They don't call it liquid gold for nothing. Breast milk is the holy grail of all, uh, bodily fluids. In addition to it being the best nutrition for a baby — it protects against illnesses such as stomach bugs and ear infections, allergies, and much more — breast milk has a massive amount of other uses that run the gamut from skin care to keeping the whole family healthy. That's right — the whole family can benefit from breast milk.
For example, a little bit of breast milk can heal diaper rash, take the sting out of an insect bite, relieve a sore throat, and even … remove make up! Okay, so some of these uses might be a little more necessary than others. But the point is, a nursing mom isn't just producing a healthy drink for her baby — but also a magical balm that can heal and help in a variety of ways. If she isn't able to run out and buy nipple cream or calamine lotion, she might be able to just use a few drops out of baby's milk stash to help the problem. Seriously, this stuff is a first-aid kit in a bottle. Trust us.
So, if moms ever happen to have some milk leftover, they should consider one of these out-of-the-box uses for breast milk.
Diaper Rash
Breast milk can be used to treat inflamed, red baby bottoms. Simply dab a few drops on and let air dry before putting diaper back on.
Itches & Bites
Got a mosquito bite? Dab some breast milk on — it's said to heal itches and bites quicker than commercial remedies.
Makeup Remover
Yes, makeup remover. Breast milk can be used like a cold cream to remove makeup. Apply some to a cotton ball and swipe clean as you would store-bought makeup remover. It can also be applied directly to the face.
Eczema
Breast milk can do wonders to heal dry patches of eczema, as it contains natural moisturizers. Rub a small amount onto the affected area, and it should clear up faster than it otherwise would have.
Cracked Nipples
Typically, nursing mamas use lanolin to help heal cracked and dry nipples, but breast milk may work even better. Squirt out a few drops and rub onto the affected area as often as needed.
Ear Infections
Some experts recommend parents put a few drops of breast milk in a child's ear to help clear it up faster. Simply put a few drops in every few hours.
Poison Ivy
Soaking a cotton ball in breast milk and applying it to poison ivy every few hours will help relieve itching.
Clogged Tear Ducts
Some moms swear by breast milk for clearing up clogged tear ducts. Apply some to a cotton ball and dab the eye area a few times a day.
Baby Acne
Using breast milk on baby acne can aid in clearing it up. Rub it on baby's face with a clean finger a few times a day and let air dry.
Burns
Some moms claim breast milk mixed with a little bit of mashed up blueberries works wonders on burns. Apply directly to the skin.
Sunburn
Gently patting a few drops of breast milk onto sunburns helps soothe the skin and ease the pain.
Warts
Breast milk-saturated cotton balls applied twice a day on warts may dry them up faster.
Cold Sores & Fever Blisters
Pat a cold sore or fever blister with a cotton ball soaked in breast milk to help promote healing and ease pain.
Sore Throat
Gargling with breast milk may help relieve the pain of sore throats.
Congestion in Older Children & Adults
Putting a few drops of breast milk inside a stuffed nose a few times a day may help clear nasal passages.
Chicken Pox
Putting a few drops of breast milk on chicken pox sores a few times a day should help with uncomfy itchiness.
Rashes & Contact Dermatitis
Breast milk can help relieve discomfort from rashes and contact dermatitis in both adults and children. Rub on skin a few times a day.
Puffy Eye Treatment
Soaking cotton balls in breast milk and applying to eyes for a few minutes can aid in depuffing eyes.
Milk Substitute
For children who are sensitive to cow's milk, moms can substitute breast milk in baking and cooking.
Cradle Cap
Try massaging a few drops of breast milk onto baby's scalp a few times a day to help clear up cradle cap.
Pink Eye
A drop or two of breast milk expressed into a cup and then applied with a clean eyedropper a few times a day may help clear up pink eye.
Chapped Lips
Thanks to its moisturizing properties, breast milk can be applied to lips as often as you like to heal dryness.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Cafemom is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
