Natural Remedies for Mastitis

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I wish I could say I tried all of these natural remedies so you don’t have to, but really I was just desperate for some relief!

I had mastitis for the first time last week, and I can honestly say I’d never wish it on my worst enemy. I didn’t realize that it shows up as flu symptoms, but it feels so much worse. I’m so sorry to any other moms who have experienced it, too. Mine actually started from a clogged duct because of a tight(ish) fitting bra, which I had worn many other times while nursing, but I think that along with my son starting to wean was just a poor combination.

That night I started feeling sluggish, thinking maybe I had caught a cold, so I went to bed early. The next day I had a high fever, chills, sweats, fatigue, nausea, felt lethargic and dizzy, had the worst headache I’ve ever experienced, and could feel a couple warm, painful lumps. I immediately recognized it as mastitis, so I started trying ALL the remedies (see below). I also felt incredibly thirsty, which now I’m realizing was my body’s way of communicating the need to flush out my system.

By the end of the day, I was desperate, so I tried “nature’s antibiotic” AKA raw, chopped garlic with manuka honey. I had always heard good things about how well it worked, and yes, it’s just as disgusting as it sounds. I woke up the next morning feeling significantly better, but could tell the clogged duct was still inflamed. Then after trying out some more remedies the following day, I felt so much relief! I could tell it had cleared, and my symptoms were gone.

This is NOT medical advice – just suggestions from a mama who has suffered through it and prefers to use natural remedies, so I don’t have to worry about the harmful effects medications would have on myself and the baby I’m breastfeeding. Always check these things with your provider first!

NATURAL REMEDIES

Continue to nurse and/or pump to empty your breast (this manual pump is super helpful!)
Dangle feeding while laying your baby on the ground or a bed, position yourself above them so that gravity can help pull the clog free. Getting down on all fours will make you feel like a cow (ironically, I’m wearing cow print shorts in the above photo of me dangle feeding, LOL) but trust me, it works!
Point baby’s chin towards the clogged duct for maximum milk removal on that side.
Apply heat and ice. There is conflicting advice on this, but I felt the most relief when using heat before breastfeeding to increase blood flow, then ice afterwards to reduce inflammation. These heat/ice packs are made specifically for this reason!
Red light therapy has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation. You can use my code MEEKLYLOVING to get $260 off a LUMEBOX device.
Haakaa with epsom salts. Suction on a Haakaa silicone breast pump and submerge your nipple in hot water with magnesium flakes to reduce inflammation and get the milk flowing.
Lymphatic massage. Use a wide tooth comb in the shower or dry body brush towards your armpit to stimulate lymphatic drainage (I like this lymphatic cream from Earthley)
Alternate colloidal silver spray and arnica gel topically.
Leefy PRANA is an herbal tincture packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (get 15% off with code SYDNEYMEEK)
Pineapple contains bromelain (specifically concentrated in the core), which is also anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and swelling, protects against tissue damage, and contains antioxidants.
Cod Liver Oil is high in vitamin A, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system.
Raw chopped garlic (I coat 2 cloves in manuka honey per day) acts as a natural antibiotic, or you can take black garlic pills, which are stronger because they’re fermented.
Sunflower lecithin breaks down the fat in breast milk to help it flow more easily and loosen any clogs.
Marshmallow root creates a gelatinous layer that separates bacteria from the inner breast tissue so that it can be released.
Wishgarden happy ducts contains echinacea, which is good for boosting your immune system; and calendula, which prevents inflammation and supports lymphatic drainage.
Fenugreek helps with milk flow and inflammation, but can also negatively affect supply for some women, so use with caution.
Poke root is anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial, supports lymphatic drainage, and contains antioxidants
Phytolacca is the homeopathy version of poke root if you’d prefer to take it this way
Hepar sulph 6c is another homeopathic remedy known to help with mastitis, specifically if an abscess has formed
Echinacea goldenseal supports the immune system, is anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial
Castor oil can be applied topically, or Earthley’s milk flowin’ salve which contains castor oil along with other beneficial essential oils
Bentonite clay masks can also be used topically to draw out toxins and reduce inflammation
Placing a cold cabbage leaf or slices of a russet potato over the clogged duct can help ease pain and swelling, but I’ve heard cabbage can also dry up supply for some women, so use with caution.
Boost your immune system with vitamin C, zinc, quercetin, elderberry – my favorite is from Purely Parsons (use code SYDNEY to get 10% off) because it contains vitamin C, quercetin, zinc, antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
Also take a good pre/probiotic (Klaire Labs Ther-biotic Target B2 is made specifically for lactation support)
Drink lots of water to flush out your system!

If your fever persists or if your symptoms do not improve within 24 hours, seek medical help. Mastitis can turn severe quickly, leading to sepsis or an abscess requiring surgical drainage. Ask your provider before taking any supplements.

Since I tried ALL of these, I’m not exactly sure what “worked” the best. One of these may be a magical remedy all on its own, or it may have been a combination of several things, or maybe even a little bit of everything!

If you’re currently dealing with mastitis, I hope something on this list will be able to provide you with some relief!

Have you tried any of these or anything I didn’t mention? I want to hear what has worked for you!