Please allow us to talk about breasts for a minute. Not in the inappropriate way, but in a real grown-up, lived-in body way. Between raising children, entering a new mid-life chapter, or dealing with the bodily changes that come with aging, it can be hard to take care of yourself…and your boobs. 

Why Use Castor Oil For Breast Health?

By applying castor oil to breast tissue, you can help support overall breast wellness. A castor oil pack on the breasts can promote circulation and lymphatic flow, both of which help nourish and detox breast tissue. The theory, then, is that castor oil may help repair and maintain breast tissue. As of now, though, there is no scientific evidence that supports these claims. They are merely anecdotal and women have been applying castor oil packs to their breasts for centuries. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter is an all-purpose bag that can help nourish the skin and hair, regardless of the time of year. It works to soften, protect, and smooth, and is suitable for almost everyone. Many women find shea butter to be a great hypoallergenic balm to help maintain breast firmness. You can apply it liberally to the breasts as a natural firming treatment. Due to the moisturizing nature of shea butter, it may help reduce stretch marks, itching, and skin tightness. In fact, it helps preserve skin elasticity when used regularly. 

Beeswax

There are many beeswax nipple covers intended for breastfeeding mothers, as the beeswax helps protect the nipples from irritation. Beeswax is an emollient, humectant, and occlusive, so it soothes and softens the skin by filling in gaps and smoothing the surface. It also attracts moisture to the skin and helps the skin retain that moisture. That’s why it is highly effective for preventing nipple pain and cracking. It is highly beneficial for the skin, but no evidence suggests that it will increase breast size or firm up sagging breasts. 

Geranium Essential Oil

Commonly used in aromatherapy applications, geranium essential oil may help to reduce feelings of stress or anxiety. It may also enhance concentration, cognitive function, and help balance hormones. In cosmetic applications, geranium essential oil has a reputation for eliminating dead skin cells and tightening the skin. It may also promote the regeneration of new skin cells and diminish the signs of aging. Studies confirm that the astringent properties in geranium essential oil work to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of sagging or wrinkling. 

DIY Firming Castor Oil Breast Balm

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed castor oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill a small saucepan with about one to two inches of water and place over low heat. 
• Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan and then add the shea butter and beeswax pellets. Allow them to melt, stirring occasionally with a clean spoon or small silicone whisk. 
• Once the shea butter and beeswax are fully melted, pour in the castor oil and remove from heat. 
• Add the essential oils, mix well, and then carefully pour the mixture into a clean jar or tin. Allow it to firm up at room temperature (about an hour). 
• Once firm, screw on a lid and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. When ready to use, warm a small amount between your hands. 
• Gently massage the balm into a clean chest and the under-breast area using slow, upward motions. Use two to three times per week, or nightly if desired.

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There is a common misconception about breast cancer, and it is thinking that you aren’t at risk if you don’t have a family history of it. The simple fact is that only 12% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. There are other risk factors that you should be aware of, including a sedentary lifestyle and taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Health experts estimate that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an important time for women to focus on prevention, education, and early detection. When you are knowledgeable about breast cancer, you can help reduce the risk of developing it and detect early issues. Continue reading to learn about five things every woman should know about breast cancer. 

Know Your Risk Factors

As is the case with many forms of cancer, risk factors vary from person to person. Family history, aging, and more are beyond your control, but understanding them can help you develop preventative measures. Statistically, women with close relatives (sister, mother, or daughter) who have had breast cancer have a higher risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are genetic mutations, also significantly increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Early menstruation, late menopause, and not having children are other risk factors to consider. When you know your risk factors, you can work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized screening plan.

When To Start Screening

Ideally, you should have annual breast exams at the doctor’s office starting at the age of 18. Annual mammograms should begin between the ages of 35 and 40. Health experts also encourage women to examine their own breasts monthly at the end of their period when breasts are the most tender. You should know your breasts better than anyone, so you should alert your doctor if you notice any lumps, swelling, nipple discharge or inversion, or any other changes. 

Pay Attention To Breast Rashes

Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer that presents itself as a rash. Some of the symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain and/or itchiness
• Severely enlarged pores on the breast(s)

Doctors tend to misdiagnose inflammatory breast cancer as dermatitis (a common skin infection) or mastitis (breast tissue inflammation) because it looks like a regular rash. If your rash does not respond to antibiotics within five days, your doctor may need to take a skin sample to test for cancer. 

Lifestyle Choices Make A Difference

Although not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Statistically, people who consume a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds have a lower risk of cancer than those who consume a lot of processed foods, saturated fat, and refined carbs. Additionally, regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise per day, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Finally, health experts urge women to maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause, because excess body fat can increase estrogen levels and contribute to cancer risk. 

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Most women know to look for lumps, as that is the most common indicator of breast cancer. Changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture (dimpling) can be red flags. It’s also possible for some women to experience redness or swelling of the breast, which could indicate inflammatory breast cancer (as we mentioned earlier). Early detection of these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment. If you notice something, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about it. 

At Dherbs, we believe that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to value the importance of early detection. That said, we don’t think that women should just focus on their health during October. Maintaining overall health and wellness is a year-round endeavor. Should you want to help cleanse the female reproductive system and optimize female health, consider our Female Cleanse.

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The younger a woman is, the less likely they are to get breast cancer. Abnormal changes occur as we age, which can explain the development of cancer.

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Breast cancer specialists advise annual screenings starting at 40 for asymptomatic women. If you have a higher risk, it’s often advised to get a mammogram before 40.

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Too much estrogen produces the overgrowth of cells which can increase the chances of cancer. Luckily, if the tumor is still only in the breast, the five year survival rate is over 99%.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:48 The five year survival rate is only 80% for breast cancer
2:03 Estrogen can be a carcinogen for breast cancer.
3:41 “There’s a gene that increases the risk of breast cancer by 80%.”
5:26 1 in 8 American women will get breast cancer in their lifetime.
6:47 Overtime
7:14 Outro

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A study found that 50.8% of breast cancers occurred on the left side, while 49.2% occurred on the right! Unfortunately, there isn’t enough data to explain why the risk of developing left-sided breast cancer is higher. MD’s recommend becoming familiar with your body to ensure you’re able to detect a change.

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1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This is why it’s extremely important to get a mammogram. It’s the best way to find breast cancer early.

0:00 Intro
0:39 If you have bigger breasts you’re more likely to get breast cancer?
1:48 How much do regular mammograms increase your chances of surviving cancer?
2:55 What’s the five-year survival rate of breast cancer?
4:28 Outro

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When Aunt Flo comes to town, your first inclination is not to go to the gym. Fatigue, cramps, or bloating can set in and exercising seems like torture. As torturous as hitting the gym may seem, squeezing in a workout while on your period may improve your symptoms. In fact, exercising may boost your mood and promote better physical well-being.

As most of you know, there are many benefits that stem from exercising. It is a great way to relieve anxiety and depression, boost cognitive function, and get your blood pumping. Staying active during your time of the month is highly beneficial, but there are certain things to keep in mind. There are ways to make your activities more enjoyable, but you also need to pay attention to signs that indicate the body’s need to rest. 

The Benefits Of Exercising While On Your Period

One of the biggest upsides to exercising while on your period is the potential to reduce cramps. A 2019 review of studies found that 45-60 minutes of any level of intensity exercise at least three times per week significantly reduced the pain of menstrual cramps. That means that brisk walking, strength training, or yoga can help you. This is because exercise increases levels of beta-endorphins, which are substances in the blood that help block pain. 

In addition to reducing menstrual cramp pain, exercise may also bring relief to symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and low mood. Exercise enhances blood flow and decreases levels of aldosterone, a hormone that tells the body to retain salt and water. Movement also increases the production of various anti-inflammatory compounds. This one-two punch is effective for relieving symptoms like tender breasts and bloating. Lastly, exercising encourages the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters like dopamine, which enhance your mood by promoting more positivity.

Exercises To Do

There isn’t a single exercise, or form of exercise, that is better to do on your period. Some activities, however, may positively impact your cycle more than others. Continue reading to learn which exercises are more beneficial to do while on your period. 

Cardio Workouts

Aerobic or cardiovascular “cardio” workouts are exercises that get your blood pumping. Popular cardio workouts include jogging, dancing, walking, or swimming. Several studies found that aerobic workouts can help shorten the duration of your cycle. Cardio exercises may also decrease the severity of symptoms, including bloating and cramps, that occur during your period. Consider taking a brisk walk or riding your bike to help boost your mood and ease symptoms that hit during your time of the month. 

Low-Intensity Exercises

Yoga, stretching, Tai Chi, and Pilates are excellent forms of low-intensity exercises. Many low-intensity movements can help reduce the severity of cramps, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Certain yoga poses may also provide relief from PMS symptoms. For example, Cobra pose may combat depression and low energy, while Child’s pose may relieve fatigue and bloating. 

Resistance Training

If lifting weights or engaging in bodyweight exercises is your preferred workout style, there’s no reason to skip these workouts during your cycle. Strength training may not alleviate menstrual symptoms, but weight-lifting techniques during the follicular phase (first day of your period through ovulation) may help improve muscle mass and tone. Try to avoid heavy lifting during your time of the month, though. In fact, you may want to opt for lighter weights than you typically use. 

Exercises To Avoid

Certain activities and exercises may be more appropriate to do on your period, while others need to be avoided. Many women can still carry out their regular exercise routines during their cycles, just with minor adjustments. In general, you should reduce the intensity and frequency of training during this time. You don’t have to stop working out, but cutting back a little may benefit your body. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, but the general consensus is that pushing yourself too hard can negatively affect your cycle. To avoid missing periods or stopping your cycle entirely, avoid high-intensity workouts like long-distance running. Consider keeping an exercise diary to note how different exercises positively or negatively affect your cycle. If you know that your energy levels are low, though, opt for yoga and other low-intensity workouts.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which explains all of the pink ribbons that you see on different business campaigns. “Pinkwashing,” as many people refer to it, is the act of caring about breast cancer awareness, despite the fact that those same businesses may sell or produce products that contain chemicals linked to causing breast cancer. For this reason, many people aim to inform people about pink ribbon scams and how they can donate to the right causes. 

Do Your Research

This is a general blanket rule when it comes to donating money. Always know where you’re investing your time and money because too many corporations can profit from illnesses, especially in regards to the pink ribbon. Organizations should always be clear about what donations are funding, and it should be clear on their websites. If an organization or corporation can’t inform the public about where those dollars are going, consider donating to a different space. Additionally, always consider whether the product you’re buying contributes to an increased risk of breast cancer. 

Indications Of Pinkwashing

Creative marketing will get you nine times out of 10, which is an unfortunate reality. When it comes to the pink ribbon, there are no regulations on who can and cannot use it for marketing purposes. Any organization, then, can participate in pinkwashing, which is a term that Breast Cancer Action coined in 2002. One sign of pink washing is if they put a limit on how much money you can donate to the cause. Some companies will sell products that tote the pink ribbon, but cap how much money made from that product will go towards breast cancer research and funding. Another red flag is if the company doesn’t provide information on where the money is going. If you don’t see that information on the website or social media, pinkwashing is happening. 

Keep in mind that some products being sold in the name of breast cancer actually contribute to the disease. Certain cosmetics, for example, contain harmful chemicals that increase the risk of breast cancer. Always pay attention to what an organization sells before donating. Additionally, check what they aim to achieve by selling products or hosting events for the pink ribbon. Awareness is excellent, but are the organizations speaking to actions? Action is always more critical!

Pink Promotions Can Degrade Women

“Save the boobies,” “save the ta-tas,” or even “save second base” campaigns demean and insult women. Not only are these slogans degrading, but they also distract from the focus of saving women’s lives. These slogans highlight narrow beauty standards and depict women as sexual objects. The “sexy/cute” campaign ideas hide the lives lived by women of diversity and complexity. It is important to honor all women in the fight against breast cancer and not narrowly define body parts as the central focus for breast cancer campaigns. 

Pink Ribbon Culture Obscures Breast Cancer Reality

It seems counterintuitive that raising awareness about a disease could obscure the harsh reality of the disease itself. This is done, however, by creating a singular story of triumphant survivorship and positive thinking. The idea for breast cancer campaigns is that everything is pink, pretty, and positive. Breast cancer is anything but pretty and pink, and it is obscured by “fight like a girl” or “fight hard” campaigns. Some women who fight the good fight still develop metastatic cancer and can die from the disease. Basically, breast cancer is profitable when it is palatable, and the pink ribbon covers up the harsh reality that many women deal with. 

Find An Organization You Can Trust

Even though there are organizations that profit off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are great foundations that put donation dollars to good use. Many of these organizations are dedicated to finding a cure, as well as supporting patients and survivors. If you are not sure where to start, try to search through Charity Navigator which features a list of high-rated organizations. You can also check resources on the Breast Cancer Action website. Great organizations include Silent Spring Institute, Tigerlily Foundation, METAvivor, and Women’s Cancer Resource Center. 

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Cancer occurs when some of the body’s cells behave abnormally, changing, growing, and reproducing more than usual. In the case of breast cancer, abnormal cell growth occurs in breast tissue cells. Identifying what you may deem a breast cancer symptom can send you into a negative spiral of anxiety. The fear is justifiable, but confirm the diagnosis instead of thinking that the problem will resolve itself. 

What Is Breast Cancer?

The National Cancer Institute suggests that 12.8% of women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer at some point over the course of their lives. The risk increases with age, but a person is never “too young” to develop breast cancer, according to doctors. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, and the cells that turn cancerous will determine the type of breast cancer. Breast cancer can occur in the lobules, ducts, and connective tissues in the breasts, but most cancers tend to occur in the ducts or lobules. 

It’s possible for breast cancer to spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the cancer is said to have metastasized. Fortunately, oncologists say that the five-year survival rate at the earliest stage of breast cancer is 98.5%. That’s why it’s integral to understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, which you can learn about below. 

A Hard Painless Lump

The most well-known, and common, sign of breast cancer is a lump; however, having a lump is not always indicative of cancer. Some lumps are often benign cysts, while other lumps are harmless and occur during pregnancy. If you detect or feel a lump that sticks around for more than one period cycle, visit your doctor. 

One Or Both Nipples Are Inverted

All breasts are different and the same can be said for nipples. Some nipples point out, others are perfectly flat, and some point inward, a.k.a inverted. Some women have naturally inverted nipples, and this is not a sign of breast cancer. If you notice that one or both of your nipples are no longer erect and now inverted, you should call your doctor to check it out. 

Discoloration Of Breast Skin

Age and health history are key factors in regards to this symptom of breast cancer. If you are in your 30s and breastfeeding, discolored breast skin may indicate mastitis, an infection of breast tissue that results from a blocked milk duct. If you are in your 50s or 60s and/or postmenopausal and you notice skin discoloration on one or both of your breasts, that is cause for concern. Unless you recall a bug bite or injury affecting the breast, contact your doctor for an exam to determine the cause. During the examination, the doctor should determine whether inflammatory breast cancer is the cause. Discoloration may include red and inflamed breasts that feel heavy. 

Your Breast Has Similar Texture To A Golf Ball

Dotted craters, or dimpling, on an area of one or both breasts may indicate breast cancer. Consistent with breast shrinkage, the tumor may pull on the skin and cause irregular divots. As a result, the breast may appear textured and resemble an orange peel or golf ball. Peau d’orange, or “skin of the orange” in French, is when the breast looks like an orange peel, and this may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. 

One Breast Shrinks

If both breasts used to be full and then you notice one is visibly smaller, a tumor may exist in that smaller breast. When a tumor is in one breast, it will pull the skin and ligaments and cause the breast to shrink. A large percentage of breast tissue is fat, which cancer eats up and causes the breast to appear smaller. 

Unusual Nipple Discharge

Any expert will tell you that the only fluid that should exit the nipple is breast milk, provided you are breastfeeding. If you notice other fluid or nipple discharge, including blood discharge, that warrants a call to your doctor. It is possible that breast cancer isn’t the cause of nipple discharge, though. Sometimes, it may occur because of a benign growth, but you should not neglect it, especially if the discharge is unexplained.

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