Breast cysts

The most common cause of breast lumps is fibrocystic breast disease. In this illness, one or more fluid-filled masses form as cysts, causing recurrent flare-ups of tender lumps in one or both breasts, especially before menstruation. Breast cysts are often linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The lumps are movable, and they fluctuate in size during the menstrual cycle. Breast cysts most commonly occur in women between the ages of thirty and fifty. Breast cancer should only be ruled out by a professional diagnosis, but it is unlikely if the lump is movable and varies in size with the monthly cycle-cancerous tissue is typically painless, immovable and does not grow smaller. Other possible warning signs for breast cancer are changes in skin color or nipple shape.

Hormonal changes that occur one to two weeks before menstruation cause glands to fill with fluid, producing a cyst, and this leads to swelling, inflammation and pain. What causes the cysts to develop is not fully understood, though a number of factors -certainly contribute. Hormonal imbalances result in an increase in milk-producing glands, an enlargement of cells and scarring in the breast tissue. The hormones estrogen, progesterone and prolactin are all partly responsible for breast lumps, especially an increase in estrogen or fall in progesterone levels. An increase of estrogen is often due to a poorly functioning liver that is unable to break down excess estrogens in the body quickly enough. A deficiency in the essential fatty acid, gammalinolenic acid (GLA), which provides the body with the hormone-like substance prostaglandin, also plays a role in breast disease, since supplementing with evening primrose oil, a rich source of GLA, is often helpful.

Wearing bras restricts circulation in the lymph vessels, thus hindering the removal of wastes. Women who wear bras all day, every day, and especially those who wear constricting or under wire bras and bras at night, are most susceptible to breasts.

Methylxanthines, found especially in coffee but also in black tea, chocolate and colas, have been linked to the development of breast cysts. A lack of iodine, which can cause symptoms of an under active thyroid, can also be the cause of breast cysts.

Supplements and herbs

Supplements have provided many women with relief from pain and discomfort, and should be combined with changes in diet. Particularly important are evening primrose oil and vitamin E.

Evening primrose oil is most beneficial, providing the essential fatty acid GLA necessary to combat inflammation, pain and swelling. Take this supplement for at least several months. Vitamin E has also been of benefit in many cases.

If you feel sluggish, thyroid function may be low. Kelp stimulates the thyroid and will relieve breast problems related to a low thyroid function.

Vitamin B6 helps reduce the size and swelling of breast cysts when associated with PMS. For those who lack the enzyme necessary to convert B6 to its active ingredient, pyridoxal-S-phosphate (P-S-P) is recommended. Take this supplement for ten days or two weeks before the menstrual period or throughout the cycle. A vitamin B complex should also be added to ensure a healthy balance of B vitamins.

Vitamin C, beta-carotene and zinc are also recommended. to reduce symptoms of breast cysts. They also help prevent the incidence of breast cancer. These can be taken in conjunction with the other supplements.

Herbal remedies regulate hormones, a fluctuation of which often causes breast cysts.

• To stimulate and normalize hormonal function, take 10 drops of chaste tree tincture diluted in water each morning in the second half of the cycle. Combine with evening primrose oil and vitamin B6 for increased effect.
• Poke root is a glandular stimulant. Puree poke root with olive oil and place the poultice on the breasts (use topically only, not internally). Apply packs of comfrey, marigold, raspberry leaves or celery leaves boiled in milk to encourage rapid healing of cysts.
• Raw cabbage leaves placed in the bra are helpful.

What else you can do

• For a sore breast, apply a ground carrot compress for twenty minutes, then rinse by sprinkling the breast with cold water mixed with ninety-percent alcohol.
• Wear loose clothing; if the bra is too tight, it can cut off circulation and hinder lymph flow, which carries away toxic waste. Some breast cancer has been caused by too-tight bras that suppressed lymph flow.
• Make it a habit to self-examine the breast after every period for unusual changes or lumps.
• Stimulate blood circulation to help clear toxins by exercising regularly. Walk, swim or do aerobic exercises.
• Natural progesterone creams applied externally, reduce many symptoms associated with female complaints, including breast and ovarian cysts, fluid retention and vaginal dryness. They contain various herbs that increase progesterone levels in the body.
• The easiest method for relief from breast-cyst discomfort is to simply replace your bra with a camisole, cotton sports bra or, if you prefer, with nothing at all. Many women have experienced relief just by leaving the bras in the closet.

How much to take

• Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400-800 IU
• Vitamin B6, 150 mg
• Vitamin B complex, 100 mg
• P-5-p, 100 mg
• Kelp, 1 tbsp
• Beta-carotene, 30,000 IU in divided doses
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg one to three times daily
• Zinc, 15 mg, with 3 mg copper

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