Home Remedies for Breast Infection (Mastitis)

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that most commonly affects women who are breastfeeding. It often occurs within the first three months after delivery, but can happen any time during the breastfeeding period. Generally, lactation mastitis affects only one breast, not both.

It results from a blocked milk duct, causing milk to remain in the breast that may lead to infection. Another cause of breast infection is bacteria entering the breast through a break or crack on the nipple.

Some signs and symptoms of mastitis are breast pain, swelling, inflammation, redness, and tenderness or warmth to the touch. Other symptoms include fever and chills. The condition can leave a mother exhausted, making it difficult to take care of her newborn baby.

If you have mastitis, it’s important that you continue breastfeeding. It does not pose any risk to your baby. In fact, it offers the added benefit of helping clear the infection in your breast. If breastfeeding becomes too painful, try pumping or hand-expressing your milk to prevent the milk ducts from clogging.

At the same time, you can use some home remedies to treat the infection and reduce discomfort. If the problem persists for a few weeks and makes breastfeeding painful, consult your doctor.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for breast infection.

1. Massage

When suffering from mastitis, massage the affected breast. This will help unblock the plugged milk ducts and relieve swelling. Always massage from the outer breast toward the nipple in small circles, applying more pressure on the infected area.

• Prepare a massage oil by mixing together equal amounts of apricot and wheat germ oil. Use it to massage your breast using upward strokes. Do this a few times daily.
• Another option is to mix a few drops of camphor oil in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and use it to massage your breasts a few times day.

Note: Make sure to clean your nipples with warm water before breastfeeding your baby.

2. Hot and Cold Compresses

Both hot and cold compresses are useful in the treatment of mastitis. While a cold compress can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, a hot compress helps clear blockage, improve blood circulation and aid in milk flow.

1. Prepare a hot compress by wrapping a hot water bottle in a thin towel.
2. Prepare a cold compress by wrapping a few ice cubes in a thin towel.
3. Now place the hot compress on the infected breast for 15 minutes.
4. Next, apply the cold compress for 5 minutes.
5. Repeat the cycle 2 or 3 times.
6. Use this remedy as needed.

3. Cabbage Leaves

Cabbage leaves are a soothing remedy for inflamed, infected breasts. They contain sulfur compounds that helps reduce inflammation and swelling. They can also provide nursing mothers relief from engorgement and clogged ducts.

1. Chill a few cabbage leaves in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. Place a cold cabbage leaf on the infected breast.
3. When the leaf reaches room temperature, replace it with a new cold one.
4. Do this a few times daily until you get rid of the infection completely.

4. Garlic

Another good remedy for mastitis is garlic, which has natural antibiotic properties. It helps get rid of the bacteria causing the infection. In addition, it boosts the immune system and promotes quick recovery.

• Eat 2 raw cloves of garlic on an empty stomach. You can also eat a few more throughout the day. If you do not like garlic, have it with orange juice or plain water. Repeat daily for a week.
• Another option is to take garlic supplements, but only after consulting your doctor.

5. Echinacea

The herb echinacea bolsters the immune system to help the body fight off infections. It contains flavonoids that offer antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Apply the tincture of echinacea root on the infected area 4 or 5 times every day. Clean the area thoroughly with warm water before feeding your baby.
• Alternatively, add 3 or 4 drops of the tincture to a glass of water. Drink it 3 or 4 times a day for not more than a week.

Note: Avoid long-term use of this herb.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another excellent home remedy for mastitis is apple cider vinegar. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, fight infection and prevent it from spreading. It also offers an added energy boost.

• Prepare a solution with 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts warm water. Apply this solution on the affected area using a cotton ball. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily until the infection clears.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little honey in a cup of water. Drink it 3 times daily for 1 to 2 weeks.