Home remedies for sore nipples
A mother experiences sore nipples after breastfeeding mostly if the baby's positioning is wrong. It can be easily treated using simple natural remedies. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1st to 7th August. The annual campaign is important to raise awareness about breastfeeding. On this occasion, read on to know about some useful home remedies to treat sore nipples due to breastfeeding.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has properties to kill any bacteria which can keep the nipple clean. Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it in a cup of water. After breastfeeding your baby, dip a cotton ball into the liquid and wring out the extra vinegar. Then, gently tap it on your nipple and areola. Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply it over your nipples after that. This will make sure that the nipple does not get too dry and cracked.
Tea bags
Used tea bags are an effective home remedy to treat canker sores, sun burn, and can also be used for healing sore nipples. Just soak chamomile tea bags in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Then, take them out and let it cool. Wring out the excess water and gently put them on the nipples for atleast 10-20 minutes. This will reduce the soreness and cool down your nipples.
Breast milk
Breast milk as a natural remedy to treat sore nipples causes by breastfeeding might sound strange but is one of the best and easiest ways to deal with sore and cracked nipples. Breast milk contains anti bacterial properties that can help in treating sore, dry and cracked nipples. Apply a little breast milk on your nipples after lactating your baby atleast 4-5 times in a day.
Basil leaves
Basil leaves are famous for its soothing and healing properties that can treat many skin infections, and it can also treat sore, cracked and bleeding nipples quicker than other home remedies. Take a few basil leaves and grind them to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your nipples and let it stay for 30 minutes. Repeat this home remedy until your nipples are fully healed.
Ice cubes
Another home remedy to treat sore nipples is ice cubes. Cold compression is an easy and affordable way to deal with sore and painful nipples. You can put a few ice cubes in a cotton cloth and gently press it against your nipple for atleast 5-10 minutes. You can repeat this natural remedy everyday until there is improvement. One can even use an ice pack for this purpose.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular home remedy used for healing burns, cuts and even sore nipples. It has cooling and soothing properties that can help in treating dry and cracked nipples due to breastfeeding. Take a healthy aloe vera leaf and leave it for 10-15 minutes so that the toxins ooze out. Cut the leaf and use the gel to apply on your nipples. Then, let it dry and wash it off after a few minutes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C in an important vitamin that provides many health benefits, such as boosting immunity and quick healing process. Therefore, it can be used as a natural remedy to treat sore nipples. One can increase the immunity inside by the vitamin C intake. It is advised to eat more green leafy vegetables and fruits such as spinach, kale, celery, broccoli, oranges, bell peppers, pineapples, kiwis, papaya, guava and melons.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that had anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties that can heal sore and cracked nipples. You can take a few drops of tea tree oil and mix it with lukewarm water. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently dab it over your nipples. Let it dry and then wash it off using clean water. This is an effective and soothing home remedy to treat sore nipples.
Olive oil
Many household use olive oil for various purposes, including beauty and health benefits. Well, this oil can also be used to deal with sore nipples caused by breastfeeding. Take a few drops of olive oil and mix in lukewarm water. Then, dip a cotton cloth or ball in this mixture and apply on the nipples. Let it dry and rinse with clean water. You can also mix tea tree oil and olive oil for more effectiveness.
