-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
reproductive system
Mastitis
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
This article discusses mastitis, clogged mamary ducts, and/or breast engorgement.
During nursing, there are several common problems associated with a blocked flow of breast milk. The ducts that deliver milk to the nipples may become clogged, or the breasts may produce too much milk and become engorged. If either condition goes on for too long, mastitis, a breast infection, may develop.
These problems are characterized by painful breasts that may be tender, swollen, hard, hot, or flushed with redness. There may also be a fever and nausea. Other situations contributing to milk flow problems include a sudden decrease in time spent breast feeding, or weaning, spacing feedings too far apart, not getting enough rest, and stress.
If the symptoms are severe, if they last more than 2 or 3 days, or if a fever goes higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, a physician should be consulted.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR MASTITIS AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Vitamin C 1,000 milligrams, 4 to 5 times a day. Decrease the dose if diarrhea occurs.
2. Beta-carotene 50,000 Units, 2 times a day.
3. Vitamin E 400 Units per day.
4. Vitamin B6 Use only if you're trying to stop nursing. Take 250 milligrams, 3 times a day.
NOW, LET'S CONSIDER HERBS FOR MASTITIS:
Echinacea Root Simmer 2 ounces of the root in a quart of boiling water for 5 minutes. Steep for 20 minutes. Drink 4 to 5 cups daily until the fever is near normal, and then for a week drink 2 cups a day even if all the symptoms are gone. If you use a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, take 50 drops 5 to 6 times per day until the fever abates. Then take it 2 to 3 times per day for 1 week.
Tincture of fresh Poke Root 5 drops, 3 times a day. This herb is potent, so do not exceed the recommended dosage. It works well in combination with Echinacea Root.
If you are trying to wean, 2 cups per day of Sage leaf tea will help dry up your breast milk. Add 1 teaspoon of the dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Using the Sage from your collection of spices is fine, but do not use the powdered form.
ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR MASTITIS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Frequent applications of hot water can help ease pain and congestion. To increase the effectiveness of these applications, add a handful of fresh or dried Parsley or Comfrey leaves to the water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a clean cotton cloth to soak up the water. (A cut up diaper will work quite well.) Wring out the cloth and hold against the breast for 5 minutes. Follow by a cold washcloth for 1 minute. Alternate between the two, 3 times. This procedure should be repeated 4 to 5 times per day, right before nursing if possible. To avoid spreading the infection, do not put the cloth back into the water, and discard or disinfect each cloth after use.
Grate 1 or 2 raw potatoes and apply directly to the skin. Cover the breasts with a clean cloth or towel. Remove or replace the grated potatoes when they dry out. Again, discard or disinfect the cloth after use.
Get plenty of bed rest. Take a daily nap and avoid strenuous activity while the problem remains.
Allow the baby to nurse frequently. Even in cases of mastitis, the milk will not spread the infection to the baby. Continue to nurse, otherwise there will be increased discomfort and a decreased milk supply.
To increase the circulation in the breasts, extend your arms to the sides and rotate in a wide circle 5 to 10 times forward and then 5 to 10 times backwards. Do this without wearing a bra.
Massage the area around the nipple. Start under the arms and at the outer edges of the breast and massage inward toward the nipples. Use castor oil or vitamin E oil to do the massage.
Express milk with a pump or by hand to lessen pain and pressure. This works well while standing in the shower and directing warm water onto the breasts.
Ice packs placed against the breast will alleviate the pain associated with engorgement.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines, the one that best matches the symptoms is choosen. Three pellets are dissolved under the tongue 3 times a day between meals.
Phytolacca 12C: For redness and swollen lymph glands.
Apis 12C: For a pink swelling of the breast, tenderness to the touch, and if it feels better with cold compresses.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.