Natural Breast-Enhancing Herbs: A Bust?
Some of the herbs used to enhance breast size may, in fact, have more going for them than folklore.
Down through the ages, women have used a number of herbs in hopes of increasing the size of their breasts. A report in the medical journal Obsetrics and Gynecology reviewed the evidence and found no studies showing that any traditional breast-building herb performs as hyped. Of course, an absence of scientific evidence doesn’t not mean there’s clear evidence of no effect. Some of the herbs used to enhance breast size may, in fact, have more going for them than folklore.
Herbs That May Effect Breast Size
Wild yam (Dioscora villosa) contains potent plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). Estrogen causes fluid retention and stimulates breast tissue growth, which is why many women who take estrogen-based birth control pills report weight gain, and breast swelling. This herb’s estrogenic effect explains its use in breast enlargement. Its phytoestrogens may cause fluid retention and possibly some breast enlargement.
Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus). Since ancient times, Europeans believed (incorrectly) that the small, dark, peppercorn-like fruits of this shrub suppressed a woman's libido, hence the name. It first became associated with women’s breast by the ancient Greek physician, Dioscorides, who recognized its effect on the female reproductive system, notably the herb's ability to increase milk production in nursing mothers.
Modern research has shown that chaste tree affects the pituitary gland, increasing production of luteinizing hormone and decreasing secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone. These changes, in turn, affect the balance of women's sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, reducing estrogen level and increasing the level of progesterone. These changes don’t enlarge breasts, but they help treat premenstrual syndrome. In fact, chaste tree has become the leading herb used to prevent and treat PMS.
Back cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) Black cohosh owes its medicinal action to several compounds in its root (aceteine, formononetin, and triterpenes). In the 1940's, German scientists discovered that these compounds act like estrogen. By the 1950s, a commercial extract of black cohosh, Remifemin, was used widely in Germany, where herbal medicine is more mainstream than it is in the U.S., as a treatment for PMS, menstrual cramps, and hot flashes of menopause. Reminfemin is available in the U.S. But recent research shows that it’s not truly estrogenic. Black cohosh suppresses secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by the pituitary gland. LH is involved in the menstrual cycle, menopause, and female reproduction, so black cohosh has effects that appear estrogenic, but its action is different, so it can be used by women who can’t take estrogen. These days, black cohosh is not widely touted for breast enhancement. But if you’re experiencing menopausal complaints, it might help.
Today, saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is the leading herb used to treat benign prostate enlargement. But when this plant first attracted medical attention in the 19th century, it was more widely used for breast enhancement. It’s not clear why. Saw palmetto is not estrogenic. And it’s a diuretic, meaning it rids the body of excess fluid. Most traditional breast-enlarging herbs help the body retain fluids.
The all-time favorite breast-enlarging herb is fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Its seeds contain a compound (diosgenin) that’s estrogenic. Fenugreek's phytoestrogen content supports the folk American practice of eating the seeds for breast enlargement. However, if you want to try this, sprout the seeds. Fenugreek sprouts contain much more diosgenin than the unsprouted seeds. Some women have reported breast enlargement after a few months of adding the sprouts to salads and other dishes.
Will these herbs work for any individual women? Hard to say. But they’re all safe to ingest in recommended doses, so they can’t hurt—and just might help.
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References
Duke, James. The Green Pharmacy: The Ultimate Compendium of Natural Remedies From The World's Foremost Authority On Healing Herbs. St. Martin’s Press.
Questions & Answers
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