Fibrocystic breasts are marked by round or oval lumps in the breast tissue, with texture varying from soft to very firm. These lumps tend to be rubbery and move freely under the skin. They are due to overproduction of estrogen or insufficient production of progesterone, the two main female hormones. Herbal remedies help inhibit excess estrogen production and estrogen sensitivity.
Herbal Treatments
Although most herbal medicines are safe and non-toxic, consult with your doctor about any supplements you are taking, especially if standard hormonal therapies are taken for this condition. The following herbal medicines are safe to use with these treatments. In order for these supplements to be effective, they must be taken through several menstrual cycles before achieving full benefit, so consistent use is important.
Dioscorea, also known as wild yam, relieves pain and swelling. Take 20 drops of tincture in ¼ cup three times daily after meals. Ginger is an effective pain reliever and halts production of hormones that cause swelling. Prepare ginger tea by adding 1/3 tbsp. of powdered ginger to 1 cup of water and drink as often as desired. Green tea prevents existing cysts from becoming larger and new ones from forming. Take 240 mg of catechin extract three times daily or drink as tea two or three times a day. Kelp assists in keeping bowel movements regular by reducing the amount of estrogen that is reabsorbed from the stool. Kudzu and soy isoflavone concentrate both keep estrogen from activating cysts. Take 10 mg of kudzu three times a day or take 3,000 mg of soy isoflavone daily; you do not need to take both. Soy isoflavone may cause upset stomach; if this occurs, take kudzu. Vitex has a long history of traditional use regulating female hormones, and balances estrogen and progesterone production as well as inhibits excess testosterone production. Take 1/2 tsp. in 1/4 cup of water three times a day.
Women with this fibrocycstic breasts must avoid herbs that stimulate estrogen production, including cordyceps, dan shen, fennel seed, licorice and peony.
Traditional Chinese Formulas
Augmented Rambling Powder can lower estrogen levels and is useful if excess estrogen causes dry mouth, blurry vision, pressure sensation in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating and increased menstrual flow. Two Cured Decoction lowers estrogen production. These Chinese formulas help manage the fibrocystic breast condition.
Do not use Augmented Rambling Powder if trying to become pregnant. Avoid Two Cured Decoction if fever is present.
Other Suggestions
Estrogen is produced by body fat; thus, excess body fat produces excess estrogen. Follow a diet low in fat but high in good fats like omega 3 fatty acids found in cold water fish, and flaxseed oil. These fats stop the production of hormones that are known to cause pain and inflammation. Eat a minimum of 20 g of fiber daily to keep bowels regular and flush out excess estrogen through the stool rather than it being reabsorbed by the body. Avoid taking birth control pills as these can aggravate the condition, or ask your doctor about the low dose forms that are available.
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