Mastitis is a condition that can sometimes appear in the cases of breastfeeding mothers. Although it’s more likely for it to affect mothers three months after delivery, it can actually appear at any time during the breastfeeding period. Its cause is typically a blockage in the milk duct, which can lead to infections. Mastitis signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and sensitivity to the touch. It’s very important to consult a doctor if you notice either of these symptoms. But using some natural and effective home remedies for mastitis in parallel, you can hasten the healing process and resume your undisturbed care for your newborn. Below, you will see some of our best recommendations, which we’ve gathered based on how easy to acquire these treatments are and just how effective they can be in the fight against this affliction.
1. Cabbage
Cabbages are rich in sulfur compounds that are particularly useful for soothing swellings and inflammations caused by infections. They also favor a proper circulation, which can help combat the most common cause of mastitis: clogged ducts.
Instructions:
- Take a cabbage and remove a few of the leaves.
- Then, place them in the fridge for around 30 minutes.
- Next, take out one of the cabbage leaves and place it directly over the affected breast.
- Keep it pressed against the skin until it reaches room temperature and then switch it for a new, chilled leaf.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until you’re noticing an improvement
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a high concentration of acetic acid, which is excellent in dealing with inflammations and infections. As such, it’s one of the most reliable home remedies for mastitis since it can easily help tone down swellings, redness, and the other symptoms. It works especially well when used as an inside-out treatment.
Instructions:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a little bit of honey.
- Next, stir into a cup of water to incorporate everything thoroughly.
- Drink this mixture 3 times a day for the next 2-3 weeks.
3. Garlic
Garlic has deep antibiotic properties and, thus, it’s fantastic for dealing with the infection that’s causing the mastitis. Furthermore, garlic will also soothe inflammation and irritations that come with this condition, promoting safe and natural healing.
Instructions:
- In the morning, don’t eat anything.
- Take two cloves of raw garlic and then mash them to make them easier to consume.
- Add to a piece of bread and then eat them.
- Alternatively, if you can eat garlic cloves by themselves, cut them in small pieces and eat while alternating with a glass of water or orange juice.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties stemming from the high concentration of acrylic acid. Acrylic acid is a compound that’s particularly useful against redness, swellings, and inflammations. Thus, coconut oil is one of the home remedies for mastitis that will drastically help soothe the symptoms and signs of this affliction.
Instructions:
- Take a little bit of coconut oil and rub it between your hands to warm it up slightly.
- Gently massage the sensitive area and the area surrounding it for 2-3 minutes.
- Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with clean water before you resume your breastfeeding.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for the next few weeks until the symptoms gradually fade away.
5. Pineapple
Pineapple is one of the best natural sources for bromelain, a compound which has a number of great health benefits, including a deep anticoagulant property. Thanks to it, you can gradually unclog milk ducts and contribute to a steady but certain healing.
Instructions:
- You can easily reap benefits from pineapple by drinking a glass of pineapple juice every day.
- To prepare some juice at home, start by cleaning and cutting a fresh pineapple.
- Slice it in small cubes and then place in a blender.
- Optionally, you can add 2-3 teaspoons of sugar to sweeten it and a few ice cubes to make it cooler.
- Add 1 cup of water and then blend everything together.
- Serve in a glass of choice and drink several times throughout the day for 2-3 weeks.
6. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds can help fight against staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that’s behind the infection responsible for mastitis. Therefore, it’s one of the most potent home remedies for mastitis that you could use. It helps reduce inflammation, redness, swelling, and other unpleasant symptoms associated with this condition.
Instructions:
- Soak 4 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and leave them to sit overnight.
- Next morning, grind these seeds until you get a fine paste.
- Warm this paste up over a stove and when it becomes bearable enough for your skin, slather over the sensitive area as a hot compress.
- Keep it on until it cools down and then make sure to repeat 1-2 times a day for the next few weeks.
7. Aloe Vera
People have been using aloe vera to treat a number of infections and unpleasant infections for the longest of time. It’s very soothing and perfect for soothing the pain that comes with mastitis. Thanks to this, it’s one of the home remedies for mastitis you should definitely consider in order to help reduce the symptoms of this affliction.
Instructions:
- Take an aloe vera leaf and then split it in two in the middle.
- Extract the gel from it and then apply it directly to the sensitive patch of skin on your breast.
- Allow the gel to dry out naturally.
- Finally, rinse thoroughly before you breastfeed your baby.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until you’re noticing improvements.
8. Calendula
Calendula is a truly magnificent natural treatment for mastitis. First and foremost, it helps you cope with the symptoms of this condition, soothing the pain and irritation that are often the most common forms of expression for this affliction. Furthermore, it also has antibacterial properties that will fight the bacteria causing the responsible infection.
Instructions:
- Take an equal amount of calendula flowers and comfrey leaves and then mash them together until you get a paste.
- Warm this paste up, though make sure it’s not too hot, and then apply directly to your affected breast.
- Let this mix sit for around 15 minutes and then wash thoroughly with warm water.
- Repeat this treatment 3-4 times a day for proper results.
9. Honey
Honey is pretty famous for its fantastic antibacterial properties, having been used to treat a number of infection-based afflictions. As such, honey is also one of the best home remedies for mastitis you could turn to when seeking some relief from the ailment’s unpleasant symptoms.
Instructions:
- Eat 2-3 spoons of raw, organic honey throughout the day for the next few weeks.
- Alternatively, another great way to digest honey while keeping its properties intact is by using it as a sweetener in your tea.
- Prepare any kind of tea that you desire and allow for it to cool down slightly, just enough to stop steaming.
- Only then add a couple of spoons of honey.
- Drink the tea while it’s still warm and repeat 2-3 times a day for the next few weeks.
10. Echinacea
Echinacea is an old and reliable treatment against all kinds of infections, including the one responsible for the development of mastitis. As such, Echinacea is a herbal remedy worth considering since it will boost your immune system and help your body fight the infection much quicker. However, be wary to not turn this into a long term treatment since it can possibly have damaging effects to your health.
Instructions:
- Acquire some Echinacea extract.
- Next, add 4-5 drops of the substance to a glass of water and stir lightly to incorporate in the water mass thoroughly.
- Drink the glass all at once.
- Finally, make sure to repeat this process 3-4 times a day for a week at most.
11. Lavender
Lavender is an excellent soother of all kinds of pains, particularly those caused by infections such as the one responsible for mastitis. As such, it’s a readily available and effective treatment that you can rely on when looking for a speeding of the recovery process.
Instructions:
- You can procure some lavender essential oil and gently massage it directly onto the sensitive area for around 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can use lavender tea bags.
- Take a few tea bags and then soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Finally, dip a clean cloth in the water and then gently apply it to the sensitive area.
- Repeat either of these processes 2-3 times a day for the next several weeks for visible effects.
12. Grapefruit
Grapefruit, just like any other foods that contain vitamin C, will help you get on the road to recovery much faster. Vitamin C is an important ally against mastitis since it helps fight infection and repair damaged skin tissue. Furthermore, it boosts your immune system, giving it the extra push to fight even harder against the infection.
Instructions:
- To get the best of effects, prepare a homemade citric juice with as many vitamin C-packed fruits as possible.
- Peel some grapefruits, oranges, mandarins, and lemons.
- Throw the slices in a blender and then add some optional ice.
- Blend everything together until you get the juice and then pour in a glass.
- Have 2-3 glasses of this juice throughout the day until your symptoms begin to fade away.
13. Hot and Cold Compresses
Cold compresses are going to help you reduce swelling and inflammation. On the other hand, hot compresses promote proper circulation and will help unclog ducts. Therefore, hot and cold compresses are some of the easiest home remedies for mastitis that you could practice.
Instructions:
- Heat up some water and then pour in a plastic bottle, which you should then wrap in a towel.
- Next, wrap a fistful of ice cubes in another towel.
- Press the hot compress against the affected breast for 15 minutes.
- Afterwards, remove and then use the cold compress for another 5 minutes.
- Repeat this cycle 2-3 times every day for the next few weeks.
Conclusion
Mastitis is a condition that can happen to any breastfeeding mother and you can never know when it will hit you. By combining the expert advice of a doctor with the home remedies for mastitis you’ve just read about, you will be able to get on the road to recovery in no time.
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