For centuries breast milk has only been used for one thing and one thing only: nourishment. It is the superfood that newborns need to grow up fast and strong.
But in recent years, new discoveries are revealing unexpected properties beyond its traditional uses. This, of course, includes topical application on an area of a body; much like a cream or ointment.
From relieving insect bites to healing wounds, this miracle elixir has a thousand and one uses. While most of these started out as anecdotal ‘old wives’ remedies, science has proven that they do in fact work.
Some may think it’s taboo or even sacrilege to use breast milk outside of its intended use. However, there may be plenty of options that does not include flushing it all down the drain.
All About Breast Milk
Here’s what makes breast milk so effective as a home remedy for healing:
- it is anti-inflammatory
- it is anti-bacterial
- it contains growth factors
- it’s naturally moisturising
Some women naturally make a surplus of it while they are nursing. Most of that is typically either donated or unfortunately, thrown away.
If this sounds like you, before you throw out that perfectly viable bag of breast milk, look at this guideline on its proper shelf life and longevity.
Freshly expressed or pumped
- Room temperature: 4 hours
- Refrigerated: 4 days
- Frozen: 6 months – 1 year
Thawed, previously frozen
- room temperature: 1 hour
- refrigerated: 1 day
- never refreeze after thawing
Leftover from bottle-feeding
- within two hours – do not refrigerate or (re)freeze
Medicinal Uses of Breast Milk
Minor Wounds
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of breast milk means that it’s great for wounds. Full of growth factors, you can use it as a quick remedy for minor scrapes or injuries. This includes circumcision or umbilical cord wounds.
It may also be good for things like mosquito bites and he good news is your baby is not the only who can benefit from its healing powers. Use it on cracked or sore nipples and even on paper cuts.
Infections
You can take he healing powers of breast milk further by using it for infections. Babies are naturally more susceptible to all kinds of viruses and bacteria.
So to help them recover quickly, use a bit of your surplus. This is an amazing remedy for pink eye, sinusitis, infected ear, congestion, fever and even clogged tear ducts.
Skin Allergies
Some babies are naturally allergic to the smallest thing .Whether that’s pet dander, dust mites or even laundry detergent. The air is full of irritants even with your best air purifier.
Your little one may be too young for antihistamines, but there’s a natural alternative in breast milk. Use it as a topical ointment for diaper rash, dermatitis, eczema and even hives.
Smooth Skin
The benefits of breast milk don’t stop there. Did you also know you can use it as a skincare ingredients?
A rich source of anti-aging and skin-loving compounds, breast milk can hydrate and moisturise the skin.
This is thanks to its high content of palmitic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid and linoleic acid. Use it as a face mask to boost your pregnancy glow.
Pimples
Much like how it can help heal wounds and relieve rashes, breast milk can also zap those stubborn zits.
An overlooked acne treatment, breast milk can quickly shrink those comedones thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial content.
If you’re pregnant and dealing with those hormonal ups and downs, it can help alleviate any pimples that come up.
This miracle elixir also contains lactic acid which helps exfoliate dead skin cells.
Soft and Silky Hair
Want silky, smooth hair? Breast milk can help with that too. Shifting hormones can cause hair loss or lacklustre hair, especially during the postpartum months.
Due to the hydrating ingredients in breast milk such as the fats and proteins, it can help return the shine and moisture to hair.
You can use it as a hair mask to let all the goodness soak into your follicles before rinsing it out.
Breast Milk Home Remedies
These are by no means the only non-traditional uses for breast milk.
But of course, be sure to prioritise your child’s nutrition before experimenting. After all, its greatest miracle is that it’s pure and perfect nourishment for your baby. Everything your little could ever need.
But if you do somehow have more than you know what to do with, don’t pour it all down the sink. See first for yourself if there is indeed any truth to all these home remedies.
So embrace the healing powers of breast milk, you may just find more surprising uses for it in your daily life as a mother.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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