| Fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum). The seeds and sprouts have a centuries-old folk
reputation as breast enlargers. In fact, 100 years ago the herb was a key ingredient in
the original formula for Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, a popular remedy for
"female troubles"--everything from menstrual pain to postmenopausal vaginal
dryness. Fenugreek seeds contain a fair amount of diosgenin, a
chemical compound that's often used to create semisynthetic forms of the female sex
hormone estrogen. While estrogen has many effects on the body, two relate principally to
breast enlargement. The hormone causes growth of breast cells and contributes to water
retention. In fact, many women who take the Pill, which contains estrogen, for birth
control often experience as a side effect the feeling of breast fullness caused by water
retention. Plant estrogen (phytoestrogen) from sources like fenugreek
does not lead to uncomfortable breast fullness. Research |
| Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Fennel
is another estrogenic herb that has been used for centuries to promote milk production.
You could include it in Bustea to complement the fenugreek. Don't use fennel oil, however.
In pregnant women, the oil can cause miscarriage. Research |
| Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). The Saw palmetto plant is best known these days for its ability to
shrink an enlarged prostate gland in men. But a century ago, this herb was best known as a
folk approach to breast enlargement. Naturopathic physicians continue to recommend it for
this purpose. Most people use standardized store-bought capsules (one to two grams) or
alcohol extracts. To use this herb, follow the package directions. Research |
| Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). Here's another herb
that is reputed to have estrogenic effects. Personally, I've never been that impressed
with wild yam because, according to my database, it contains a lot
less diosgenin than fenugreek. But I bow to practicing herbalists such as Susun Weed,
author of Breast Cancer? Breast Health! who say that they have made salves out of
the wild yam. These herbalists maintain that the women who use this salve gain the desired
effects. To make a salve, it's best to shave off the outer bark of the root and reduce the
inner root bark to paste in a blender. Wild Yam is also useful in support of
irritated or nervous bowel problems, diverticulitis (colon inflammation), asthma,
bronchitis, used for synthesis of birth control pills (herb alone does not prevent
conception), rheumatic pains, biliary colic, pains of gallstones, menstrual cramps,
abdominal and intestinal cramps, chronic gas or flatulence, and Myalgia (nerve
inflammation). It is also used to relieve cramps during pregnancy, help morning sickness,
and prevent miscarriage. Wild Yam may act as a precursor to steroidal hormones. It removes
mucous from the lungs and head. Research |
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Bigger
Bust
Massaging
powdered fenugreek into the breasts is also worth a try, since
breast tissue can apparently absorb a certain amount of plant chemicals. Not too long ago,
two distinguished pharmacognosists (natural product pharmacists) published a paper
entitled "Higher Plants as Potential Sources of Galactagogues." (Galactagogues
are substances that promote the secretion and flow of breast milk.) These two scientists
seemed surprised to find that 68 of the 255 plants used as traditional galactagogues were
and are applied topically. To use powdered fenugreek, open up capsules, add a dash of
vegetable oil and apply the mixture as a paste |
