Sore Breasts

Q: Hi.. I was reading your entry about cystic breasts and that you have many remedies..

I have had horrible cystic breasts all my life.. Now 42..
Over the past months.. Instead of being swollen and cystic just a week or 10 days BEFORE my period.
They are now incredibly swollen and painful for 3 weeks of the month.
????

I can not figure out why... I am hypothyroid and take T3 & T4 for it and have for years.

I have tried edgar casey’s castor oil packs in the past.. As well as homeopathic remedies.. Which have seemed the best to rid of them..
But now that they are over a size larger just from the swelling, I am in so much discomfort I am looking for more help.

Can you recommend anything that you have found to be helpful..
I don’t drink coffee.. I do eat chocolate(oops)

Many thanks!

 

A: Have you tried any of the ideas in this article on PMS, specifically relieving sore breasts:

~20-30 drops of the tincture of cleavers, another common weed, works wonders. This plant, also called "goose grass" was used as a black tea substitute by the colonists. The dose may be repeated every hour or up to 6 times a day.

~ Women who get a lot of calcium and magnesium from their diet (leafy greens, yogurt, and many herbs are rich in these minerals) have less breast tenderness. Increase the minerals in your diet with a cup or more of red clover/mint infusion daily.

~ Large cabbage leaves, steamed whole until soft, and applied as warm as tolerable, can be used as a soothing compress on breasts which are sore and swollen.

And please let me know if I can help further as you explore your options. I am always available through email.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Karen
Thanks so much for your email, and helpful ideas..

My acupuncturist mentioned something about cabbage leaves which is why I was searching your site.. Thanks for the how too.
Does this reduce the water retension, or just ease the pain, do you know?

Also.. The link to being magnesium or calcium is very interesting.. I was told I was magnesium deficient in the fall.. So I’ll get right on that red clover/mint infusion. I am not quite sure of “infusion”.. If I get red clover tea and mint tea and steep it, is that what you mean?

Thanks so much karen.. And happy fourth!

Best.

 

A: I do believe the cabbage actually reduces some of the water retention as it is not a pain killer. Yes it is amazing how many women benefit simply for increased magnesium. An infusion differs from a tea in how much herb is used and how long it is steeped. You may use tea bags, but will have to use enough to equal on ounce of herb per quart jar you are filling. I use an ounce of Red Clover blossoms (I do not use tea bags though since I can not see the quality of the herb), and complement this with a nice pinch (or perhaps a tea bag) of dried mint. I pour boiling water over to the top of the quart jar, cover and let sit on my counter for at least 4 hours, sometimes overnight, then strain and drink.

Write any time!! I am happy to answer questions, and always enjoy hearing how you are doing, what is working or not...

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Q: Karen.
Thanks SO much.. It is so wonderful for finally get some help for this.. My western docs seem so unable to me. Actually I have been trying to find a doctor who will actually work with my alternative approaches but this seems so hard to find. Upsetting, as my acupuncturist and homeopath have helped me with so much, it is upsetting to not be able to find a doc to work with them. ( note I am in boston, so if you have heard or know of a great doctor, I would love to know his/her name)

Ok.. Back to breasts! Hahah
I was introduced to a woman named Joanne Larsen, who teaches at the Bancroft School in Worcester MA. She has written a book on Self Breast Massage.. she called me on Friday and was just so fascinating all her knowledge. She told me that like the foot/reflexology, that the breast also represents every part of the body, and the nipple specifically to the glands. And to try doing the self breast massages.

With regard to the magnesium.. I am thrilled that that is so helpful. And when you say to take the Red Clover blossoms in an infusion, is that because that is stocked with magnesium? Or should I be or also be taking magnesium pills.

Thanks so much.. I can’t tell you how helpful it is to have someone who is not only able to listen.. But also have so much great help, advice and support! Perhaps that is the best medicine in itself.

Thanks so much karen.

Best..

 

A: I so much agree with you!

I can’t tell you how helpful it is to have someone who is not only able to listen.. But also have so much great help, advice and support! Perhaps that is the best medicine in itself.

This medicine can not be overlooked!! Have you ever read Susun Weed's Seven Medicines? You may enjoy it :)

Red Clover and Mint are mineral rich, specifically calcium and magnesium. I personally prefer food sources of minerals and vitamins. Some other mineral rich herbs and foods are:

Foods - leafy greens, seaweeds, nuts, whole grains, yogurt, cheese, potatoes, corn, peas, squash, beans, figs

Herbs - Oatstraw, licorice, kelp, nettle, dulse, burdock root, chickweed, althea root, horsetail, sage, saspberry leaf, red clover, valerian, yellow dock, dandelion greens, carrot tops, pastley leaf, evening primrose

These I get from Susun's New Menopausal Years book. Susun also mentions that some things that deplete magnesium are - hot flashes, night sweats, crying jags, alcohol, chemical diuretics, enemas, antibiotics, "soft" water, excessive fat intake.

Breast self massage - so lovely! I think all women should learn it, perhaps even a part of health classes for teenage girls.

lots of love,
as always write any time,
Karen Joy

Comments

[Christine]

Karen,

A friend of mine just sent me this site because for the last 4 years I have been dealing with the large and painful breasts. It is soooo nice to hear that someone else is dealing with this same problem (sorry I dont wish this on anyone).

My question is I am taking Levoxyl 88MCG, Vit. E, and Motrin. I am not drinking coffee, not eating chocolate or peanut butter but now with the breast enlargement for 3 weeks I am gaining 5 lbs in 3 days 2 weeks before my period and the typical PMS seems to be getting worse (emotional, water retention, overall not feeling myself). Should I do what you have prescribed for the other woman above?
Thank you for any advice that you can give.

[Karen Joy]

Christine, certainly if you feel drawn please do try any of these ideas!

Did you notice any correlation between this and you taking the Levoxyl?

How old are you?

Magnesium rich foods and food like herbs and Cleaver tincture both sound great. Infusions of Red Clover blossom and/or Nettle leaf sound great to help with water retention.

Karen Joy

[~~]

Hi,
I was so glad to read that I am not the only one with this issue. I have had this problem with my breasts swelling 3 weeks a month as well. They become sore and heavy every month. I had my thyroid checked and it is fine. I really don't know what to do for it. I'm taking a mutlivitamin and vitamin B every day. My doctor suggested I go on the pill, I tried it and it made me sick.
I'm 105 lbs with these big bloated breasts every month. They go up at least a cup size and my bras and tops become tight.
Do you suggest I take Magnesium pill and calcium. I am just at the end of my rope with this. I don't drink coffee, I exercise 5 times a week, I watch my salt. Although if I have something salty they will blow up during the night.
Can you please tell me what to do?

Thank you

[KarenJoy]

It's wonderful to know we are not alone! I do not recommend pills and supplements. I favor strongly we get what we need in our daily diet when possible. Here again is a list of what you can increase in your diet:

Red Clover and Mint are mineral rich, specifically calcium and magnesium. I personally prefer food sources of minerals and vitamins. Some other mineral rich herbs and foods are:

Foods - leafy greens, seaweeds, nuts, whole grains, yogurt, cheese, potatoes, corn, peas, squash, beans, figs

Herbs - Oatstraw, licorice, kelp, nettle, dulse, burdock root, chickweed, althea root, horsetail, sage, saspberry leaf, red clover, valerian, yellow dock, dandelion greens, carrot tops, pastley leaf, evening primrose

And then if you wish make use of the cabbage poultices and/or cleaver tincture, mentioned above, to see if these help.

it would be great to hear how these work for you!

Karen Joy