The claims of advertisers make breast enhancement formulas sound so appealing, offering increased breast size with the help of an all-natural product. But these claims often do not match up with reality. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists discourages the use of so-called breast-enlarging herbs for two reasons: insufficient evidence of their effectiveness and long-term health risks.
Hops Extract
Hops extract, a common ingredient in breast-enlarging formulas, is unlikely to enlarge breasts, but its inclusion is based on how hops functions in other contexts. Hops can serve as a host for Fusarium mold, which produces zearalenone, and the zearalenone found in moldy grains has been known to cause mammary enlargement in pigs. A similar effect could occur in humans, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dong Quai
Dong quai has a long history of use for treating gynecological disorders and a variety of other medical conditions. Dong quai should not be used with anticoagulants because it leads to an increased risk of bleeding. Citing a lack of evidence, the National Institutes of Health does not recommend dong quai to treat any condition.
Black Cohosh
The herb black cohosh is contained in some breast-enlarging formulas as well as herbal formulas created to help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Health care providers may caution against the use of black cohosh because of its potential negative effects on the liver, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. If you are taking black cohosh and notice dark urine, abdominal pain or jaundice, immediately stop using it. Other possible side effects of black cohosh include headaches and stomach discomfort.
Fenugreek
Though a lack of evidence exists for using fenugreek to enlarge breasts, research suggests it may promote mammary maturation. This herb is also used to stimulate breast milk production and to treat diabetes. The only use of fenugreek supported by research is to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Possible side effects of fenugreek include gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Wild Yam
A misconception that wild yam contains hormones has prompted its use in breast enhancing formulas, according to the National Institutes of Health. Though a chemical manufacture of hormones once relied on wild yams as a primary ingredient, no one has proven that the same conversion takes place in the human body. Pregnant and nursing women should not take wild yam, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Fennel Seed
Little information exists about the medicinal uses of fennel seed, although in one study researchers found that when female rats ingested moderate amounts of fennel, the weight of their mammary glands increased. Take fennel seed with caution, however. It may lead to hyperprolactinemia, a condition in which non-pregnant women have too much prolactin. This prolactin in their blood may cause their breasts to begin producing milk or it may cause infrequent, irregular or halted menstruation.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Bust Enhancing Herbal Products
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohash
- National Institutes of Health: Dong Quai
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fenugreek
- National Institutes of Health: Wild Yam
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