Put Some Breastmilk On It! The Healing Powers of Human Milk

I have this running joke with my clients that I say all the time but it’s really not a joke at all, it’s more about the way I say it that makes it a joke “Put some breastmilk on it!” in a very cheerful but matter of fact tone. I may say it in a funny way but they know I’m so serious! That’s usually the ice breaker and then proceed to explain what I mean and why it’s true.

Breastmilk is often labeled as nature's perfect first and only food for infants under 6 months, this is true but what we don’t hear about enough is the benefits that extend far beyond nutritional value.

First of all, it’s packed with antibodies, enzymes, and growth factors, breastmilk has incredible healing properties that can address a variety of ailments for both babies and adults.

Natural Antibiotic

One of the most significant healing aspects of breastmilk is its antibacterial properties. It contains immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which help fight off infections. Applying breastmilk to minor cuts, scrapes, or insect bites can reduce inflammation and promote faster healing. Its soothing qualities also make it an effective remedy for conditions like diaper rash and eczema.

Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral

Breastmilk's anti-inflammatory properties make it a gentle treatment for eye infections such as conjunctivitis aka pink eye. A few drops of breastmilk can help clear up the infection without the need for antibiotics. A mom on social media once showed the world this hack and I was so happy! Similarly, it has antiviral components that can help treat cold sores and other viral infections, providing relief and speeding up recovery.

Promotes Gut Health

For babies, breastmilk is crucial in developing a healthy gut flora, which is essential for overall health and immune function. The oligosaccharides in breastmilk act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. This balanced gut microbiome can help protect against gastrointestinal infections and chronic conditions later in life.

Healing Beyond Infancy

Interestingly, the benefits of breastmilk are not limited to infants. Adults can also harness its healing powers. Breastmilk has been used in alternative medicine to treat ailments such as skin irritations, sore throats, and even minor burns. There has also been more popularity around the benefits of breastmilk among certain groups such a chemotherapy patients using it as a recovery aid and bodybuilders using it for protein and muscle healing. Its unique composition, rich in nutrients and antibodies, supports the body's natural healing processes in various contexts.

Breastmilk's healing properties highlight its status as an extraordinary natural resource. While breastfeeding is primarily known for nourishing a baby, the versatile applications of breastmilk make it a valuable remedy for various health issues. From soothing skin conditions to fighting infections, breastmilk proves that sometimes, the best medicine is indeed natural.

The healing power of breastmilk can offer a natural, effective solution for many common ailments, highlighting the profound capabilities of this extraordinary liquid.

So remember, put some breastmilk on it!

Here’s a few things to use human milk for:

• Baby acne (one of my favorite things to use it on!)

• Bites/stings

• Burns

• Chicken pox

• Clogged tear ducts (warm water cloth soaked then dip in breastmilk dab on the corners of eye)

• Cold/flu

• Cold sores/fever blisters

• Congestion

• Conjunctivitis/styes (pink eye)

• Cough

• Cradle cap (also coconut oil with breastmilk, use a fine tooth baby comb or brush then wipe gently with baby washcloth)

• Cuts/scrapes

• Diaper rash (can make a “paste” with coconut oil or mix into your rash cream of choice for added benefits)

• Ear infections

• Eczema

• Fever

• Immune booster

• Infected wounds

• Poison ivy/sumac/oak

• Rash/contact dermatitis

• Scar healing (works wonders on c-section scars)

• Sleep aid (use the nighttime pumped milk, more melatonin, consider drinking warm)

• Sore nipples (one of my other favorite things to use it on)

• Sore throat (breastmilk and honey tea anyone?)

• Sunburn

• Warts