Chuchuhuasi; Gnikélé

For hormone balance

Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus) use is for menstrual cycle symptoms, and not necessarily directly for herbal breast enhancement.

Maytenus has anti-inflamatory, anti-spasm and pain relieving properties that assist with menstrual cramp pain (dysmenorrhea). This effect was shown in Gnikélé (Maytenus senegalensis) for its pain-relieving and anti-inflamatory effects. Maytenus rigida specifically demonstrated an anti-spasm effect. These effects seem common generally amongst species of Maytenus, as of how its use is described throughout traditional medicine.

The parts of Maytenus plants that are used are its bark and root.

Similar herbs

Also useful for reducing menstrual cramps are of the Viburnum genus: Cramp Bark (V. opulus) and Black Haw (V. prunifolium).

Precautions

See precautions for more details of care to be taken with herb use. Proper nutrition is a consideration for health. Also, check for the latest blog updates about herb and hormone safety.

It is very important that menses be light and not prolonged.

If you have hirsutism, PCOS, hot-flashes, other signs of hormone imbalances, see estrogen-imbalance, and hirsutism program journals at hirusitism-topic before trying herbs.

Herb concentrates can be tens of times more potent by weight than herbs in solid form. This can easily lead to hormone imbalances. For this reason, concentrate extracts are not recommended for extended or excessive internal use, especially during fertility years. Concentrates shouldn't be used to overcome plateaus. Another issue with herbal extracts, is that they may not have the full range of properties of the herb. Essential oils are not recommended for breast enhancement. If opting to use herb extracts, use no more than 1 drop at a time diluted in a food-grade carrier oil (like unrefined olive oil), or water.