Home remedies for Mastitis
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is a common infection that usually happens to breastfeeding women. Although this problem tends to develop at any time during breastfeeding, it is more likely to occur in the early days and weeks after birth.
Normally, mastitis may happen in one breast, there is only 5 – 10% chance that the other breast will develop this condition.
What Are The Causes of Mastitis?
Mastitis can be caused by various reasons, including:
- The plugged milk ducts (or Failure to remove breast milk, resulting in infection in the breast)
- Mismanagement of breastfeeding (or poor attachment of the baby to her/his mother’s breast)
- Bacterial growth in the mother’s breast
Common Signs and Symptoms of Mastitis
Women who are experiencing mastitis may appear these following signs and symptoms:
- Redness
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Discomfort and tenderness to touch
In some severe cases, mastitis can lead to chills and fever, resulting in more serious complications.
Home remedies for mastitis
You can ease your discomfort and remove this condition by using several simple natural treatments.
Here are the best home remedies for mastitis that should be applied at home.
- Apple cider vinegar
This vinegar is one of the best ways to get rid of mastitis naturally and quickly. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, apple cider vinegar can help decrease inflammation, and prevent the spread of infection as well. In addition, it is also useful to improve immune system.
How to use:
- Add 1 – 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water and then stir it well.
- Dip a cotton pat into this mixture and apply it on your affected area
- Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water
- Repeat this home treatment 2 – 3 times daily until your symptoms resolve.
Or:
- Combine ½ teaspoon of honey, one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 350 – 500ml warm water.
- Stir it well
- Drink this solution twice a day until you feel better.
- Massage
Hundreds of studies have shown that massage is an effective way to get rid of mastitis fast and safely. About 10 minutes of massage might help soften your nipple and reduce the pain and discomfort caused by mastitis. it is recommended that using a warming massage oil can maximize the benefits of this therapy.
How to use:
- Pour 5 – 6 drops of massage oil into your palm and rub your hands together until this oil becomes warmer.
- Massage your affected breast clockwise for 3 – 5 times
- Repeat this action 1 – 2 times daily until you notice a difference.
- Cold Compresses
While warm compress can help encourage milk production, cold compress has ability to alleviate pain and decrease your risk of swelling or inflammation caused by mastitis.
How to use:
- Go wrap some ice in a thin towel and put it over the affected breast
- Repeat this home remedy 2 – 3 times a day until you feel better
Alternatively, you can wash the towel in cold water and squeeze out all excess water before placing this towel on your breast.
- Honey
For thousands of years, honey has been used to treat a number of health concerns, including mastitis. It contains antibacterial agents and antibiotic properties which can help fight off harmful types of bacteria. For this reason, honey is always considered an effective method to remove mastitis symptoms.
How to use:
- Mix 1 – 2 teaspoons of raw honey and a glass of warm water
- Stir it well
- Consume this solution slowly
- Use this home remedy twice a day to get the best results.
- Garlic
Many studies have suggested that garlic is extremely effective at killing harmful bacteria causing the breast infection. In addition, due to its antiviral, antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, this kind of spice can help remove mastitis naturally and strengthen your immune system as well.
How to use:
- Consume 1 – 2 fresh peeled garlic in the morning on an empty stomach
- In case you hate its strong smell, you can mix it with fruit juice of warm water before using.
If you want to use garlic supplements, always make sure to ask your doctor first.
- Aloe Vera
Another home treatment that should be applied to cure mastitis at least once in your lifetime is Aloe Vera. Many medical experts have suggested that antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties found in this plant can help reduce swelling and pain associated with mastitis. In addition, it also contains pain-relieving properties, resulting in faster healing.
How to use:
- Wash the aloe vera leaf and cut it carefully to extract fresh gel from it.
- Rub this gel on the affected breast
- Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes
- Wash it off with warm water
- Use a soft towel to dry yourself
- Repeat these steps twice a day until your symptoms disappear
- Fenugreek Seeds
According to 2003 study conducted by American International Medical University, fenugreek seeds can help stimulate the mammary glands to produce milk. Moreover, due to its high content of flavonoids, they are very useful to eliminate infection as well as inflammation.
How to use:
- Soak one cup of fenugreek seeds in water for 6 – 8 hours and and then to grind them into a paste.
- Make this paste slightly warm by using the microwave
- Wrap it in a thin towel and then apply it over your affected breast.
- Repeat this natural treatment twice daily to get the best results.
Additional tips:
- Regular consumption of fluids can help stay hydrated, resulting in a lower risk of getting this condition.
- Make sure that your own bra is fitting properly. If your bra is too tight, it may lead to engorgement and trigger a plugged duct.
- Keep your breasts or nipples clean before or after feeding your baby.
source: https://authorityremedies.com/home-remedies-for-mastitis/