Breast tenderness, also known as mastalgia, mastodynia or mammalgia, may be chronic or temporary pain that can affect women of all ages. There are many explanations for this condition, including hormones active during the menstrual cycle, certain medications, breast cysts or surgery, an imbalance of fatty acids inside your cells, premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic breast disease. Herbs may help relieve the pain, swelling and burning. Check with your doctor before starting herbal treatment for breast tenderness.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for breast tenderness work in different ways. Some have anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties. Others affect the chemicals in your breast cells that may be involved in promoting or reducing tenderness. Since herbs for breast tenderness have different constituents and strengths, consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose, or Oenothera biennis, is a biennial with large yellow flowers native to North America. Herbalists use the seed oil to treat irritable bowel syndrome, skin diseases, rheumatism, circulation disorders and menopausal problems. The oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for normal cell function. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster state that GLA also helps fight inflammation. They recommend evening primrose oil for mild breast discomfort. However, do not use during pregnancy or if you have an estrogen-related cancer.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree, or Vitex agnus-castus, is a tall shrub native to southern Europe and Asia. The berries have a long history in treating gynecological disorders, including premenstrual syndrome, cramps, and breast pain and tenderness. A report published in the September 2008 issue of "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" found that the berries contain chemicals called diterpenes, which lower the excessive levels of the hormone prolactin that contributes to breast tenderness. Chaste tree berries may cause mild side effects, such as nausea and headache. Do not use the berries if you are pregnant or are on hormone replacement therapy.
Poke
Poke, or Phytolacca spp., is a tall North American perennial with dark purple berries. Traditional healers use the berries and roots to treat a wide range of disorders, including rheumatism, skin diseases, inflammations, breast pain, tonsillitis and sore throat. Medical herbalist and Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Todd Caldecott recommends a topical application of poke root in a cream or castor oil base to relieve breast tenderness due to fibrocystic breast disease, a common problem in premenopausal women. Naturopathic doctor Jill Stansbury also recommends external applications of poke root oil for pain due to swollen breast tissue. Only use poke root externally, as it may be toxic if ingested in high amounts.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Can Vitex Agnus Castus be Used for the Treatment of Mastalgia? What is the Current Evidence? A. R. Carmichael; September 2008
- Todd Caldecott: Fibrocystic Breast Disease
- Jill Stansbury, ND
