Hints For Nursing Mothers On Applying Olive Oil For Thrush

Using olive oil for thrush type conditions may well be a safe and natural solution to problems experienced by breastfeeding mothers. Many mothers experience problems due to soreness and inflammation of their nipples. This is often caused by a fungal infection, known as candida, which can soothed and eased by several different natural remedies.

Most people carry the yeast which causes the infection known as thrush in their bodies, with no ill effects. It exists naturally in moist areas of the body, such as the mouth and genitals. It becomes a problem when some kind of event unbalances the body and allows the yeast to thrive.

What can cause this unbalance in the body varies from person to person. Anyone who has been prescribed antibiotics and has taken them for any length of time could be vulnerable. Aspects of lifestyle such as rest, diet and stress are also contributory factors, as indeed is anything which inhibits the natural functioning of the body's immune system, such as alcohol or smoking.

Obviously, pregnancy, childbirth and their after effects can exert massive changes on the way a woman's body functions, meaning that they can be vulnerable to thrush, especially when breastfeeding. Soreness and inflammation of the nipples is often due to a fungal infection, and a stabbing pain which persists after feeding is another symptom.

Olive oil is a source of linoleic acid, chemicals which possess anti-fungal qualities, which may choke off the yeast's oxygen supply. Applying the oil like a lotion to the nipples in a thin layer can help soothe the condition, while using a herbal salve with an olive oil base is often an effective way of treating the condition. Consulting a local herbalist or health food outlet will often lead to finding something effective which does not need to be washed off before breastfeeding.

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.