Updated: Nov 30, 2024
7 Herbal Creams For Breastfeeding Breast Pain
If you're a breastfeeding mom experiencing breast pain, you might want to consider trying herbal creams.
These creams are made from natural ingredients that can help soothe and calm your breasts. One of the main reasons herbal teas can relieve breastfeeding breast pain is that they can help reduce inflammation in the breasts. For example, Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease pain and discomfort. Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, is another herb that can help relieve breast pain. When applied topically as a cream, peppermint can help relax the muscles in the breasts and reduce swelling.
Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, is also often used in herbal creams for breastfeeding breast pain. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help calm and comfort the breasts. Using herbal creams can bring a lot of benefits to your life. They can help reduce the need for pain medication, which is great if you're breastfeeding and want to avoid any chemicals entering your milk. They can also help you feel more comfortable and confident, which is especially important during the early days of breastfeeding when you're still getting the hang of it.
Plus, herbal creams are generally safe and gentle, making them a great option for sensitive skin.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for breastfeeding breast pain and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis creams contains triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids as its active constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling and pain in the breast. The saponins in Calendula officinalis also have a soothing effect on the skin, which can help to ease discomfort and promote healing. The antioxidants in the cream help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, further reducing inflammation and pain.
By applying Calendula officinalis creams to the affected area, breastfeeding women may experience relief from breast pain and discomfort.
- Gather Calendula officinalis flowers, coconut oil, beeswax, and a double boiler.
- Dry 1 cup of Calendula officinalis flowers and set aside.
- Combine 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Add the dried Calendula flowers to the coconut oil and beeswax mixture. Heat until beeswax melts.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl. Let cool and harden. Use as a topical cream for breastfeeding breast pain.
2. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita creams contains menthone, menthyl acetate, and menthol as its active constituents.
These compounds have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce breast pain in breastfeeding mothers. Menthol, in particular, has a cooling effect that can help to ease discomfort and swelling in the breasts. The anti-inflammatory properties of menthone and menthyl acetate can also help to reduce swelling and promote healing in the breasts.
By applying Mentha x piperita creams to the affected area, breastfeeding mothers can find relief from breast pain and continue to care for their babies without discomfort.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of peppermint essential oil, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Remove the melted mixture from heat and add the peppermint essential oil and vitamin E oil. Stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a small tin or container. Let it cool and harden completely.
- Once hardened, apply a small amount to the breast for relief from pain and discomfort.
3. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis creams contains active constituents like aloin, aloe-emodin, and aloe-verbascose.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and discomfort in the breast tissue. The gel-like texture of aloe vera cream also provides a soothing and cooling sensation that can help ease breast pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe-emodin and aloe-verbascose help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the breast tissue.
The combination of these properties makes aloe barbadensis creams a popular natural remedy for breastfeeding breast pain.
- Get 2 cups of distilled water and 1 cup of aloe vera gel from Aloe barbadensis leaves. Sterilize the equipment and workspace.
- Combine 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax, and 2 tablespoons of shea butter in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until melted.
- Add the aloe vera gel to the saucepan and stir well. Continue heating for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, add 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil and 2 tablespoons of lanolin. Stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a sterilized container. Let it cool and solidify completely before use. Store the cream in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra creams contains active constituents like glycyrrhetinic acid and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These properties help to reduce breast pain in breastfeeding women by soothing and calming the breast tissue. Glycyrrhizin, a key component of Glycyrrhiza glabra, has a natural anti-inflammatory effect that can help to reduce swelling and discomfort in the breasts. Additionally, the flavonoids present in the cream have antioxidant properties that help to protect the breast tissue from damage caused by free radicals.
By reducing inflammation and protecting the breast tissue, Glycyrrhiza glabra creams can help to alleviate breast pain in breastfeeding women.
- Mix 1/2 cup of distilled water with 2 tablespoons of glycerin in a small bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root powder to the bowl and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of beeswax.
- Heat the aloe vera-beeswax mixture in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water until the beeswax melts.
- Combine the glycerin-Glycyrrhiza glabra mixture with the melted aloe vera-beeswax mixture and stir well. Pour into small containers and let cool.
5. Silybum marianum
Silybum marianum creams contains silymarin, a flavonoid complex made up of silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin.
Silymarin has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain in the breasts. The flavonoids in silymarin also have antioxidant effects, protecting breast tissue from oxidative stress and damage. These properties may help alleviate breast pain and discomfort experienced by breastfeeding mothers.
Regular application of Silybum marianum creams can help to soothe and calm the breast tissue, providing relief from pain and discomfort.
- Gather ingredients: 2 cups of Silybum marianum flowers, 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Dry the Silybum marianum flowers in a low-temperature oven (150°F) for 1-2 hours. Let them cool completely.
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
- Add the dried Silybum marianum flowers to the melted coconut oil and beeswax mixture. Stir well.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Add the vitamin E oil and stir well. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool completely before use.
6. Arnica montana
Arnica montana creams contains sesquiterpenes and flavonoids as its active constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in the breasts. The sesquiterpenes, specifically thymohydroquinone, have been shown to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, a key factor in pain and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of Arnica montana creams can help alleviate engorgement and breast pain associated with breastfeeding, allowing mothers to nurse their babies more comfortably.
By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Arnica montana creams can provide relief from breast pain and discomfort.
- Gather ingredients: 2 cups of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 10 tablespoons of Arnica montana oil, and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Remove from heat and stir in Arnica montana oil and peppermint essential oil until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a clean, heat-proof container and let it cool until it solidifies.
- Once solid, your Arnica montana cream is ready to use. Apply a small amount to the affected breast area as needed.
7. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica creams contains bioactive constituents like histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, which are released from the plant when it's applied topically.
These compounds interact with the nerve endings in the breast tissue, reducing pain and inflammation. The cooling effect of menthol and eucalyptus oil in the cream also helps to numb the area and provide relief from discomfort. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids and carotenoids in Urtica dioica creams help to reduce swelling and ease pain.
By applying Urtica dioica creams to the breast area, breastfeeding mothers may experience relief from pain and discomfort.
- Gather 1 cup of Urtica dioica leaves, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, and 2 tablespoons of beeswax.
- Dry the Urtica dioica leaves in a low-temperature oven (150°F) for 2 hours.
- Combine the dried Urtica dioica leaves with coconut oil in a saucepan and heat on low for 2 hours.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl, then add 2 tablespoons of beeswax. Heat until melted.
- Pour the mixture into a container, let it cool, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent breastfeeding breast pain from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help with breastfeeding breast pain.
Some herbal teas, like peppermint and chamomile, have anti-inflammatory properties that might reduce swelling and discomfort. Others, like fenugreek, can increase milk supply, which can also ease breast pain.
Drinking these teas regularly may help ease breastfeeding breast pain.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for breastfeeding breast pain every day?
Herbal teas can be a helpful relief for breastfeeding breast pain.
However, consuming them daily can interact with other medications or have side effects. Some teas, like peppermint, can reduce milk supply, while others, like fenugreek, can increase it.
It's best to drink them in moderation and observe how your body reacts.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in breastfeeding breast pain?
Herbal teas for breastfeeding breast pain can start to help within a few days to a week.
Some women notice relief from discomfort and swelling after just a couple of days of drinking the tea regularly.
The effectiveness of the tea can vary, but many women find it helps ease pain and make feeding easier.