5 Natural Home Remedies For Mastitis
Wondering how to heal mastitis without antibiotics?
Here are my tried and true natural remedies to stop the pain fast.
But, hold on.
Always check with your doctor before using natural remedies if you have allergies or other health concerns.
What is mastitis? Here are 5 signs to look for:
5 Symptoms of Mastitis
fever as high as 104
local redness, hard, tender, inflamed area
chills
achiness
exhaustion
Mastitis Fever
***Fever is usually the key indicator that you have mastitis and not a clogged duct. The goal is to rest and incorporate antibacterials to reduce your infection. Mastitis is typically a sign that we are overdoing it. Listen to your body, it's ok if you can't breastfeed or need to use formula.
If you're experiencing recurrent breast infections, you may want to be evaluated for adequate nutritional intake. Have your vitamin levels checked, and don't be afraid to increase them to reduce mastitis and possibly postpartum depression.
#1 Postpartum Supplements
Usually, we are so worn out and exhausted, and this is why mastitis sets in. Consider increasing your vitamins with liquid, high-quality supplements to boost your immunity. Add in…
Iron if it’s low and you lost a lot of blood during childbirth
Zinc with food
Vitamin C to boost immunity
Often, extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation is very common.
Therefore, adaptogens are necessary.
#2 Adaptogens for Stress
Lack of sleep, no help with the kids; Moms with mastitis are usually exhausted, and adaptogens can help!
Look for herbs that are safe to take while breastfeeding.
My two favorite Adaptogens during the nursing years are:
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Plugged duct or Mastitis?
Milk ducts can become inflamed, tender, and distended, creating a 'plugged duct'. In mastitis, the plugged duct is accompanied by a fever and infection.
Homeopathy for Mastitis
#3 Phytolacca Homeopathy
Homeopathy is the fastest, safest, and most efficient when used correctly. Consider taking phytolacca if your symptoms fit the list below.
Along with Echinacea, this helps resolve the inflammation within minutes. If you are having the following symptoms, consider Phytolacca as a remedy. Click here to purchase.
Phytolacca: Symptoms
Worse: Rising from bed, motion, swallowing hot drinks, cold, change of weather, rainy weather, breastfeeding.
Better: Pressure, lying on the abdomen or left side, cold drinks, supporting the breasts (in breastfeeding ailments), bathing, resting, warmth, dry weather.
Sore, cracked nipples, which hurt when the baby nurses.
Pains radiate from the affected area, and the breast is hard and lumpy.
The patient may feel heavy with flu-like symptoms, or may have a breast abscess threatening."
Dosing: Take 2 tablets, wait 20 minutes, take another 2, and you should see improvement.
#4 Natural Treatment for Mastitis
Herbs for Mastitis
#4 Echinacea Tincture
Boost your immunity and reduce the need for antibiotics with Echinacea tincture.
According to Kellymom.com, this dose can be taken up to 3-5 times per day.
Dosing: 20-30 drops, 3-5x day
#5 Ashwagandha Tincture (Withania somnifera)
Known as a Category 1, safe adaptogen during breastfeeding, Ashwagandha can help reduce stress and ease the anxiety that may be causing inflammation during breastfeeding.
You can purchase a tincture here.
Dosing: 20-30 drops, 3-4x day
Read more about natural treatment for breastfeeding moms @ Kelly Mom
6 Tips to avoid mastitis
Use compresses of hot water, ginger root, or chamomile infusion.
Apply a poultice of freshly grated raw potato 2-3x day.
Take 1/2-1 tsp. of Echinacea tincture every 2-4 hours.
For a high fever, drink teas of elderflower and spearmint.
To reduce muscle tension, drink teas of lemon balm, chamomile, and catnip.
To relieve pain, tinctures of crampbark, passionflower, and hops can promote sleep and relieve pain.
Conclusion
If you're experiencing mastitis regularly, you may be exhausted. Please consider adding an adaptogen to help you cope with the stress. Herbs & homeopathy can provide great relief and reduce your chances of getting mastitis.
Have questions about mastitis? Be sure to ask them in the area below.
xo
Tara
P.S. Need more support during the postpartum years? Join The Present Momma for a natural postpartum recovery.
Resources
American Herbal Products Associations; Botanical Safety Handbook
Hales; Medications and Mother’s Milk: https://amzn.to/35XZFq5- more about conventional medication and nursing
Bone & Mills: Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy
Aviva Romm: Botanical Medicine of Women’s Health- Categories from the German Commission E.
Brinker, Francis: Herbal Contraindications and drug interactions
Additional Reading
