Tea has been lauded for centuries for a host of health benefits. The wellness boon waiting in each cup of tea is mostly attributed to the rich concentration of polyphenols (antioxidants) found in green and black teas. While real tea is only derived from the camellia sinensis plant leaves, many herbal combinations have been “deemed” as tea since they are stepped in hot water before sipping, too.

Almost liken to yoga or the app store, there is seemingly a tea for just about everything. Any good naturalist is all too familiar with leaning on plants, especially tea, for non-medicinal remedies. And yes, that extends to the breasts. Tea has been linked with everything from making them grow to helping them produce more milk.

Here are a few ways a proper cuppa tea might do a healthy favor for the ladies.

Lactation

Mother’s milk is an herbal tea (meaning there aren’t any actual tea leaves present) that is praised by mothers to support their production of breast milk. The primary, or “active,” ingredient is fenugreek, a leafy plant that is commonly used in Indian cooking. However, in this use, the seeds are often complemented by other herbs to produce the tea. Fennel, anise, and coriander are other familiar ingredients in this bitter-sweet tasting drink that can be served hot or cold.

Cancer

The benefits tea provide in the prevention of cancer -- including breast cancer -- are substantial and even confirmed by the National Cancer Institute. The polyphenols in tea can inhibit tumor cell reproduction and promote cell death. Green teas are linked with activating detoxification enzymes that can protect against tumor development in the first place.

Green tea is especially important for preventing breast cancer. Its antioxidants reduce urinary estrogen, a carcinogen that promotes breast cancer.

Breast Enhancement

Pure spearmint tea (an herbal tea) has had some connections with promoting the growth of breast tissue. It actually works to block testosterone, thereby no longer impeding the growth. It’s certainly not a quick or overnight solution, but women do report seeing some growth.

The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook gives similar credit to fennel seed “tea,” made by brewing no more than a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a day. The natural plant-based estrogen it provides can promote breast growth.

Caution is advised against overconsumption of caffeine, which would be more than 300-400 milligrams per day. That would be about six cups of black or green tea, or three cups of black coffee! Also, staying within that caffeine range allows tea to count toward your daily water intake goals.