Herbs What they do!

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Here is a list of the different types of herbals used in BE, a description and possible side-effects.

~PHYTO-ESTROGENS~Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds which occur naturally in many plants and fungi and which are biologically active in humans and animals. Soya, particularly tofu and miso, other pulses, citrus fruits, wheat, licorice, alfalfa, fennel and celery are rich sources of phyto-estrogens in the human diet. Herbs with natural estrogenic properties from plant sources (phyto-estrogens) promote healthy tissue growth.

There is evidence that phyto-estrogens may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, especially cancers that involve hormones such as prostate and breast. It is also shown that phyto-estrogens used at an early age could be a danger to sexual development. Which is why most manufacture's recommend that women 18 and over could use their products.

~FENUGREEK~Fenugreek is rich in phytoestrogens. This term refers to naturally occuring chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen. Phytoestrogens work by binding to certain "docking sites" on the cell membrane that are technically call estrogen receptors. The body contains millions of these receptor sites, and since phytoestrogens are weaker then estrogen will bind to sites not already in use by estrogen. These causes and overall increase in estrogen like effects, which means bigger breastsModern scientific research has found that fenugreek can help reduce cholesterol levels, control diabetes and minimize the symptoms of menopause. Today, fenugreek is most widely used in the United States as a source of imitation maple flavor. But this may change as its medicinal value becomes better known. Another potential area for fenugreek is cutting into the plastic surgery business. For centuries rumors have floated out of the Middle East that harem women were fed fenugreek seed to make them more buxom. This turns out to be more than mere hearsay. The seeds, in addition to female steroid precursors, also contain compounds that increase healthy breast tissue. Since the seeds contain diosgenin and other plant phyto-estrogens Fenugreek provides a mastogenic effect resulting in enhanced breast size.

~SAW PALMETTO~Saw palmetto is now a popular and effective treatment for prostate enlargement in men but has it’s origins in natural medicine as a breast enlarger and is still recommended today by naturopathic physicians for increasing breast size. It is also used as an aphrodesiac, for the treatment of impotence in men, and for inhibited sexual desire in women. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries. Native Americans, dating back to pre-Mayan civilizations, used the berries for food and medicine and particularly for breast disorders in women. Early American botanists noted that animals who were fed with these berries grew sleek and robust, experienced restored sexual vigor and improved muscle tone. Saw palmetto is useful as a nutritive tonic, supporting the function of a healthy appetite and smooth digestion. Saw palmetto berry also tones the urethra, and it may be used to uphold the healthy function of the thyroid gland and urinary system. This remarkable herb has no side effects or drug interactions. It’s breast enhancing effects stem from phyto-nutrients that stimulate breast tissue, increasing health and size. To call saw palmetto a “man’s herb” is a disservice to it’s healthy benefits for both sexes.

Saw Palmetto is also proving to revive mammary glands in recent studies.

~WILD YAM~Wild mexicam yam is commonly referred to as natural progesterone, but in actuality contains no progesterone. It contains diosgenin which is the precursor to progesterone in the lab and has like qualities. Wild Yam is probably the most widely used herbal tonic for women’s health. It is widely used as a breast enlarger and a sexual stimulant and is recommended by herbalist Susan Weed author of "Breast Cancer? Breast Health!" for healthy breast tissue. Wild Yam has long been used for it’s benefits in women’s reproductive health, including premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems. It can be taken in capsules or in tea (though there are mixed opinions on the flavor). The powder can be added to creams or girl thingyl ointments, and can be added to your lotion for breast massage. The phyto-nutrients in wild yam are a good compliment to the nutrients in fenugreek for stimulating breast size increases.

~Fennel~ is also rich in phytoestrogens. Fennel has been used for centuries to enhance breast size and to promote milk production in new mothers. The herb’s history is similar to the story of fenugreek above. It is second only to Fenugreek in estrogenic compounds and can be used in tea or added to lotion and massged directly into the breasts. Fennel is also used to treat amenorrhea, angina, asthma, heartburn, high blood pressure and to increase sexual desire in women. It is rich in the phyto-nutrients that increase breast size and is a great addition to the program.

~EVENING PRIMROSE OIL~Evening Primrose Oil has been called the most sensational preventive discovery since vitamin C. It contains the pain relieving compound phenylalanine and is increasingly being used to treat chronic headaches. It is currently being studied all over the world as a treatment for aging problems, alcoholism, acne, heart disease, hyperactivity in children, multiple sclerosis, weight control, obesity, PMS, and schizophrenia. It has so many preventive and therapeutic qualities that it has become a standard part of recommendations of many herbalist for maintaining youth and preventing disease. Black currant oil, and boarage oil are natural sources of a fatty acid called GLA(Gamma Linolenic Acid). The gamma-linoleic acid, linoleic acid and other nutrients in this oil are essential for cell structure and improve the elasticity of the skin. These fatty acids also help to regulate hormones and improve nerve function aiding problems ranging from PMS to migraine headaches. The hormone balancing effect contributes to healthy breast tissue.

It also promotes healthy growth of skin, hair, and nails. They are frequently suggested for skin conditions (including brittle nails and hair), arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and premenstrual syndrome. Do not expect immediate results; it takes six to eight weeks to see changes after adding GLA to the diet. These three products vary in the amount of GLA they supply and in cost, EPO should have at least 9%GLA.

~RED CLOVER~Red Clover is rich is phytoestrogens, plant chemicals that act gently on the body in the same way as the much stronger female hormone estrogen and can be used for treating menopausal symptoms, PMS, endometriosis, and for breast enhancement and breast health. It also has antibiotic properties and is used as an appetite suppressant and a relaxant. It contains compounds that are being studied as cancer preventing agents and it has been found to be helpful in quitting smoking. These compounds, called genisteins, prevent the formation of the new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It also contains many vitamins and minerals and is used to boost the immune system. more Info click here

~SOY ISOFLAVONES~Dr. James Duke, author of the book "The Green Pharmacy" and former herbal researcher with the FDA had this to say about soy; "Soybeans, like most, if not all, commonly eaten beans, contain several compounds called phytoestrogens. These compounds mimic the effect of the body's own estrogen, but with a milder punch than the real hormone. Since many breast tumors seem to need the hormone estrogen to grow, some speculate that phytoestrogens might inhibit tumor growth" Dr. Duke also comments, "Soybeans also are touted to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, when a woman's natural production of estrogen slows down, and, "one cup of soybeans contains about the same amount of phytoestrogens as one tablet of Premarin, the much stronger synthetic estrogen that is often prescribed in hormone replacement therapy." These phyto-estrogens are among those that contribute to the breast enhancing effects. Soy Isoflavones are a wonderful addition for breast enhancment and general breast health.

Soy Isoflavens- soy can lower thyroid output/production, leading to lowered temps, which is not good for BE.

~BLACK COHOSH~Herbal researcher Dr. James Duke has this to say about Black Cohosh; "Black cohosh really should be better known in this country, especially with our aging population and the millions of women who are now facing menopause. Recognized for its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory activity, black cohosh can help with hot flashes and other symptoms associated with that dramatic change of life called menopause. It's also reported to have some estrogenic activity. Herbalist Steven Foster refers to a study that compared the effects of conventional estrogen replacement therapy with black cohosh. That study looked at 60 women, younger than 40 years old, who had had complete hysterectomies and were experiencing abrupt menopause. In all groups, treatment with black cohosh compared favorably with conventional treatment." "Native Americans used the roots and rhizomes of this member of the buttercup family to treat kidney ailments, malaria, rheumatism, and sore throats. Early American settlers turned to it for bronchitis, dropsy, fever, hysteria and nervous disorders, lumbago, rattlesnake bites, and yellow fever. It's also reportedly well known for easing PMS and menstrual irregularities." This estrogenic activity, notes Dr. Duke, can contribute to a "mastogenic" effect; the natural enlargement of the breasts. Black Cohosh has also been used to induce labor and should not be used during pregnancy.

A great site to get detailed information on individual herbs for BE and other beauty aids: www.botanicalbeautylab.com/