Mastitis is a breast infection that is more likely to occur in mothers who are overdoing things and tired. Does this sound like you? Plugged ducts from the mother not drinking enough fluids or the baby not nursing long enough to empty the breasts can all contribute. As a first step, slow down and rest more. Next use these helpful suggestions.
HERBS THAT REDUCE SWELLING
To reduce engorgement, it’s a good idea to take cleavers herb and dandelion leaf in tea or tincture form to cleanse the lymphatics. Take a dose of the Thrifty Cure below every two hours. You can also use a dropperful of echinacea tincture orally every two hours to combat infection and boost white blood cell count. Also take 500 mg of vitamin C every three hours. If you have a fever, drink a hot infusion of elderflower, which is diaphoretic and will help eliminate toxins through sweat. Essential oils that can be used in compresses, massage oils, or in a bath for sore swollen breasts include fennel, geranium, lavender, and rose. (See page 23 for aromatherapy guidelines.)
Thrifty Cures!
Add 2 teaspoons (10 ml) each apple cider vinegar and honey (13 g) to 1 cup (235 ml) of hot water and sip every hour until the infection has passed to reduce infection and inflammation. Eat plenty of celery and cucumbers (or juice) to cool the inflammation from the inside.
OTHER NATURAL METHODS TO RELIEVE SWELLING
Look no further than your fridge to relieve swelling. A poultice of grated raw potato can be applied directly to the breast to help relieve pain and blockage. Remove after about 20 minutes and repeat with a fresh potato several times during the day.
Cabbage leaf compresses reduce swelling of the breast caused by breast infection. Cabbage has both antibiotic and anti-irritant properties. It contains sinigrin (allylisothiocyanate) rapine, mustard oil, magnesium, and sulphur. This mixture of ingredients helps decrease tissue congestion by dilating (opening) local capillaries (small blood vessels), improving the blood flow in the area.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Nursing the baby on the side where infection occurs will not pass infection on to the baby and can help drain the breasts. Though it will be painful, it can help. If the condition is too painful or an abscess occurs near the nipple, nurse on the other side for a day while you actively treat the infected side with compresses and salves.
To make a cabbage leaf compress, rinse common green cabbage leaves and cut a hole for the nipple. Right before applying, crush the veins of the cabbage leaves with a rolling pin (or roll a glass bottle over the leaves) to break open the veins. Apply the cabbage leaves directly on the breast. Usually one or two leaves per breast works well. Make sure to cover all inflamed or engorged tissue with a cotton bra (synthetic fibers can trap sweat, contributing to a moist environment that encourages infection) and a clean T-shirt.
In 1 to 2 hours, when the cabbage leaves have wilted, remove the leaves and reapply fresh leaves. Repeat 4 to 6 times for a total of 8 hours. Use the cabbage leaves only until the engorgement subsides. Prolonged use of cabbage leaves on the breast can reduce milk supply according to folklore.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Any fever that occurs in the mother within the first few weeks of birthing should be reported to your health care practitioner to determine whether a uterine infection, also known as childbed fever, could be occurring. This is a serious condition that needs to be treated.
This Mastitis Treatment article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
