6 Natural Treatments to Calm Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection in the breast tissue that can cause sensitivity, pain and redness in one or both breasts.

It often affects women who are breastfeeding. however, in a few cases, it can be caused by other infections that are not related to lactation.

In this article, you’ll learn about natural treatments to calm mastitis.

Mastitis can be accompanied by general discomfort, feverish episodes and symptoms similar to the common cold.

It occurs when there is an obstruction in the milk ducts, which causes bacteria growth like Staphylococcus aureus, that is able to enter the breast through the nipple.

While it’s not a problem for the baby, depending on the severity of the situation, it can cause problems for the mother when she breast feeds because of the uncomfortableness.

So, in addition to listening to your doctor’s advice, it’s a good idea to keep these natural treatments in mind to calm it. 

In this article, we will share the 6 best treatments that you shouldn’t hesitate to try if you are faced with this problem.

Take note!

1. Thyme

Compresses infused with thyme are a therapeutic tool with anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties that, together, help to accelerate the healing process of mastitis.

Applying it directly to the irritated nipples will calm the pain and redness. 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of thyme (15 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Add a tablespoon of thyme to a cup of boiling water and cover it.
• Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and then strain.

How to use it

• Soak a cloth or compress in the liquid and apply it to your breasts for 20 minutes.
• Repeat this remedy twice a day if you find it necessary.

2. Rosemary

The emollient and antiseptic effects of rosemary can help to calm the symptoms associated with the breast infection.

Its properties diminish the sensitivity and help to stimulate milk flow to reduce the obstruction. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of rosemary (30 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Pour the rosemary into a cup of boiling water and cover it.
• Let it steep for 20 minutes and then strain.

How to use it

• Soak a compress in the infusion and apply it to the affected breast for 15 minutes.
• Repeat its use 2 or 3 times a day.

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek infusion acts as a natural tonic for the skin, decreasing cracks, burning and other uncomfortable symptoms that come with mastitis. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of dried fenugreek leaves (15 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Add the fenugreek leaves to a cup of boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes.
• Filter the liquid and apply it as hot as you can handle.

How to use it

• Soak a cloth or towel in the infusion and apply it to the affected breast for 20 minutes.
• Repeat its use 2 times a day, until the infection is cured.

4. Carrot and honey

An external carrot and honey mask can help to reduce the burning and sensitivity of the breasts.

The honey has a light antibiotic effect that, when used on the skin, can help to treat infections.

Ingredients

• 1 carrot
• 2 tablespoons of honey (50 g)

Preparation

• Blend the carrot until you have a thick paste.
• Pour into a bowl and mix it with the honey.

How to use it

• Rub the mask onto the affected breast and let steep for 20 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and repeat its use 2 times a day.

5. Marigold

The antibacterial, anti inflammatory and healing properties of marigold help to control the breast infection by calming the pain and preventing complications.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of marigold flowers (30 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Pour the marigold flowers into a cup of boiling water and cover it.
• After letting it sit, strain it and apply.

How to use it

• Soak a clean cloth in the infusion and apply it like a compress to the affected breast.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, rinse and repeat 3 times a day.

6. Mallow

The extracts that are released from mallow leaves in a decoction can decrease inflammation and pain caused by mastitis.

After it’s applied externally, it improves circulation in the breast tissues and helps to accelerate recuperation. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of mallow leaves (30 g)
• 1 cup of water(250 ml)

Preparation

• Add the mallow leaves to a cup and heat it over a low flame for 5 minutes.
• Cover the liquid and let it sit until it reaches room temperature. When it’s ready to use, strain it.

How to use it

• Soak a cloth in the liquid and rub it on the affected breast.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes and then clean the surface with warm water and a damp cloth.

Mastitis tends to cause more complications when it’s not treated correctly. Therefore, in addition to using these remedies, it’s important that you talk to your doctor.

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