Tips For Breastfeeding Mothers On Using Olive Oil For Thrush

By Felicity Hampton


Using olive oil for thrush conditions related to breast feeding can be an efficacious way of dealing with the condition for new mothers. Breastfeeding mothers often experience sore nipples, which can be related to fungal infections. These infections are usually a form of candida, and there are a number of natural remedies which can be used to ease the condition.

The yeast which causes thrush is carried with no ill effect in the bodies of most human beings. Areas of the body which are usually moist, such as the genitals or the mouth, often contain the yeast without ever causing a problem. When someone's immune system becomes unbalanced in these areas of the body though, then a fungal infection can occur.

The kind of thing which can cause this unbalance varies. Taking antibiotics for any sustained length of time can disrupt the body's natural immunity to the yeast and will often lead to thrush. Stress, lack of sufficient rest and poor diet can also be causes.

Women who are breastfeeding infants sometimes experience thrush on their nipples. This can be a result of an small injury sustained when the child attaches to the nipple. The symptoms are cracked or bleeding skin around the nipples, inflamed or red skin around the nipples and any kind of pain which persists after feeding has finished.

Linoleic acids are anti-fungal agents which occur naturally in olive oil, and work probably by denying the yeast which leads to problems oxygen. Applying oil to the nipples in small amounts gently should soothe any issues relating to fungal infections. Many olive oil based herbal salves are widely available, and enquiring at a local herbalist store or health food shop should bring some positive results.

Incorporating plenty of garlic into the diet will also help keep the body's immune system strong and help keep fungal infections at bay. Another way of complementing treatment with an olive oil salve is to wash the nipples with a diluted mix of vinegar and water, rather than soap, which can dry the skin and worsen the condition. Exposing the nipples to sunlight and outdoor air, at appropriate times, also helps alleviate the condition, and avoiding wearing a bra can help.

While olive oil for thrush is largely a harmless treatment in terms of its effects, other methods can have side-effects. When dealing with any health matter it is essential to take advice from a properly qualified health professional. This is especially true when it comes to any matters relating to childcare and pregnancy.




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