How to Treat Thrush with Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

If the cause of sore nipples during breastfeeding is Candida (yeast), an effective treatment measure is the use of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE). Apply the *diluted* liquid grapefruit seed extract to the nipples after a feeding.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grapefruit Seed Extract (active ingredient must be "citricidal")
• Cotton balls or cotton swabs
• Distilled water

1. Mix very well 5-10 drops of GSE in one ounce of water (preferably, but not necessarily, distilled).

2. Use a cotton ball or swab to apply GSE solution to both nipples and areolas AFTER a feeding.

3. Use after every feeding until pain is gone and then wean down slowly over the period of at least one week.

Tips & Warnings

• Can be used in conjunction with APNO (All Purpose Nipple Ointment). Simply allow GSE solution to dry for a few seconds and then apply APNO.
• If pain is not SIGNIFICANTLY improving after 2-3 days, increase the dose by 5 drops per one ounce of water. Can continue increasing until 25 drops per one once of water.
• If flaking, drying, or whitness appears on the skin, use vitamin E or pure olive oil on the nipples after allowing GSE solution to dry.
• Laundry can be treated with GSE as well: add 15-20 drops in the rinse cycle of all wash loads.
• GSE can be found in many drug stores, grocery co-ops, and other natural food stores.
• NEVER use Grapefruit Seed Extract undiluted directly on your skin.
• Active ingredient must be CITRICIDAL.

Resources

• Kellymom.com