Many women turn to breast-enhancing herbal supplements as a nonprescription, inexpensive alternative to cosmetic surgeries or hormone-affecting drugs. In theory, these popular products stimulate breast development by mimicking the hormonal conditions associated with pregnancy and lactation. Healthcare providers like Mayo Clinic internist Sandhya Pruthi warn against the use of these popular herbal concoctions; no large-scale studies have established their safety or efficacy. Women taking prescriptions should avoid cosmetic breast-enhancing herbs, since they may increase the risk of a serious adverse reaction.
Anise
Traditionally used as a galactagogue (breast milk stimulant), anise seed may help to increase breast size in adult women. In 1980, the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" reported that three major compounds, anethole, dianethole and photoanethole, are responsible for anise's reputation as a women's tonic. These three compounds appear to elevate estrogen levels within the human body, leading to increased breast growth and other hormonal effects.
Licorice
Licorice is another excellent source of the estrogen-affecting compounds found in anise. According to the National Institutes of Health, women taking licorice supplements may experience an increase in levels of prolactin and estrogen, two hormones typically associated with lactation. This popular medicinal herb may trigger the growth of breast tissue by mirroring the hormonal effects of breast milk production.
Soy Isoflavones
Soybeans naturally contain isoflavones-- estrogen-like plant compounds linked to numerous health benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), genistein and other isoflavones appear to influence hormonal activities within the human body. While NIH acknowledges soy's potential use as a breast enhancer, it classifies this use as one based solely in tradition and theory.
Milk Thistle
In modern naturopathy, milk thistle is typically used as a liver tonic. However, in antiquity, this versatile herb was used to increase breast milk production in lactating mothers. The National Institutes of Health note that no recent studies have evaluated milk thistle's efficacy as a galactagogue, but it may help to improve breast size because of its subtle hormonal effects.
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