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Fibrocystic breast is a noncancerous condition characterized by the presence of cysts, or lumps, in the breasts. This condition is also known as fibrocystic changes, chronic cystic mastitis, mammary dysphasia, and –although it is not actually a disease-fibrocystic disease. It is caused by monthly changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. It affects more than half of all women of childbearing age, most often those between the ages of thirty and fifty.
Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by the presence of round lumps, or cysts, that move freely and are either firm or soft. Symptoms include tenderness and lumpiness in the breasts. The discomfort is usually most pronounced before menstruation.
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Normally, fluids from breast tissues are collected and transported out of the breasts by means of lymphatic system. However, if there is more fluid than the system can cope with, small spaces in the breast may fill with fluid. Fibrous tissue surrounds them and thickens like a scar, forming cysts. Many breast cysts swell before and during menstruation, and the resulting pressure can cause a feeling of fullness, a dull ache, increased sensitivity, or a burning sensation. Some women also experience significant pain.
Breast cysts may change in size, but they are benign. A cyst is tender and moves freely-it feels like a eyeball behind the lid. In contrast, a cancerous growth usually does not go away.
Most cysts are harmless. In fact, the normal structure of the breasts has a lumpy texture. However, this does not mean that any lumps should be disregarded. Each woman should be familiar with the normal feel of and cyclical changes in her breasts so that she can easily detect any new lumps. Ideally, she should check her breasts weekly, and if any new lumps become apparent between menstrual cycles, she should consult her health care practitioner promptly.
HOME REMEDIES
Herbs like Echinacea, goldenseal, mullein, pau d’arco, red clover, squaw vine, and turmeric (curcumin) are helpful in treating fibrocystic breasts.
In many studies Primrose oil has shown results to reduced size of lumps.
Use poke root or sage poultices to relieve breast inflammation and soreness.
Take vitamin E it's an antioxidant that protects breast tissue against fibrocystic breasts.
Take 1 tsp. burdock root, 1 tsp. mullein leaves, 1 tsp. dandelion root, 2 tsp. prickly ash bark, 1/2 tsp. cleavers leaves, 1 quart water. Mix. ingredients and boil in water and drink 2 cups a day.
Vitamin B6 manages fluids and hormone levels.
Take 1/2 tsp. calendula flowers tincture, 10 drops lavender essential oil, 3 drops ginger essential oil, 3 drops chamomile essential oil, 1 cup warm water, 1 cotton cloth. Mix all ingredients, soak rag in the solution and place it over the area where the cysts are, for 5 minutes, then repeat.
Coenzyme Q10 is very important to remove toxins from the body and help control fibrocystic breasts.
Raw cabbage leaves applied to tender or swollen breasts will help alleviate pain. Replace the leaves as they wilt.
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) helps to regulate hormones by stimulating the production of progesterone, which brings estrogen levels into balance.
Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) stimulates circulation, including lymphatic circulation, helping to relieve the stagnation that contributes to the formation of cysts.
Healing Breast Massage Oil
Ingredients:
2 ounces almond oil
1/2 teaspoon vitamin-E oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops grapefruit essential oil
Preparation:
Blend oils together in a tightly capped dark glass bottle. Apply approximately 1/2 teaspoon of oil to breasts immediately after bathing, while skin is still slightly damp. Massage breasts with a gentle, circular motion, finishing with sweeping movements, stroking from the breasts to the underarms to enhance lymphatic flow.
Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Eat more raw foods, including seeds, nuts, and grains. Be sure nuts have not been subjected to heat.
Include in your diet in your diet three or more servings daily of apples, bananas, grapes, grapefruit, raw nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables, and yogurt. Whole grains and beans should also be an important part of the diet.
Include in your diet foods that are high in germanium, such as garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and onions. Germanium helps to improve tissue oxygenation at the cellular level.
Do not consume any coffee, tea (expect herbal teas), cola drinks, or chocolate. These foods contain caffeine, which has been implicated in fibrocystic breasts.
Also avoid alcohol, animal products (especially meats and animal fats), cooking oils from supermarket shelves, fried foods, salt, sugar, tobacco, and all white flour products.
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