Many medicinal herbs contain natural compounds that alter levels of reproductive hormones in the human body. In theory, some of these products can increase a woman's breast size by simulating the conditions associated with breast milk production. No scientific studies have proved that herbal breast enhancers are safe, and mainstream health care providers generally do not support their use. Internist Sandhya Pruthi of Mayo Clinic warns that herbal breast enhancers could cause serious side effects or drug interactions. Consult your health-care provider before using any hormone-affecting herb, particularly if you have a medical condition.
Fennel
This herb has been used for hundreds of years to induce lactation in nursing mothers. The "Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that fennel contains estrogenic compounds that alter hormone levels in the human body. The journal attributes fennel's medicinal properties to photoanethole and dianethole, two fragrant compounds also found in anise seed.
Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle--not to be confused with its distant relative milk thistle--is used primarily as a treatment for flatulence and indigestion. According to the National Institutes of Health, this bitter-tasting herb is sometimes used as a breast enhancer or breast milk stimulant. However, blessed thistle's breast-enhancing properties are supported only by tradition and theory. No studies have investigated its effects on breast tissue.
Licorice
Licorice is used traditionally to treat female hormonal disruptions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. According to the National Institutes of Health, licorice may spike levels of the hormones estrogen and prolactin--two compounds linked to increased breast growth. Natural licorice supplements are associated with fairly significant hormonal side effects, but licorice candy contains few of these hormone-altering compounds.
Fenugreek
Health care providers do not fully understand fenugreek's impact on hormone levels. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, fenugreek is most commonly used to increase breast milk production among lactating mothers. In "The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers," lactation expert Dr. Jack Newman suggests that fenugreek may work in a manner similar to domperidone--a prescription drug that influences breast tissue by altering neutransmitters in the brain. Unlike many other breast-enhancing herbs, fenugreek contains no estrogen or estrogen-like compounds.
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