IOTUT -- 8 Surprising Uses for Breast Milk

It's Friday's Instead of This, Use This. This week, we're talking breast milk. And no, I'm not going to discuss formula, as in instead of formula, use breast milk. Rather, I'm going to fill you in on some unconventional uses for breast milk.

Poison Ivy    Photo by jks Lola

8 Surprising Uses for Breast Milk

Cosmetic

1.   Ever wake up with puffy eyes? Of course, you have. Especially if you're a mom with little ones (or teenagers). Instead of the expensive eye creams, just grab a couple of cotton balls, soak them in cold breast milk and rest for a few minutes with the wet cotton on your closed eyes.

2.   Adult acne? Yuck. Up until a few years ago, I still struggled through breakouts. I remember quipping, "There's something wrong with having zits and wrinkles!" Too bad I hadn't heard of this remedy beforehand. I could have saved some money on acne creams. Just wash your face with plain water or a mild cleanser and then apply breast milk to your skin. Allow to dry.

3.   Unsightly warts? Ditch the Compound W and apply breast milk to the wart twice daily until it falls off. It will take a few days, but it will happen. At least, that's what I've heard. 

Infant Care

4.   Stubborn cradle cap? Apply breast milk to the scalp a few times a day until it's gone (the cradle cap, not the breast milk).

5.   Does your little one suffer from ear infections? Before you head to your pediatrician for a round of antibiotics, simply put  3 - 4 drops in the entrance of the ear canal (not directly in it) every few hours. Within 24 - 48 hours, the infection will be gone.

Health

6.   Sore, scratchy throat? Skip the lozenges and gargle with breast milk instead. 

7.   Kiddo suffering from chicken pox? Breast milk applied to the itchy spots will not only relieve the itch, but it will help the sores to heal as well. Ditto for poison ivy/oak, insect bites, and rashes. Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, breast milk is the perfect solution for itchy skin conditions. It's even been known to ease the pain and itch of shingles!

8.   Stuffed up? Can't breath? Relieve congestion by squirting some breast milk into your nostrils.

These are just a handful of options. If you're not currently nursing, ask a friend or family member who is to supply you with some small quantities of breast milk for immediate use or freezing. Breast milk will last up to one year in a chest freezer and about half that time in a freezer attached to a refrigerator. 

Instead of antibiotics, ointments, and medications, just use breast milk. It's healthy, natural, non-toxic, and free (unless you have a greedy breastfeeding mama in your family who's charging for it!).

So, what have YOU used breast milk for?

Keeping it green and healthy with breast milk,

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or cosmetologist. These are remedies others have tried with success. However, it is always advisable to talk with your doctor or pediatrician before trying any home remedies.