liquid solution is not very accurate and it does have a bit of a taste. On an empty stomach, about 20 minutes before eating, take desired number of drops in an 8 oz. glass of water (preferably with one tsp. of raw apple cider vinegar added for slight acidification). Number of drops will depend on how many milligrams of iodine / iodide you want to take and the particular concentration of the Lugol’s solution.   To make it more confusing, drops come in different sizes too. Read the label for guidance and see guidelines below.

One drop 5% Lugol’s solution contains a total of ~6.3 mg  iodine + iodide   (i.e. 2.5 mg molecular iodine +  3.8 mg iodide)

One drop 2% Lugol’s solution contains a total of  ~2.5 mg iodine + iodide (i.e. 1 mg molecular iodine + 1.5 mg  iodide)

Absorb into bloodstream by ‘Painting’ the skin  with Lugol’s solution before retiring for the night.

This allows the body to absorb what it needs from the skin (e.g. soles of the feet, insides of arms / legs, stomach, over thyroid). As treatment progresses, the need for the solution diminishes because the body rebuilds its stores and thus absorbs less and less over each 24 hour period.

  • Only 1 – 4% of the total iodine applied to the skin is absorbed into the blood stream within the first few hours.  The rest of the iodine  within the skin (8- 11% that does not evaporate) is slowly released from the skin into the blood stream.
  • Contrary to popular opinion, the rate at which the iodine disappears from the skin is UNRELATED to the body’s iodine content.   Meticulous research by Nyiri and Jannitti in 1932 clearly showed that when iodine is applied to the skin in almost any form, 50% evaporates into the air within 2 hours and between 75- 80% evaporates into the air within 24 hours. A total 88% evaporates within 3 days and it is at this point that the evaporation stops.

 Lugols used topically for dermatological / external issues

Lugol’s solution can be applied topically for:

  • Scar prevention.  Use as soon as possible after wound has scabbed over, since iodine stings royally when applied to an open wound
  • Baldness 
  • Dermatitis
  • Fibrotic conditions / keloids 
  • Fistulas
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Infected hangnails
  • Precancerous skin lesions / Bowen’s disease
  • Sebaceous cysts
  • Ringworm
  • Skin tags /Moles
  • Vaginal infection (as a douche)

Other considerations

Be aware of some side-effects of iodine supplementation

Side effects of iodine supplementation

Antidotes for iodine overdose

  • Chocolate or cocoa.   High in bromine which displaces iodine;
  • Vitamin C.    Take ¼ tsp. (~2.5g) in juice or water

Iodine dosage guidelines for Lugol’s Solution or IODORAL® (tablet form of Lugol’s)

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to iodine supplementation, since everyone’s needs are different.

The first goal is to attain whole-body iodine sufficiency (an estimated body total of 1.5g)

Whole-body iodine sufficiency takes about a year to achieve with a daily intake of 12.5 mg iodine/iodide.    i.e. 1 tablet Iodoral® or 2 drops Lugol’s solution. In 8 normal subjects who achieved whole body iodine sufficiency, the fasting serum inorganic iodide levels ranged from 0.85 to 1.34 mg/L 24 hrs after the last intake of iodine.

However, use caution with sever hyperthyroidism or diabetic neuropathy.   Almost all adults can start at the 12.5 mg dose with no health problems, but for those with severe hypothyroidism and/or diabetic neuropathy, an initial dose of even 1 mg may be too much – as the iodine restores metabolic function to nerves, the dying peripheral nerves start being revived, which can send increasing amounts of abnormal signals to the brain, often experienced as intense itching and/or phantom pains. As they recover, the nerves eventually start acting more normally, and the pains and itching gradually go away. Unfortunately, the more damage, the longer and more painful is the recovery. To make the recovery bearable, the iodine dose must be low to allow a gradual rebuilding of the nerves over months, or even years.

Start with 12.5 mg iodine/iodide (1 tablet Iodoral® or 2 drops 5% Lugol’s solution) and build up slowly.   Maintain dose for a few days, until you reach a maximum 50mg iodine / iodide per day (spaced out) according to your body’s comfort level.

Serious issues may need a stepped-up dose – some taking about 3 months at 50 mg iodine / iodide per day (4 tablets Iodoral®, 8 drops Lugol’s, best split into 2 morning and afternoon doses).  This is the amount shown to have positive impact on serious illnesses such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer or autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Trust your own instinct / judgement and adjust the dose downward if you have any of the following symptoms indicating excessive iodine intake:

Excess Iodine Symptoms

Excess Thyroid Hormone Symptoms#

(HYPERTHYROIDISM)

Acne, rashes*
Diarrhea
Headache
Increased salivation / runny nose*
Metallic taste in mouth*
Nausea
Sneezing
Nervousness
Palpitations
Racing pulse
Insomnia
Sweating palms
Oily skin

* An unpleasant brassy taste, runny nose, and acne-like skin lesions are caused by the bromide that iodine extracts from the tissues.

#  Typically:

  • Iodine increases thyroid function ▲ if you are iodine-deficient
  • Iodine decreases thyroid function ▼ if you are iodine-sufficient

After reaching whole body sufficiency.  Cut back slowly on the daily dose until you are at maintenance level (see below).

Maintenance level

After whole-body sufficiency is attained,  a sufficient dose for optimal function of the body’s glands and organ is generally ~3 mg iodine/ iodide (¼ Iodoral tablet or 1 small drop Lugol’s) / day.    This dose is equivalent to the average daily intake of a person in Japan.  However, a daily 3mg maintenance dose is just a guideline and will need to be adjusted for personal factors affecting your personal need for iodine:

Factors affecting personal iodine maintenance dose

  • Being female.  Women tend to need more iodine / iodide than men.    The female breasts concentrate elemental iodine from available iodide.
  • The requirement for iodine depends on the individual’s goitrogenic load.    A goitrogen interferes with the uptake and utilization of iodine by target cells. The greater the goitrogenic load, the greater the need for iodine. Examples of goitrogens are bromine, chlorine, fluorine, and soy – all commonly found in today’s diet and environment.

Goitrogens vs. iodine

  • Restoring iodine concentrations too quickly may overload body with toxins.   Since iodine mobilizes toxic metals and goitrogenic halides from their storage sites, it may not be wise to achieve whole body sufficiency for iodine too rapidly since mobilization of these toxic substances may increase their peripheral levels high enough to cause symptoms. A complete nutritional program combined with increased fluid intake will help the body eliminate these toxic elements more safely.  For those experiencing detox side effects  E.g. constipation, acne or rash, often as a result of detoxing bromide into the bloodstream causing bromism symptoms (other bromism symptoms include lethargy, depression, “dark” thoughts, brain fog, leg and hip pain).  Side-effects are usually reversible in 24-48 hours.  By discontinuing the iodine and allowing a short period of washout before restarting at a lower dose;
    • Use 1/2 tsp. Celtic or Himalayan sea salt dissolved in a large glass of water.   This speeds up the bromide detox through the kidneys;
    • Drink additional water
  • Consider your status for vitamins or minerals required for normal thyroid synthesis.    E.g. vitamin Avitamin B6selenium and magnesium. Deficiencies of any of these will have had a negative impact on how your previous iodine intake was utilized. These deficiencies should be addressed.

Nutrient support for TH production / iodine supplementation

  • Omega-3 /  good animal fat Intake / Omega-6 fats suppress thyroid function.   These fats are consumed to excess (some estimate 20% of caloric intake) in the typical Western diet in the form of commercial vegetable oils; studies have shown that omega-6 rich corn oil suppresses liver response to T4, compared to lard, safflower oil similarly suppresses T3 response compared to beef tallow, and omega-6 linoleic acid suppresses both liver and brown fat response to T3. (the liver responds to TH for body temperature control). In the 70’s, linoleic acid was even considered as a treatment for hyperthyroidism. Those consuming a balance of omega-6 /omega-3 and eating good animal//fish fats, e.g.  grass-fed butter and wild oily fish, may need a lower iodine intake. Omega-6 Linoleic Acid Suppresses Thyroid Signaling, 2008

We need more Omega-3

Fats and Oils

 

Where to buy Lugol’s solution?

2007 DEA regulations (apparently it can be used to make methamphetamine) only allow Lugol’s solution with a concencentration >2.2%  to be sold by registered companies.   A 5% solution has 50,000 ppm of iodine, in comparison, a 2% solution (2% iodine, 4% potassium iodide and 94% Distilled Water) has 20,000 ppm of iodine. Here’s some randomly-found places where you can buy the original 5% Lugol’s solution (you have to sign in) or 12.5mg iodoral tablets:   Lugolsnaturals.com    Holistic health.   By way of a tip – you may find a better deal at an aquarium store, where it is sold for treating water in fish tanks.

Shelf-Life.  Lugol’s solution should last indefinitely stored in a cool, dark place.

Lugol’s Chemistry.    An aqueous solution of potassium iodide (KI) is prepared by dissolving KI in water, say 10g KI in 85g water. Then, once dissolved, 5g iodine crystals (diatomic, elemental iodine) are added to the iodide ions in the KI solution to form a stable, yellowish brown potassium triiodide solution.When diluted or consumed, it disproportionates back to and provides its consumer with iodide ions and elemental iodine. The elemental iodine can react with water to form hydriodic acid and hypoiodous acid, and with potassium present there will be a complex mixture.

Iodine -“The Universal Medicine”

5% Lugol’s / SSKI Solution Dosage Chart

2 drops 5% Lugol’s Solution.   Contains 5 mg iodine and 7.5 mg iodide. 

1 ml 5% Lugol’s solution.   Contains 50 mg iodine and 75 mg iodide /ml; (calculation based on 20 drops /ml)

drop SSKI (Super Saturated Potassium Iodide).    Contains ~50mg iodide

  • Ensure you are not allergic to Lugol’s solution (5%) or SSKI.   Rub a drop into back of forearm and leave for 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.
  • For internal doses, always take Lugol’s or SSKI in 4-6 oz of water / juice / milk.    Preferably with a tsp. of apple cider vinegar for slight acidification;
  • Lugol’s contains both the oxidant iodine (I2and the antioxidant(I) so have a neutral effect
  • If taking large amounts of Lugol’s solution, don’t take iodine at the same time as high dose (>500mg) supplemental Vitamin C.   Taking a concurrent high C dose will negate disinfectant/antimicrobial effect of iodine; Take high-dose vitamin C at least 2 hours before or after taking Lugol’s solution.

PROBLEM

5% Lugol’s Solution

Oral /Topical

Comments

 Oral dosages are for adults Iodoral® is an oral alternative  to Lugol’s solution in tablet form .   1 -12.5 mg  Iodoral® tablet is equivalent to 2 drops 5% Lugol’s solution
Acne2 drops/dayOral 
Antibacterial
/ Antiviral / Antifungal
1-2 drops 4x /day Until problem solved.
Atrial Fibrillation
/Arrhythmias
Build from 1 up to 5 dropsThen 1 drop for maintenanceOralA gradual build-up, holding each new dose level for a few days and monitoring for any problems is advised, until your heart begins to beat smoothly, at which point your body is receiving sufficient iodine (for most people this is around 9-30mg). Stay at this dose for 3 months, then begin to cut back each week. If you begin to feel your heart act up again, you have gone past your maintenance dose – generally, this is around 3 mg.
BaldnessRub in for~ 3 monthsTopicalEventually a crust forms, beneath which fine hairs will start to grow; Can use decolorized tincture of iodine (doesn’t stain)
Bladder infection1-2 drops 4x /dayOralWorks better than antibiotics;
Cancer4 drops 2x /dayOralDr. Brownstein used from 200mg (i.e. 8 drops 4x /day) up to 300 mg for prostate and breast cancer patients having metastases. Use iodine in a nebulizer for lung cancer;
Candida8 drops /dayOralIn blood
Cholesterol (high)2-4 drops /dayOralIodine reduces Lipoprotein (a) and acts as antioxidant to prevent oxidative damage to arterial walls;
Chronic bronchitis
/ COPD / Emphysema
3-6 drops /dayOralRemarkable expectorant (removes excessive mucus in chronic lung diseases); Reduces bronchial infection with regular use; Iodine can be put into a nebulizer for aerosol treatment for transdermal effect into the lung tissues in the case of lung cancer, emphysema, asthma and tuberculosis.
Cold / Flu6 drops, 2-3 x over 24 hoursOral 
Cuts/scabsApply after wound has closed.TopicalPrevents infection, aids healing; iodine stings when used on an open wound.
DermatitisApply Lugols with Q-tipTopicalDab the dermatitis with soaked Q-tip; If on the face use decolorizediodine tincture; sensitive skin (E.g. around your nose) will sting. Don’t inhale fumes while it dries (~10 secs). Apply vitamin E oil (E.g. from capsule) to keep area moist day and night and prevent reddened, dry skin from flaking. Do the topical iodine for 2 days, 3x a day. After the 2nd day, cut back to 1x a day, but keep going with the vitamin E oil. After 3 days of 1x daily application, cut the iodine back to every other day for 10 days (or less). Keep up the vitamin E oil every day until the dermatitis has disappeared completely. Initially the skin will look red and inflamed, but the vitamin E speeds up the healing process.cess.
Dewormer for Cats and dogs1-2 drops depending on sizeOralSlower than commercial wormers but safer and with less side effects.
Estrone detox. OralMetabolizes carcinogenic estrone and estrogen metabolite 16-α-hydroxyestrone ==> “anti-carcinogenic” estriol;
Fibrocystic Breasts4 drops 2x /dayOralThis dose has been observed to reduce fibrocystic breasts to insignificance in 3-6 months. MINIMUM amount of iodine required for control and prevention of fibrocystic breasts is equivalent to 0.1 mg /kg body weight /day (this is the amount used by Ghent et al). For example, for a 110 # woman, the minimum daily amount of iodine would be 5 mg.
Fibrotic conditions /KeloidsRub in 3x /day
Mix 50/50 w / DMSO
TopicalDupuytren’s contracture (thickening along a tendon /pulls finger down towards palm) / Peyronie’s disease (thickening along penis shaft / painful erections); + Taking 2g PABA 3x /day helps;Can take few months; (up to a year for keloids);
FistulasMix 50/50 w / DMSOTopicalPeri-anal / Recto-anal fistulas (tunnels); patience and frequent swabbing inside and out required (use Q-tip). DMSO helps absorption;
Food poisoning6 drops,3-4 x daily for 3 daysOralBrings relief for food poisoning very quickly – usually within a couple of hours; E.g. Salmonella or Giardia;
GERD2 drops /dayOralGerd is usally due to insufficient stomach acid, not too much; iodine is needed to make stomach acid;
Goiter, Cretinism0.05 mg/dayOralThe smallest intake to prevent these severely iodine deficient conditions
Graves disease2 drops / dayOralTake for 3 months
Heavy metal detoxification2 drops /day Urinary levels of mercury, lead, cadmium increase several fold after 24 hrs; aluminum takes a month or more of continued supplementation;
HemorrhoidsSSKI (20 drops) + flax oilTopicalRub in at bedtime; SSKI by itself stings, so mix with flax oil;
Hypothyroidism1-6 drops / dayOralDoses in this range seemed equally effective in resolving underactive thyroid.
Infected hangnailRub in several times /dayTopicalProblem usually gone a in a few days.
Migraine Oral 
NailsColorless SSKITopicalDip your fingernails in colorless iodine once a day for 1 week; then once a week for 3 to 4 weeks; then once a month. It dries almost instantly. It begins hardening the nails under the cuticle and as the nail grows out it stays hard and un breakable. Once the new hard nail reaches the length you want, you will never again have chipped and broken nails.
Nuclear Power plant AccidentSee Radioactive Fallout SSKI dosesTopicalIn the event of a nuclear power plant accident, the Japanese government gives those affected 50 mg of iodide/day to prevent thyroid cancer from the thyroid’s excessive absorption of radioactive iodine. Japanese typically consume high amounts of iodine/iodide in Kelp.
Ovarian Cyst4 drops 2x /dayOralDose similar to fibrocystic breasts
Precancerous skin lesions/ leg ulcersRub in twice /dayTopicalRegenerates skin from bottom up, eventually sloughing off old skin with little/no scar formation; adding vitamin E helps too;
Radioactive FalloutAdult: 100mg iodide (2 drops SSKI)
Child: 3-18yrs (1 drop SSKI)
Infant: 1 mth-2yrs (½ drop SSKI ) <1mth:(¼ drop SSKI)
OralTaken ½ hour to 1 day before radioactive iodines are swallowed /inhaled prevents ~99% of damage to thyroid by saturating it with non-radioactive iodine. Excess non-absorbed radioactive iodine is quickly eliminated by kidneys. iodide dose provides protection for 24 hours. Babies NOT protected via breast milk. More dose info: U.S. Center for Disease Control Note: 1 -130mg Potassium iodide tablet contains ~100mg iodideLugol’s Dose is 26 drops = ~100mg iodide
Reduce Gas from eating beansSoak beans in water for 1 hr or more with 2 drops added Pour off soaking water before cooking, and add fresh water. Lugol’s inactivates an enzyme-inhibitor in beans, which interferes with starch digestion in the gut, producing gas.
Ringworm TopicalRingworm is a fungus; clears in a few days
Sebaceous cystsLugol’s or SSKI mixed with DMSOTopicalCysts contain oily material, appear on face, groin, labia; rub in mixture for a week or two to dissolve cyst’s fatty contents.  Iodine makes all oils, fats, cholesterol (wax) water-soluble.
Sialoliths / parotid duct stones3-4 drops SSKI in water dailyOral“Stones” can form in the duct(s) carrying saliva from the parotid glands (located at the “angle of the jaw”). 3-4 daily drops of SSKI reportedly dissolves parotid duct stones within 4-8 months.
Skin tags / moles TopicalRub in morning and night; tags fall off in ~ 1 week, moles disappear.
Sore throat / Tonsillitis TopicalPut some SSKI or Lugol’s in a spray bottle; Spraying throat brings relief within 24 hours;
UTI6 drops 3x /day 4-7 daysOralKills bacteria; Decreases acidity in bladder.
Vaginal infection20-30 drops in 1 qt douche 1x /day Takes 5-10 days to resolve; To make douche, use ~2 tablespoons of Lugols solution to 1 quart of warm water once per day.

References

Omega-6 Linoleic Acid Suppresses Thyroid Signaling, December 19, 2008. Link

Chronic low-level inflammation

Electrotherapy
- The Medical kit of the future

Benefits:

  • Detoxification
  • Boost immune system / cellular energy
  • Anti-inflammatory / Pain-relief
  • Insomnia / Reduce stress
  • Accelerates healing of tissue, bone, muscles, scars
  • Improve circulation +++

Successful electrotherapies:

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy Near Infrared (NIR) class 4 laser therapy
Rife therapy
Ozone therapy

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