Breast tenderness is swelling of the breasts accompanied by pain or discomfort. It’s also not unlikely for the breasts to be highly sensitive and feel heavy. Usually, it’s due to hormonal imbalance. And that is why breast tenderness is commonly experienced during periods and pregnancy, and also by menopausal women.
Sometimes, too, breast tenderness can be due to the use of ill-fitting bras. Wearing bras that are too small as well as too big for you can make your breasts feel tender.
Although it can be very irritating and bothersome when breast tenderness strikes, it’s something that can be alleviated with the help of a few home remedies. The next time your breasts start to feel swollen, painful, heavy and sensitive, check which of the following steps can help give you much-needed relief from those annoying symptoms:
Place Cabbage Leaves
One of the most effective age-old home remedies for breast tenderness is the placing of fresh cabbage leaves on the breasts. The best cabbage leaves for the job are those that come straight from the refrigerator — the coolness boosts their efficacy. Secure cold cabbage leaves in place with the use of an elastic bandage.
Apply Cold or Warm Compress
It’s perfectly fine if you cannot get your hands on a couple of cabbage leaves. That’s because an ice pack can also help you attain relief from breast tenderness. Alternately, you may apply warm compress — soak a pair of small washcloth in warm water, wring out excess, fold neatly and place on each of your breasts.
Give a Gentle Massage
While in the shower, it’s a good idea for you to gently massage your soapy breasts to help reduce their tenderness. Doing this helps in draining excess fluid in the breasts. Even if you’re not in the shower, you may also have your breasts gently massaged by using coconut oil or olive oil as massage oil.
Drink a Cup of Dandelion Tea
Flushing out excess water in the body can be very beneficial for women who are experiencing tenderness of the breasts. One very gentle and safe way to drive out excess water is by drinking a cup of freshly-brewed dandelion tea. According to herbalists, this particular tea has mild diuretic properties.
Eat More Fiber
Medical experts say that the inclusion of fiber-rich foods in your diet can help in relieving breast tenderness. They say it’s because fiber is actually capable of sweeping excess hormones out of the body. Besides, foods containing fiber are not only good for reducing breast tenderness, but also warding off constipation.
Consume Soy and Soy-Based Foods
When breast tenderness is bothering you, simply include more soy and soy-based products in your diet. That’s because certain compounds in soy have the ability to restore proper hormonal balance as well as reduce tenderness of the breasts. Soy nuts, soy milk and tofu are wonderful examples of soy products that you may consume.
Limit Fat and Sodium Intake
You should also steer clear of foods that are laden with fat because they can make matters worse. In addition, you should limit your intake of foods that are high in sodium. As everyone knows, sodium causes water retention, and it’s something that can definitely worsen the tenderness of your breasts.
JUST A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION: There are instances in which breast tenderness can be due to other reasons than just hormonal imbalance or the use of ill-fitting bras. If the symptom keeps on bothering you for days even after trying some of the home remedies mentioned above, it’s a good idea for you to consult a doctor.
Don’t forget to share this article on your various social media accounts to let your female relatives and friends know that dealing with breast tenderness can be done safely and all-naturally!
