If you have experienced unusual pain or even found a small lump in your breast, you may have immediately been concerned – with good reason. However, many breast conditions are quite common and are fairly easy to treat without further issues. Some of the most common breast problems, like breast tenderness and nipple discharge, can be treated using natural cures, such as primrose oil, magnesium, and dietary changes.
What Are the Most Common Breast Problems?
Common breast problems are those issues that affect the tissue of your breasts but are generally considered benign. According to the American Cancer Society, these types of problems are very common and are found in most women. Some of the most common breast problems include breast tenderness, pain, nipple discharge, and swelling. Additional benign breast conditions include individual lumps, fibrocystic tissue, infection, mastalgia, and benign tumors.
The American Family Physician explains that nearly 16% of women in the age group of 40 to 69 years experience some type of breast issue. However, the majority of those are benign cases. Issues that do require immediate evaluation are those conditions including breast masses, nipple discharge, and inflammatory skin developments.
Are There Any Natural Cures for Common Breast Issues?
It is important to seek doctor care to evaluate breast issues to determine the cause and prognosis of your condition. In most cases, however, you can effectively mediate common breast problems naturally. Some of the most effective treatment options include primrose oil, magnesium, dietary changes, relaxation techniques, and apple cider vinegar.
1. Primrose Oil
Dr. Tori Hudsom a naturopathic physician, classifies evening primrose oil as one of the best natural treatments for pain and tenderness in your breasts. The oil has soothing qualities that help reduce inflammation and relieve pain when taken as a regular treatment. You can apply primrose oil externally; however, the most effective option is to take 3 grams of the oil by mouth each day.
2. Magnesium
Magnesium is an important daily nutrient; however, it can also help alleviate breast issues. As many conditions of the breast arise in conjunction with a woman’s menstrual cycle, magnesium, a nutrient that has been shown to reduce premenstrual symptoms, is also effective for relieving pain and discomfort associated with breast problems. You should take a standard dose of 310mg per day.
3. Dietary Changes
According to Mayo Clinic, making specific dietary changes is one of the best ways to mediate breast issues. Consider eliminating caffeine, following a low-fat diet, and eating more complex carbohydrates. These changes help reduce inflamed tissue in your breasts and also control pain.
4. Relaxation Techniques
Mayo Clinic also touts relaxation techniques as an effective way to relieve breast pain and improve lymphatic flow. Practices like meditation and yoga help you reduce and manage your stress levels and, in turn, your pain.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most commonly supported treatments by our Earth Clinic readers. ACV helps with decalcification throughout your body and also balances your pH to treat other issues. For the best result, drink a tonic of 2 tablespoons of ACV diluted in 8 ounces of water twice a day every day.
Keep reading to find more reader contributed remedies, or add your own remedies to our list.
References:
Breast Problems: Home Treatment - http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/breast-problems-home-treatment
Common Breast Problems - http://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0815/p343.html
Diseases and Conditions: Breast Pain - http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-pain/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20025541
Natural Approaches to Fibrocystic Breasts - http://drtorihudson.com/articles/natural-approaches-to-fibrocystic-breasts/
Non-Cancerous Breast Conditions - http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/womenshealth/ non-cancerousbreastconditions/non-cancerous-breast-conditions-toc