Mastitis is a common inflammation of breast tissue that mostly affects women who breastfeed their child. [1]
The inflammation sometimes involves breast infection, causing pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. It’s a painful condition that makes you feel run down, making it difficult for you to take care of the baby.
Luckily, some essential oils for mastitis may help you to get rid of this condition. These therapeutic oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat the infections naturally. [2]
Mastitis can occur due to a buildup of milk within the breast. Sometimes the buildup can also be infected by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.
Although common in nursing moms (lactation mastitis), this breast infection may also occur among women who are not breastfeeding. This condition is known as periductal mastitis.
Continue reading to learn more about some essential oils that may reduce the symptoms of this painful condition.
Essential Oils for Mastitis to Treat The Infection Naturally
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most famous essential oil worldwide, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, sedative, calming, and antidepressant activities.
The therapeutic properties found in this oil can reduce the pain and inflammation in your breast while treating the infection. [3]
The pain and inflammation of mastitis may leave you stressed and depressed. Lavender oil can help improve your mental condition with its calming effects.
2. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is derived from the aromatic resin of the Boswellia sacra trees through steam distillation. This is one of the most researched essential oil due to its numerous therapeutic properties.
Frankincense oil is quite famous due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer components. A recent study has stated its efficacy in treating breast cancer. [4]
Boswellic acids found in frankincense oil has proven efficacy in treating skin infections and bruises. It means this essential oil may also help reduce the infection due to mastitis. [5]
Apart from killing the bacteria that causes this condition, this oil can also reduce your stress with its incredible aroma.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is an effective antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal essential oil. [6]
Originated from tea tree plant through steam distillation, this essential oil has been used to treat the wound and different kinds of viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.
Terpinen-4-ol, the primary active component in tea tree oil is responsible for the oil’s antifungal and antibacterial effect. [7]
A 2012 research confirms this oil’s efficacy and usefulness as a treatment for mastitis. [2]
Although it does not have a pleasant smell like frankincense oil and lavender oil, tea tree oil is quite effective in reducing the infection quickly.
4. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is an effective natural antifungal and antibiotic. This essential oil originates from the leaves and shoots of Origanum vulgare, a flowering plant that belongs to the same family as mint.
The oil contains carvacrol, a component that can help fight Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, one of the key reason for mastitis infection.
A clinical trial looked at the efficacy of oregano oil in improving the survival of mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus. [8]
Result show 6 out of 14 infected mice that received oregano oil lived past 30 days. This rate was nearly as high as the survival rate of mice (7 out of 14) that were given regular antibiotics. [8]
How to Use Essential Oils for Mastitis
- Dilute a few drops of any abovementioned essential oil and massage your affected breast for around 30 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
- You can also use these oils in aromatherapy to reduce the stress due to mastitis.
Precautions While Using Essential Oil Home Remedies for Mastitis
- Use these essential oils sparingly for topical application and do not forget to do a patch test before using.
- Wash off the oils properly before you breast-feed your child to avoid possible ingestion and skin burn.
- Whether you are using the oil topically or in a diffuser, make sure they are safe for your kid.
- You are highly recommended to consult with a doctor before using any of these essential oils on your breast, particularly if you are a breastfeeding mom.
When to See a Doctor
Although essential oils are rich in therapeutic values, they might not always be successful in treating some severe conditions such as mastitis or breast infections.
You must seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Severe pain in your breast and nipple.
- You have fever and chills, along with a red-wedged shaped area on the breast that points toward the nipple.
- If you have swelling and redness. It might be the case of rare inflammatory breast cancer.
Prevention Tips for Mastitis
- Always maintain a regular breastfeeding schedule for the first six months. Encourage your baby to drink as much as it wants.
- Make sure your kid is well-attached to your breast before feeding.
- Properly empty your breasts during breastfeeding.
- Avoid tight-fitting outfits and bras to ensure proper circulation during the breastfeeding period.
- If you use a breast pump, learn how to use it correctly.
- Avoid soaps, deodorant on your breasts as they contain harmful triclosan.
Conclusion
Mastitis is a common disease among nursing mom and can be treated using some natural home remedies such as essential oils.
However, if the condition becomes worse, immediately consult with a doctor to avoid further complications.
Do not stop feeding your child while you’re suffering from mastitis. Make sure you keep breastfeeding your baby as it will help your body to get rid of the infection.
To prevent the infection from occurring, it’s important to know the ways to avoid blocked milk ducts and other risk factors. Learn the proper ways of feeding your baby to avoid the infections.
Moreover, take proper care of yourself while you’re taking care of your baby.
