Natural Remedies for Mastitis: Effective Relief for Nursing Mothers

For my most recent case I kicked it in less than 24 hours (had it Sunday afternoon to mid-day Monday), and actually felt great and totally back to like 99% by Monday evening.

Top Natural Supplements and Herbal Remedies for Mastitis

Supplements and herbs can support milk flow, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your immune system to help fight mastitis naturally. Here are some of the most recommended supplements:

• Sunflower Lecithin: Sunflower lecithin is widely used to help prevent and treat clogged milk ducts. It works by thinning the breast milk, making it less likely to form blockages.  I now keep a bottle of this on hand and will take one if I feel something coming on to help prevent it. 
• Liposomal Vitamin C: A high dose of liposomal vitamin C helps boost immunity and fight infection. It's safe to take as much as you can tolerate, but be mindful that it may loosen stools.  I took about 6,000-7,000 mg over the course of 24 hours
• Echinacea: Known for its immune-boosting properties, echinacea is a popular herbal remedy for treating mastitis and preventing it from returning.
• WishGarden Happy Ducts: This herbal blend helps support healthy milk flow and reduce inflammation, making it a go-to remedy for nursing mothers.
• Raw Garlic: Garlic has natural antibacterial properties, making it an excellent remedy to fight infections from within.  I ate about 5 cloves over the course of 24 hours. I chopped into tiny pieces and mixed it into a bowl of rice with butter and salt to take make it tolerable
• Earthley Milk Moving Salve: This salve is designed to help break up clogged ducts and encourage healthy milk flow, providing relief from mastitis symptoms.

Homeopathic Remedies for Mastitis Relief

Homeopathic remedies are gentle and effective treatments that can help reduce mastitis symptoms. Here are some commonly recommended homeopathic solutions for nursing mothers:

• Phytolacca: Useful for mastitis with hard, painful lumps in the breast, especially if the pain radiates to other parts of the body.
• Belladonna: Belladonna is great for mastitis where the breast feels hot, swollen, and red, and the pain comes on suddenly.
• Bryonia: This remedy works well when movement aggravates the pain, and the breast feels hard and swollen.

Physical Treatments and Therapies for Mastitis

Physical therapies can help resolve blocked ducts, reduce inflammation, and provide immediate relief from mastitis. Below are some effective physical treatments:

• Castor Oil Pack: Applying a warm castor oil to the affected breast can help reduce inflammation and promote healing by increasing lymphatic drainage.  Avoid putting heat.  Or alternatively you can just gently massage castor oil onto the breast.
• Gentle Breast Massage: Massage the top half of the breast toward the armpit and the bottom half toward the nipple to encourage milk flow and relieve clogs. Do NOT use deep tissue or firm pressure.  This will damage the tissue and actually make things worse.
• Cupping and Acupuncture: These traditional Chinese medicine techniques can help improve milk flow and reduce breast inflammation. Many mothers find cupping and acupuncture to be highly effective for mastitis relief.
• Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy penetrates deep into the breast tissue, helping to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Ultrasound Therapy: Many pelvic floor physical therapists offer ultrasound therapy, which can break up clogged ducts and reduce inflammation.
• Hakka with Epsom Salt: Fill a Hakka pump with warm water and Epsom salt and use it 1-2 times a day to help release clogged milk ducts.  This one seems to be a bit controversial but some people swear by it.

Lifestyle Changes and Other Remedies for Mastitis

In addition to supplements, homeopathic remedies, and physical therapies, lifestyle adjustments can help support your recovery from mastitis:

• Rest: Rest is crucial when dealing with mastitis. Allow your body time to heal by resting as much as possible.
• Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to support milk flow and keep your body in optimal condition for healing.
• Ice Packs: Applying ice to the inflamed area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Avoid heat, as it may worsen inflammation.
• Partner Assistance: In some cases, your partner can help by gently sucking out the clogged milk from the affected breast.
• Consult an IBCLC: Reach out to a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) for expert advice on resolving mastitis and preventing it in the future. They can help you adjust your breastfeeding technique to avoid further issues.  Ashley Shapiro is a wonderful IBCLC and sees patients virtually to help with mastitis and other breastfeeding support. 

By incorporating these natural remedies into your mastitis treatment plan, you can promote healing, improve milk flow, and get back to enjoying the breastfeeding journey. Don't forget to take care of yourself, stay hydrated, and rest whenever possible. If symptoms persist or worsen, always consult a healthcare professional.