Too afraid to go under the knife just to get from that AA size to the DD you so desire? If you are worried about using a method aside from natural breast enlargement to get the size and shape of the breasts you want, then maybe you are really afraid. There are too many risks to breast augmentation surgery – scars, bleeding, possible adverse reactions to anesthesia, improper positioning, and loss of feeling around the nipples – just to name a few. Even just the last side effect was, on its own, terrifying.
Breast size, for the most part, is controlled by genetics. If your grandmother and mother bought their bras in the novices or teens section, you’ll probably explore that section too. If you’re a little “disappointed” in the chest, it seems the only way out is to do breast surgery.
But be warned – lucky for us, there’s a really less risky way to make actual “mountains” out of our less desirable “hills.” And way cheaper and healthier too!
Many foods are naturally rich in hormones that increase breast size, allowing us to truly eat to make our breasts bigger. In fact, women all over the world are wise to a wide range of these methods, many of which involve breast augmentation through milk production. In Asia, for example, one popular breast size enhancer is the leaves of the radish tree. In the Mediterranean, women swear by fenugreek, Indian women take shatavari, and in America, fennel is popular for encouraging milk flow.
How it works
Certain herbs are rich in phytoestrogens, compounds that mimic the function of estrogen in the female body. Phytoestrogens can stimulate the milk ducts to grow, thus increasing breast size. Plants used to increase milk production are known as galactogogues. And the great news is, you haven’t got to be pregnant to reap the benefits of these herbs. If it is good for making breast milk, it is also great for helping to increase breast size.
Galactogogues and how to use them
Here are the time-tested superstars of the plant kingdom effective in increasing breast size.
● Fenugreek
This herb from the asparagus family is probably the most often used to increase breast milk production and has been used for hundreds of years as part of traditional medication particularly in India, Greece, China, and the Middle East. It has been recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). A study by Swafford and Berrens (2002) found that fenugreek statistically increased milk production by more than twice the normal amount.
How to use and dosage: You can purchase it from health stores as a powder in pill form or as seeds, teas or tinctures.
- Seeds – ½ teaspoon three times a day.
- Capsule form (580-610 mg) – take a total of 6 to 12 daily
- Tea – one cup of tea, 2-3 times a day
- Tincture – 1.2 ml thrice a day mixed in water (or refer to package directions)
Possible Side Effects and preventionS:
- Since fenugreek is usually used to flavor syrups to taste like maple, your sweat or urine may smell like maple syrup.
- In some cases, there have been reports of watery stools stopping when fenugreek consumption was discontinued.
- If more than 100 g of fenugreek seeds are ingested in a day, it can cause intestinal upset and nausea.
- Use with caution if you have a history of allergies to asparagus, peanuts or chickpeas.
Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an herb usually used in cooking and to treat diverse disorders such as indigestion and menstrual pain. This licorice-flavored sweet herb is also used by nursing mothers to increase milk production.
How to use and dosage:
- As a tincture: add 2-3 drops of water juice three times a day
- As oil: one drop with honey 3-5 times a day
- As seeds: Grind the seeds and boil them for 15 minutes to make a tea/infusion using 1-2 tsp of seeds
Possible Side Effects and preventionS:
- May lower blood sugar levels if you have a history of diabetes
- May increase the chance of seizures if you have epilepsy
- Can in fact decrease milk production and possibly breast size if used in excess
- May cause skin rash if you have an allergy or sensitivity to fennel
Moringa
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is rightfully called a “superfood”. The leaves are rich in five essential vitamins & minerals including iron, calcium, vitamins A, E & K. It is also a complete source of plant-based protein with all 9 essential amino acids, high in fiber, and contains high levels of antioxidants. It is native to Asia and Africa and has been used as a valuable food source in addition to to promote pre- and postnatal breast milk production. Like fenugreek, research on moringa proves that it also doubles milk production (Estrella, et al. 200).
How to use:
- As a meal – simply add a generous amount of leaflets to soups or make it into a main course by mixing it with meat or chicken
- As a powder – Start with half a teaspoon per mix in your favourite smoothie or juice for a total dose of 2-3 teaspoons daily. You can increase your dose as you go.
- As capsules – Take 1-2 capsules daily
- As an energy bar – two to three sticks a day. It also contains fruits and nuts like mango and cashew with a hint of ginger. It is sugar free and an amazing source of protein.
Prevention:
- Do not consume if you want to get pregnant, because it can interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) also known as wild asparagus is an Ayurvedic herb primarily used for reproductive balance in both men and ladies. In women, it’s used at all stages of the reproductive cycle from menarche (start of menstruation) to post menopause. Shatavari is also used to increase breast milk production.
How to use:
The finger-shaped root of the shatavari plant is available in two different forms:
- As powdered powder – for each 250 ml of milk, add ½ teaspoon of powder, mix well and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Let cool and add honey to sweeten as desired. Drink this tea twice a day after lunch and dinner. See also manufacturer’s instructions.
– As capsules – take 500 to 1000 mg daily with food.
Preventive measure: Discontinue use if you have any of the following:
- Allergic reactions such as rash or difficulty breathing
- Weight gain and breast tenderness
- Possible interactions with diuretic drugs. Shatavari is also known as a diuretic which speeds up urination and removes salt from the body
- Cold and cough. Prolonged use of shatavari can exacerbate this condition
Reference
Estrella, MCP, Mantaring, JBV III, GZ David and MA Taup. 2000. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the use of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) for breast milk volume augmentation in non-breastfeeding mothers of preterm infants. Philippine Journal of Pediatrics. Vol. 49. No. 1. January – March.
Swafford S. and P. Berens. 2002. Effect of fenugreek on breast milk volume. ABM News and Views. Vol. 6., No.3, p. 17.
