Swollen mammary glands are associated with cancer, breast infections and milk duct blockages. When you have swollen mammary glands, you experience breast pain or tenderness, redness, inflammation and fatigue. Conventional treatment includes antibiotics and pain medication, but these are not appropriate for everyone. Herbs might help relieve the symptoms. Consult your health care provider for a diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for swollen mammary glands work in several ways. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs help reduce redness and inflammation, and alleviate pain. Lymphatic cleansers help drain toxins from the breast tissue. Antimicrobial and immunostimulating herbs help your body fight infection. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for swollen mammary glands.
Calendula
Calendula, or Calendula officinalis, is an annual or biennial herb that grows throughout Europe. Herbalists use the bright yellow and orange flowers topically to treat inflammatory problems, including skin diseases, wounds, fungal infections and burns. The plant is rich in saponins, triterpenes and flavonoids, and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends calendula for mastitis, a bacterial breast infection. If your swollen mammary glands are due to mastitis and your breast tissue has become infected, applying calendula topically helps reduce swelling, fight infection and heal sore tissue. Do not use calendula if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.
Poke
Poke, or Phytolacca americana, is a perennial in North America and the Mediterranean. Traditional healers use the roots and berries for inflammatory conditions, including mastitis, tonsillitis and rheumatism. Poke contains potent saponins, lignans and lectins, and is an immune stimulant and lymph cleanser. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli suggest using poke for mastitis to cleanse the glands, clear the infection and reduce swollen breasts. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that poke is useful for lymphatic gland problems like mastitis, and can be used internally or topically as a poultice. Do not use this herb while you are nursing or if you are pregnant.
Dong Quai
Dong quai, or Angelica sinensis, is a tall biennial herb with umbrella-like greenish flowers. It's a native of Asia and an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM. Practitioners use the roots to treat menstrual irregularities, anemia and constipation. Dong quai might help relieve breast pain caused by swollen mammary glands. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli state that it potentially is stronger than aspirin and reduces inflammation and breast tenderness. It also helps clear congested breast tissue. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
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