Home remedies for fibrocystic breasts

Generally this problem is seen before the menses. The reason is the accumulation of fluid in the breast and its improper evacuation. Usually, the lymphatic system flushes out excessive fluid, however, when it gets accumulated in the breasts, tissue starts to deposit around it and form cysts. 

 

It is important that these cysts be diagnosed and treated at the earliest, because although they are benign, these lumps make the detection of cancerous lumps in the breasts very difficult.

 

Often the condition of FCC is found in both the breasts and is symmetric in origin. However, rarely the problem can be seen on one side only. The cysts move around in the breast and often keep changing their size depending upon the fluid being flushed out and the amount the body retains. This in turn is governed by factors like hormones, menstrual cycle and water retention in the body. The lumpiness may disappear after the periods, but if the tenderness and hardness of the lump stays even after the menses are over, it is advisable to consult your doctor and maybe even go in for a mammogram.
 

Self examination is the best and the first step to the detection of any breast anomaly. If the breasts are tender, with a dull heavy pain, the nipples are itchy and you feel a little lumpy on the upper and outer side of the breast; it might be the indications of FCC.

 

 

If your doc confirms that you suffer from the fibrocystic breast condition, here are some natural remedies which might prove helpful.

 

• Primrose oil – an application or gentle massage with this oil helps to reduce the size of breast lumps.

• Wild Yam – relieves pain and heaviness due to cysts.

• Ginger – is good pain reliever and also prevents the release of swelling causing hormones.

• Green tea – it does not let the cysts to grow and prevents the formation of new ones.

• Kudzu – it keeps estrogen levels under check and thus, prevents the cysts from forming.

• A tea made from mullein leaves, burdock root, dandelion root and prickly ash bark, cleavers leaves and quart water, if had twice everyday helps dissolve these lumps away.

• You can even make a breast compress with calendula flowers, lavender essential oil, ginger essential oil, chamomile essential oil and warm water. Mix these ingredients well and soak a cloth with this mixture. Apply over the lumpy area of breast for 5 minutes. Repeat this daily till you feel the lumps have gone.

• It is best to keep estrogen promoting herbs at bay. Some of these are –licorice, dan, fennel seed, cordyceps etc.
 

Dietary inclusions and exclusions – 
 

• Vit E – this antioxidant rich supplement helps prevent the build-up of tissue into lumps, in breasts.

• Vit B6 – it manages the fluid and hormone levels in the body and thus, prevents lumps from forming.

• Avoid caffeine rich beverages and foods like chocolates, colas, etc, as they are known to increase the body’s tendency to form cysts.

• Avoid fatty foods as they promote estrogen production. However, omega 3 fatty acid rich food is good for the treatment of FCC.

• Atleast 20 gram of fibre intake is a must on a daily basis to flush out the excess estrogen from the body.

• Birth control pills also have been known to aggravate the condition. Therefore, it’s best to avoid them and go in for an alternative to contraception.

 

With a certain amount of conscious effort towards one’s diet and the use of the herbal remedies, one can easily keep the condition under check. It is said that menopause cures the problem forever, until then; stay vigilant and let the herbs manage it for you.