Expert: Jackie Barr - 5/5/2004

Question
Hi Jackie :-) I REALLY want to increase my bustline by at least a cup size, but I don't really want to go through the risks (and expense!) of surgery. I have been researching numerous herbal pills, creams, and even "vacuum pumps" - but before I spend my money on ANYTHING, I want to know if it works! What is your opinion on these nonsurgical methods? Do they really work? Which method works the best with fewest side effects?

Thank You!
Jenn

Answer
Hi Jenn

I am listing the herbs and exercises that will work in enlarging your breast.  Do not ever use a vacuum pump on the breast because the pump will destroy the tissues of the breast. Buy each of the herbs seperately and follow the directions on the label.  This is so much cheaper and safer for you because you are controlling the amount of herbs you are using daily. Try to include plant based estrogen foods daily in your diet.  If you need a listing--just let me know.

Many women are using the breast enhancers to add some fullness to the breast area. Along with this I would suggest exercises to develop the muscle underneath the breast and increasing plant based Estrogen foods.

Here are a list of the herbs used in almost all of the breast enhancement products.

Wild Yam is helpful to the liver and the endocrine system. It is also used in regulation of the female system, particularly during menopause and menstrual distress, as well as used in treating infertility. Used with chaste berry and dandelion it is an effective treatment for morning sickness.

Fenugreek is a herb that is often used by nursing mothers to increase their supply of breastmilk.The most common reasons for low milk supply are illness, fatigue, stress and returning to work.Often a decrease in supply is temporary but if you need a boost Fenugreek may help you. Although Fenugreek has been used for centuries by lactating mothers to increase milk supply its use in the United States is more recent and there are no controlled studies available about its use. Fenugreek has an age old reputation as a breast enlarger and contains diosgenin which is used to make synthetic estrogen and has been shown to promote the growth of breast cells. You can drink fenugreek as a tea, use it in yogurt, applesauce or soups, or make a light mixture with any lotion and massage it directly into the breasts. It may also aid in increasing sexual desire in women as well as increasing breast beauty and health.

Fenugreek contains choline which may aid the thinking process, and antioxidants that slow aging and help prevent disease. It is also helpful in calming PMS and symptoms.

Fennel relieves gas, gastrointestinal tract spasms, post chemotherapy and radiation treatments, helps liver, kidneys, spleen, clears lungs. Said to be useful as eyewash (better check up on this with your doctor). Helps with acid stomach.

According to the latest reports from the herbal community you can take the Saw Palmetto and it works by itself to increase the bustline. Here is some information on Saw Palmetto and also some exercises for you to start.

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 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.

Saw palmetto is currently used in the U.S. as a treatment for prostate enlargement though it is coming back into use as a breast enhancer and sexual tonic. This remarkable herb has no side effects or drug interactions.

The herbs, exercises and changing your diet a little can add a cup size. I used and still use the herbs because I lost 80 pounds and lost a couple of sizes in the breast area. I have added one full size since I started taking the herbs and doing the exercises.

All women want great looking breasts. But before I answer your question, let me give you a quick anatomy lesson. Your breasts are actually made up of fatty or adipose tissue, so their size depends upon how much fat you tend to store there, which calls in factors like your genetics, your weight, your health and your age. The muscles that reside directly underneath your breast are called the pectorals. They are partly responsible for the "perkiness" of your breasts. So to answer your question: No, you can't do anything about the size of your breasts (short of gaining weight or getting surgery.)

However, you can make them appear bigger, firmer and more shapely by working your pectoral muscles, a.k.a your chest muscles. But the good news is that you can tuck that twenty dollar bill back inside your bra -- there is no magical product, cream or device that will help you put your best breasts forward. I'm going to recommend three exercises for you to do at home that won't cost you a dime and will put more boom in your boom-chicka-boom in 6-8 weeks. Simply do 1-3, 8-15 rep sets of each move, 2-3 times a week and I guarantee you'll see results! Have fun.

1. The Modified Push Up

Lie on your stomach, bend your knees, and cross your ankles. Bend your elbows and place your palms on the floor a bit to the side and in front of your shoulders. Straighten your arms and lift your body so you're balanced on your palms and knees. Tuck your chin a few inches toward your chest so your forehead faces the floor. Tighten your abdominals.

Bend your elbows and lower your entire body at once. Rather than trying to touch your chest to the floor, lower only until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Push back up. Don't lock your elbows at the top of the movement and don't do the dreaded "head bob." That's when you dip your head toward the floor without moving any other part of your body.

2. Soup Can Press

Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and a soup can or dumbbell in each hand. Push the soup cans up so your arms are directly over your shoulders and your palms face away from you. Pull your abdominals in but don't jam your back into the floor; don't let it arch way up, either. Tilt your chin toward your chest.

Lower the soup cans down and a little to the side until your elbows lightly touch the floor. Push the weights back up, taking care not to lock your elbows or allow your shoulder blades to rise off the floor. (Note: Use soup cans of equal weight. When those get too light, you can fill two Pinesol bottles with dried beans or pebbles.)

3. Incline Fly

Lie on the floor with your head, neck and upper back propped up against several large pillows. Hold a soup can or dumbbell in each hand and press the weights directly above your chest, palms facing each other. Tuck your chin to your chest to align your neck with the rest of your spine, and maintain your natural back posture, neither arched nor flattened.

Spreading your arms apart so that your elbows travel down and to the sides, lower the weights until your elbows lightly touch the floor. Maintaining a constant bend in your elbows, lift the weights back up, imagining that you have a barrel lying on your chest and you have to keep your arms wide to reach around it.

If you have any questions--please contact me.

Take Care
Jackie