Breast pain or tenderness is a common health problem that women face right from their adolescence.
The pain has many scientific names such as mastalgia, mammalgia, and mastodynia, etc. It is a common issue that women face at different stages of their life.
Breast pain comes with symptoms such as tenderness, heaviness or tightness in the breasts, dull ache, discomfort, burning sensation inside the breast tissue, etc. [1]
Luckily, you can take care of your breast pain using natural remedies. Some essential oils for breast pain can soothe the discomfort, burning sensation, tenderness, and soreness.
Causes of Breast Pain
Hormonal imbalance is the primary reason for breast tenderness or pain. Hormones are responsible for many internal functions in a woman’s body.
Women experience the first peak of these hormonal tides in their puberty. The hormonal changes manifest themselves in some physical changes and functions at this early stage of life.
Beginning of the monthly cycle or menstruation, a rapid development or transformation of reproductive organs such as breasts, uterus, vagina, etc. are all natural part of feminine growth during adolescence. [1]
The second peak of hormonal changes comes after the menopause. These crucial factors along with pregnancy, breastfeeding, emotional imbalance, size of the breasts, etc. are very intimate to feminine physicality and have effects on the overall health of women breasts. [2]
You may experience the pain in the upper and outer areas of the breasts, and in the underarm regions. Breast pain doesn’t always mean breast cancer. Some reasons may affect the health of the breasts and cause pain, swelling, and tenderness. In the U.S.A. alone 50-70% of women suffer from breast pain. [2]
Here are the possible reasons for breast tenderness: [3]
- Certain medications
- Hormonal imbalances
- Adolescence
- Premenstrual syndrome or PMS
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding (possible infection)
- Acid reflux
- Alcoholism
- Psychological conditions
- Herpes zoster
- Peptic ulcer
- Structure and size of the breasts
- Cosmetic surgeries of the breasts
- Menopause
- Diet
- Stress and depression
5 Essential Oils for Breast Pain and Tenderness
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil or Lavandula angustifolia originates from the aromatic lavender blossoms. The therapeutic plant is a native to the Mediterranean region.
For very long time lavender oil is popular in aromatherapy due to its calming and relaxing effects. The oil is one of the potent sources of anti-inflammatory, sedative, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antibacterial properties.
Lavender oil can relieve much of the symptoms of PMS, mood changes, stress, anxiety, etc. these psychological aspects have an enormous toll on breast pain. [4]
The calming oil boosts circulation process and helps to channel oxygen and nutrients in the breast tissues.
Thus, the oil can relieve pain, discomfort, and soreness of the breasts. Lavender oil promotes proper functioning of the lymph nodes, the hormonal levels, and deals with lower blood pressure responsible for breast pain. [5]
Key Takeaway:
Due to its antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil can reduce inflammation and pain by relaxing the muscle.
Read More: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
2. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense is more famous as an aromatic resin that has a sacred connotation in religious practices from biblical times. The sweetly scented resin comes from the Boswellia sacra trees. Frankincense essential oil originates from this tree resin through steam distillation.
Frankincense oil is one of the most studied essential oils. Researchers have confirmed its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The medicinal oil or ‘King of oils’ is a solution to hundreds of health problems that we often face. [6]
Frankincense oil contains boswellic acids, which are essential molecules to relieve tender breast and associated pain.
One pertinent question is whether frankincense oil can inhibit breast cancer?
Various medical researchers said the oil could contribute to reducing the timorous growth, and kill breast cancer cells. But, we need more research in this field. [7]
The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and sedative components of the therapeutic oil can provide peace, relaxation, and comfort to the lymph nodes of the breasts. You can either apply the oil on the breasts or indulge in an aromatic bath to take care of your breasts. [5]
Key Takeaway:
Boswellic acids of frankincense oil can soothe tender breast and pain. It can also reduce the possibility of breast cancer by decreasing the growth of the tumor, and killing the cancer cells.
Read More: 12 Health Benefits of Frankincense Oil + How to Use It
3. Geranium Oil
Sweet, fragrant geranium essential oil is steam distilled from the stems and leaves of the geranium plants. It is one of the best essential oils for balancing female hormonal levels. Some of the therapeutic chemical compounds of geranium oil include menthone, limonene, myrcene, Linalool, alpha-pinene, etc.
The aromatic oil has holistic healing effects on your body and mind. The anti-depressant, sedative, and antispasmodic properties can boost your emotional health.
Several medical types of research confirm that geranium oil is beneficial in regulating female hormones. The oils thus have positive effects in relieving premenstrual syndromes, menopausal hot flashes, anxiety, stress, insomnia, breast pain, and soreness. [8]
The oil promotes proper circulation process and contributes to cleansing the body off toxin elements. Hence geranium oil can inhibit inflammations and infections of breast tissues.
Key Takeaway:
Hormonal imbalance can be a reason behind breast pain and inflammation. Geranium oil can balance the hormone level. Besides, it can detoxify your body, thus prevent infections.
4. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage essential oil or Salvia sclarea comes from the perennial healing herb clary sage. The healing plant grows in plenty in the Mediterranean region, in Central Asia and Africa.
Clary sage oil is one of the potent natural hormone balancing agents. A recent study has shown that clary sage oil can lower cortisol level significantly and balance thyroid hormone. The oil works to balance the estrogen hormone as well. Hence the oil is a popular choice for postmenopausal women to relieve hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms. [9]
The oil contains anticonvulsive, sedative, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These therapeutic effects of the oil are essential for breast pain relief and related symptoms.
Clary sage oil is a potent nerve tonic. It can relax both your mind and muscle tensions. The essential oil can improve circulation system, relieve cramps, depression, insomnia, and tenderness of the breasts.
Key Takeaway:
Clary sage oil can balance thyroid hormone and estrogen hormone. Its sedative, anticonvulsive, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial components help reduce breast pain and symptoms related to it.
Read More: 18 Best Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness & How to Use Them
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil or Mentha piperita comes from the leaves and stems of the peppermint herbs. The earliest medicinal use of the herb goes back to ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations.
Peppermint oil has versatile use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and active phytochemicals that have so many health benefits both psychological and physical.
The oil is a rich storehouse (more than 50%) of menthol. This cooling natural chemical compound handles the analgesic effects of peppermint oil.
Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects can help soothe the pain and soreness of breasts. Recent studies have proved the circulatory and hormonal balancing potency of peppermint oil. [10]
Key Takeaway:
Peppermint oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce breast pain and soreness. Besides, it can balance female hormonal levels.
Read More: 12 Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil + (How to Use It)
How to Use Essential Oils for Breast Pain and Soreness (Essential Oil Recipes for Breast Pain)
Here are the best ways to use essential oils for breast pain and tenderness. You can choose any of the methods to relieve the tenderness of breasts naturally.
1. Essential Oils Topical Massage Blend Recipe for Breast Pain
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Combine 6-10 drops of lavender oil with 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil and prepare a massage blend. Massage the oil blend gently on the sore breasts, on the tender nipples and areola.
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A right way of massaging the breasts can stimulate the blood and lymphatic circulation in the breasts. Massage in a kneading movement and gently press the painful areas.
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You can cup the breasts on the palm of your hands and apply gentle pressure. Always pull and massage the breasts upwards to soothe the pain.
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Repeat the treatment twice daily to get rid of breast pain during and before the monthly period.
2. Aromatic Bath Using Essential Oils for Breast Pain Relief
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Add 5 drops of geranium oil, 5 drops of frankincense oil, and 10 drops of clary sage oil to hot shower water. Finally, mix 200 gm of Epsom salt and stir the water thoroughly.
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Soak in the mild warm solution for 15-20 minutes.
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This aromatic bath will soothe breast swellings, pain, and soreness. Besides, it will relieve your psychological problems as well.
Different Kinds of Breast Pain
Cyclic breast pain: Cyclical mastalgia or cyclical breast pain comes with menstrual cycle when there are hormonal changes inside the body. Your breasts may swell, become bulky and lumpy.
The pain appears in the upper and outer areas of the breasts and may spread to the underarm regions. Younger women usually experience the pain a few days or a week before the period begins. [11]
The pain subsides soon after the period ends. Women in the postmenopausal stage may experience cyclic breast pain if they are in hormone replacement therapy.
Non-cyclic breast pain: this kind of breast pain doesn’t come and go according to a menstrual cycle. Non-cyclic breast pain is random, sporadic and continuous. The pain originates in one of the breasts or a small section of it and spreads to the entire chest area.
Women between 30-50 years of age or in their postmenopausal stage are more prone to non-cyclic pain. The pain feels like stabbing, burning, or stinging sensations inside the breasts. The breasts may appear red and warm. The lactating mothers may handle this kind of breast pain while breastfeeding. [11]
Fibrocystic breasts or lumpy fibrous tissues, infection (mastitis), inflammation, a tear in breast muscles, pinched nerves, etc. may cause the pain as well.
Why Use Essential Oils for Breast Pain?
Essential oils are the essence or concentrated forms of plant extracts. The therapeutic oils come from plant roots, leaves, bark, flowers, resin, seeds, wood, etc. through steam distillation.
Essential oils are an integral part of aromatherapy to relieve many mental and physical disorders. Essential oils are time-tested remedies for nervous and circulatory systems, skin diseases, aches and pains, infection and inflammations. [12]
Essential oils can penetrate deep into the tissues and blood vessels of the breasts. Thus, the oils have healing effects on breast tissues to relieve pain and discomfort.
The potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of essential oils can inhibit inflammations and infection of every kind. The oils are a rich source of analgesic compounds that can numb the pain receptors and ease breast pain. [12]
Moreover, essential oils can help flush out excess water and toxin from the body through its diuretic effects. Edema is one of the reasons for breast soreness.
Here are best essential oils for breast pain to relieve the symptoms naturally.
Read More: 9 Coconut Oil Remedies for Vaginal, Skin, and Oral Yeast Infections
When Should You Visit a Doctor?
Breast pain is quite normal in every woman’s life. So, there’s nothing to worry about. But sometimes you may have severe pain in the breast that doesn’t go away. In that case, you must seek medical attention to diagnose whether you have breast cancer or not.
You may also have symptoms like a reddened breast with a dimpled skin, nipple discharge, or lumps. If you have any of these symptoms, immediately consult your doctor.
Bottom Line
Essential oils are safe to use for breast pain remedies during and before monthly menstrual cycle and after menopause. In case you are pregnant or breastfeeding your kid, consult a doctor before using the essential oils.
A change of lifestyle and food habits can help you relieve breast pain as well. Try to include foods enriched with fatty acids, magnesium, fibers, and vitamin E in your diet. Moreover, massage your breasts with proper guidelines to stimulate the lymphatic nodes inside the breasts.
Finally, unclasp that tight bra and let loose your breasts sometimes. These lifestyle changes along with essential oil remedies can effectively treat your breast pain in no time.
Read More: 10 Best Home Remedies for Endometriosis Backed by Science!
