Cysts in the breast are benign but painful lumps that affect one in five women, typically those in their thirties and forties. Breast cysts are also the most common form of noncancerous breast disease. These painful benign lumps usually subside after menopause.

What are the causes of breast cysts? Breast tissue is very sensitive to hormonal changes, and can thicken and enlarge, but at the same time shrink and get smaller all through the menstrual cycle. The lymphatic system usually controls the collection and flow of fluids out of the breast. Therefore, if the fluids are too much for the lymphatic system to handle, small spaces in the breast tissue develops and fills with liquids and forms cysts. These pockets of fluids can appear alone or in clusters. These cysts are not considered life threatening, but they can make it more difficult to spot other potential dangerous lumps. In addition, if you feel a lump in your breast, get it checked out by a doctor. Although it might be a harmless breast cyst, it is better to be on the safe side. It will also give you a piece of mind.

In order to remove and test a breast cyst, your doctor will insert a needle to extract fluid for more tests. If everything checks out normal, then your doctor will drain the cyst, therefore preventing it from coming back in most cases. Other treatments may include hormone drugs and surgical removal of the cyst.

Herbal Home Remedies For Breast Cysts

Evening Primrose – This plant contains essential fatty acids that have natural anti-prostaglandin properties, which may help reduce breast lumps. Prostaglandins are a group of chemicals that the body produces; some of them favor inflammation and are believed to contribute to breast cysts.

Vitex – Vitex is also known as chaste berry and it boosts progesterone production, helping to correct estrogen-progesterone imbalances that can be at fault in breast cysts.

Butcher’s Broom – Butcher’s broom contains chemicals that are related to diosgenin, the hormone like component of wild yam. It may help to inhibit the inflammatory process in the breasts that lead to the formation of cysts.

Black Cohosh – Reduces the fluctuation of estrogen and its influence on the breast. This herb is also known to regulate hormones.

Saw Palmetto – This herb helps to reduce inflammation in the breast. It also helps to regulate estrogen influence on the breast.

Women who experience breast cysts can greatly benefit from a healthy life style change to treat their problem. This life style change includes a diet that will help to alleviate some of the pain and swelling associated with breast cysts. Foods low in fat and high in fiber should make up the majority of your daily calories. Foods like seeds, nuts, and grains, olive oil, fresh bananas, apples, grapes, grapefruit, fresh vegetables, and yogurt (make sure the yogurt includes live cultures) should be eaten regularly.

Foods rich in isoflavones, like tofu and all soy-based foods are highly recommended. These compounds help with the neutralization of estrogen making it easier for your body to flush it out. Another class of chemicals called indoles is beneficial and can be found in foods such as cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. They also protect breast tissue from the effects of too much estrogen. At last, immune boosters such as garlic, onions, and shitake mushrooms may help keep your whole system operating healthfully.

Avoid beverages like alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeine-containing foods and beverages. Stay away from fried foods, dairy, animal meats, and hydrogenated fats found in margarine. You may also want to stay away from salt, sugar, and white flour.