By Erica Kuo, Registered Herbalist in the United States, and NAHA, MIFPA Professional Aromatherapist in the United States and the United Kingdom, Founder of Rosemary Garden

I often receive letters from people who mention that they are in their forties, and their mother, aunt, and sister have been diagnosed with breast cancer one after another. They were shocked when they went for a checkup as per their family's advice and found out that they, too, have stage II breast cancer.

I have been involved in herbal education and consulting for over 13 years, and every year, I come across many cases of familial breast cancer like this. Typically, I recommend complementing treatment with herbal and aromatherapy remedies to alleviate discomfort during treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, skin inflammation, ulcers, oral and perineal ulcers, broken nails, and lymphatic swelling. I guide patients on how to use and blend the right oils and hydrosols to help them recover their health.

The following infused and cold-pressed oils from various plants are beneficial for breast health, providing us with the most natural, non-toxic skincare products given by nature:

1. Burdock Seed Oil: Many people have consumed burdock, but not everyone is aware of the health benefits of burdock seed oil. Burdock seed oil can help regenerate scalp tissue, maintain breast tissue health, particularly for those who have undergone biopsies, breast removal, and chemotherapy. Local discomfort, pain, and bruising can be quickly alleviated with burdock seed oil.

2. Calendula: Calendula-infused oil is very gentle and can even be used on newborns. It can promote lymphatic flow, keeping breasts soft and less prone to nodules. You can use calendula even if you don't have breast cancer, and it has natural sun protection properties. If you have oral or perineal mucous membrane ulcers, you can mix calendula hydrosol, yarrow hydrosol, and lavender hydrosol in equal proportions, then blend them with a fragrance-free and preservative-free aloe vera gel before applying locally. You'll see significant improvement in about a week. When used at the onset of a wound, calendula can also help suppress the formation of keloids.

3. Poke Root: This wild plant produces clusters of dark berries and has been used to treat breast cancer and breast abnormalities for centuries. It accelerates lymphatic metabolism and detoxification. The part used is the root. Over a decade ago, I had a one-centimeter-sized fibrocystic lump in my breast. It disappeared about a year or two after I started using "Breast Care Oil," which contains poke root, dandelion flower, burdock seed, and red clover.

4. Castor Oil: This is the only non-infused vegetable oil on the list. It is cold-pressed and has an unpleasant odor, and it's quite thick. It is best applied to the breasts and then used with a hot compress to help dissolve lumps and swellings. I also recommend using this oil on the breasts and abdominal area for a 20-minute hot compress.

5. Dandelion Flower: Dandelion is an inconspicuous weed. In the spring, I harvest dandelion flowers and infuse them in olive oil. This oil relaxes deep breast tissues, reducing nodules and cysts.

6. Red Clover: Red clover is a wild herb commonly found in European and American fields. It's well-known for its anticancer properties and its ability to promote lymphatic flow. The flowers of this plant are also famous for their anticancer effects when taken internally. Red clover-infused oil can be used for self-massage in the normal breast care routine of women.

Note: All the content provided here is for herbal education and should not be used as a reference for individual diagnosis and treatment. If you have a medical condition, please consult with a physician and seek advice from qualified herbal professionals.

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