Mainstream health care providers rarely support the use of medicinal herbs for cosmetic purposes. Mayo Clinic internist Dr. Sandhya Pruthi warns that herbal breast-enhancers can cause serious side effects, including drug interactions and hormonal changes. Furthermore, there is little scientific evidence to support the notion that any herbs can increase breast size. In theory, breast-enhancing herbs may work by elevating levels of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and prolactin, which govern pregnancy and lactation. Consult your health-care provider before using any hormone-affecting herb, particularly if you have a medical condition or a family history of cancer.
Anise Seed
Anise and star-anise, two related medicinal plants, have been used historically to stimulate breast milk production in lactating mothers and to treat disruptions in the female endocrine system. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology attributes star-anise's medicinal properties to anethole, dianethole and photoanethole--three estrogen-like compounds that elevate levels of reproductive hormones in the human body. The seeds of the anise plant contain the highest concentration of these compounds.
Fennel
A relative of the dill plant, fennel contains estrogenic compounds identical to those found in anise and star-anise. The stalks, roots and seeds of the fennel plant all contain an active concentration of these hormone-altering compounds. Traditionally, nursing mothers have turned to fennel to improve the flow of blood and nutrients to breast tissue. However, no long-term studies have evaluated its safety or efficacy as a breast enhancer.
Licorice
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, licorice can increase levels of the hormones prolactin and estrogen, which are both associated with increased breast growth. The organization also links licorice use to other hormonal effects, including menstrual changes and miscarriage.
Red Clover
Red clover is associated with very few side effects, and it is a core component of many herbal cancer treatments such as the Hoxsey formula and Flor-Essence. The Maryland University Medical Center reports that this versatile weed contains active isoflavones--medicinal plant-compounds that are chemically similar to estrogen. In theory, herbal products containing isoflavones may improve the size and shape of breasts. However, no studies have evaluated the use of red clover for breast enlargement.
Member Comments