Autoexamining women's breasts

Home Remedies for Breast Pain Relief

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 16, 2017
Home Remedies for Breast Pain Relief

Breast discomfort is somewhat common in women, especially at certain phases, such as puberty, during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or the onset of menopause. It is just a mild discomfort that goes away quickly in most cases. However, if you experience intense pain, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important that you do not dismiss it and visit a doctor. In addition to pain, you may experience tenderness and swelling in the breast, which can become quite bothersome.

In the following OneHowTo article we'll explore some of the best home remedies to relieve breast pain. If you're undergoing medical treatment for this issue, remember that the home remedies recommended here are to be used alongside them, not as a substitute.

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Steps to follow:

1

Breast pain is a common condition in women and, in most cases, is not a cause for concern. It is normally related to hormonal changes or other benign conditions. However, do not simply dismiss this disease. Instead, seek urgent attention if the pain persists, is very intense or is accompanied by other symptoms, e.g. oozing of fluid or blood, or the appearance of a lump or ball on one of the breasts.

Below, we'll give details on the common causes for breast pain and tenderness:

  • Menstrual cycle. A few days before menstruation, a slight pain in the breasts is normal. This occurs as result of the release of oestrogen, which subsequently leads to menstruation. It is usually a cyclical pain, which varies in intensity and is felt on the upper external part of the breasts. It usually disappears as the period progresses.
  • Hormonal changes. A woman's body undergoes hormonal changes at times other than the menstrual cycle, which may also cause sore breasts. This is common in puberty, pregnancy and the period prior to the menopause.
  • Mastitis. This is an inflammation of the mammary gland that occurs frequently during breastfeeding. As well as pain, other symptoms such as redness, overheating and fever are common. It occurs when the milk does not flow properly and accumulates.
  • Fibrocystic breasts. This is the appearance of benign breast cysts due to hormonal imbalances. Symptoms include tougher nodular areas, aches and pains. If you notice any type of lump or hard mass when you check your breasts, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
  • Fibroadenoma. This is a benign tumour that grows quickly and can cause sore breasts, even when not touched. Though unlikely that it's malignant, it is important to see a doctor and undergo the appropriate tests.
  • Breast cancer. A small percentage of women with breast cancer have breast pain. Breast cancer can be asymptomatic in the initial phases, so it is vital that you undergo suitable medical tests on a regular basis.
  • The use of a bra that is too small or the wrong size can also cause breast pain.
Home Remedies for Breast Pain Relief - Step 1
2

When breast pain is localised and it's only a temporary discomfort, home remedies are a great option for alleviating pain.

One of the simplest treatments that can be performed at home is to apply a warm compresses to the painful area. This can increase blood circulation and thus reduce discomfort. You can use warm damp cloths, or even an electric blanket. Leave it on for 10 or 15 minutes so that the heat takes effect and repeat the process several times a day if necessary.

3

Apple vinegar is a natural product with a wealth of health benefits. Recently it has also been used to treat multiple ailments. One of its properties is that it is anti-inflammatory, so it can help relieve breast pain. Apply it to the breasts to help reduce swelling, pain and extreme sensitivity more quickly.

Treatment is very simple: just dab some apple cider vinegar on a clean gauze and apply to breast, leaving them for 15 or 20 minutes. Another option is to perform a massage using the apple cider vinegar for a few minutes. Be very gentle as you do so and use circular motions.

Home Remedies for Breast Pain Relief - Step 3
4

Evening primrose is considered the woman's plant. It has been super effective at treating ailments related to the menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. We recommend taking advantage of the health benefits of evening primrose oil. It has a high content of gamma-linoleic acid, which is excellent for stimulating the formation of the hormone prostaglandin E and reducing inflammation. Pour some of this oil in the palm of your hands and rub them to warm the oil slightly. Then massage the breasts using circular motions.

In addition to helping to treat this ailment, evening primrose is also useful for premenstrual symptoms, such as as bloating, headaches, irritability and nervousness.

5

Did you know that cabbage leaves are one of the best natural anti-inflammatories around? They are very good to reduce pain when your breasts are inflamed. They are also great for when breasts are swollen, when you experience discomfort during breastfeeding, or if you're suffering from mastitis.

Wash some cabbage leaves and place them on the breasts. Leave them there to work their magic for a few minutes. You can also crush the leaves beforehand, put them on the painful area and cover with a kind of band or some fabric.

Home Remedies for Breast Pain Relief - Step 5
6

Some infusions have anti-inflammatory, soothing and relaxing properties that make the perfect home remedies for sinus pain. They are also effective in relieving any other symptoms experienced during ovulation or menstruation. These include:

  • Infusion of thyme: Thyme is antibacterial and inflammatory, making it an excellent choice, particularly for the treatment of mastitis.
  • Rosemary infusion: Rosemary helps reduce breast pain and swelling, due to the anti-inflammatory compounds it contains.
  • Infusion of dong quai: Dong quai is a plant that acts as a powerful hormone regulator and helps relieve breast pain and abdominal cramps as well as the ailments of menstruation or menopause themselves.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Home Remedies for Breast Pain Relief, we recommend you visit our Family health category.

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