We’ve all heard how amazing breast milk is for babies—and moms, too. But did you know breast milk has other surprising uses?
It’s true. Breast milk isn’t just for feeding your baby. It can help treat minor ailments and support healing in some surprising ways.
Because breast milk is naturally antibacterial, it can help with wound healing. Some researchers have explored its use after surgeries and even organ transplants to support recovery.
It’s also packed with immunological agents that fight off viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These compounds help protect your baby—and may have broader health benefits for others too.
Human milk is more than just food for your baby. It’s a powerful, natural remedy that can help with a range of everyday issues—for you, your baby, and even other family members. Here’s a closer look at all the amazing ways you can use expressed milk beyond feeding.
Breast milk has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, which is why it’s often used for mild eye infections like conjunctivitis. You can gently drop a few drops into your baby’s eye—or anyone else’s—two to three times a day. Use room temperature or freshly expressed milk to avoid discomfort. Many parents notice improvement within a day or two. Still, always talk to your pediatrician before using expressed milk as an eye treatment, especially for newborns.
Lack of sleep or allergies can leave eyes looking swollen and irritated. Breast milk can help reduce that puffiness. Just soak a cotton pad in expressed milk and place it over the eyes for a few minutes. It works in a similar way to how some people use chilled cow’s milk, but with added antibacterial benefits. Vinmec – Putting breast milk on baby’s eyes
A congested baby can struggle to eat or sleep. A few drops of breast milk in each nostril can help loosen the mucus. After applying, gently suction the nose with a bulb syringe. This can be safer than medicated nasal drops for infants, especially in the early months.
If your baby or toddler has a sore throat or mouth ulcers, breast milk may bring relief. Swishing it around the mouth (or offering it in a cup or bottle for older kids) can soothe the irritation. Its antimicrobial properties help reduce bacteria and promote healing.
Breast milk is gentle and soothing on inflamed skin. Apply it directly to eczema patches or rashes using a clean cotton ball or your fingers. Let it air dry. It helps calm itching, reduce redness, and keep the skin clean. Some parents make their own expressed milk lotion or soap for daily use. Medicalnewstoday – Breast milk for eczema
Cradle cap can cause flaky, dry skin on your baby’s scalp. Massage a small amount of breast milk into the scalp once or twice a day. Leave it on for a few minutes, then brush out the flakes with a soft baby brush. It helps loosen buildup and moisturize the scalp.
Breast milk can double as a natural moisturizer. It hydrates dry skin without any added chemicals. Smooth a little over dry patches and let it absorb or rinse off after a few minutes if it feels sticky. It’s especially useful during winter or after baths.
If your baby has a mild diaper rash, try applying breast milk to the area at each diaper change. It helps fight off bacteria and reduces redness. Make sure the skin is completely dry before putting on a fresh diaper. Don’t use it if the rash looks yeasty or has open sores.
Breast milk can calm itching and irritation from insect bites. Just dab a little onto the bite a few times a day. It helps reduce swelling and speeds up healing.
Chickenpox can make your little one miserable. Applying breast milk to the itchy spots can bring quick relief. It helps cool the skin and reduce the urge to scratch—just like a natural version of calamine lotion.
Some parents use breast milk on small warts daily, believing the natural compounds help break them down. While more research is needed, anecdotal stories suggest that daily applications can shrink warts over time.
If you’re breastfeeding and have cracked or sore nipples, your own milk might be the best medicine. After each feeding, express a few drops and rub it onto your nipples. Let them air dry. Breast milk helps fight infection and speeds up healing. Avoid this if you have thrush.
Breast milk is packed with antibodies, vitamins, and immune-boosting cells. If you’re still producing milk, offering it to older children can help protect them during cold and flu season. Some kids enjoy it in smoothies or small cups.
Breast milk contains immunoglobulins that fight viruses and reduce inflammation. Drinking it during a cold may shorten the illness and ease symptoms. It’s safe for the whole family and much easier to digest than most medications.
Breast milk breaks down makeup while leaving your skin soft and nourished. Just apply it with a cotton pad and wipe gently. It’s especially great around the eyes, where skin is extra sensitive.
Because breast milk is antibacterial and soothing, it can help cleanse your face and even treat acne. Use it like a toner after washing your face. It’s ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
A little breast milk can go a long way on dry lips. It creates a protective barrier and adds natural moisture. Apply it like you would any lip balm, especially in dry or windy weather.
If you’ve built up a freezer stash, consider donating. Milk banks test and pasteurize your milk before giving it to premature or medically fragile babies. Your donation could be life-saving for another family.
For small cuts, scrapes, or even mild burns, try applying breast milk. It helps clean the wound, fight off bacteria, and speed healing. Let the area air dry afterward.
Human milk can act as a personal lubricant during intimacy. It’s gentle and safe but avoid using it if you think you have a yeast infection, as it could worsen the problem.
Some adults report relief from using breast milk on shingles blisters or leg ulcers. Though not backed by formal studies, many believe its immune-boosting properties help soothe the skin and promote healing.
You can use breast milk in recipes like smoothies, muffins, or oatmeal—anywhere you’d use cow’s milk. Just make sure the milk is fresh and stored safely.
Frozen breast milk treats are great for teething. Pour it into popsicle molds or small bags and freeze. The cold helps numb sore gums, and babies love the taste.
Donated breast milk isn’t just for preemies—it can be life-saving in many medical situations. Hospitals and milk banks often provide donor milk when a baby can’t tolerate formula or a patient needs extra immune support.
Here are some of the medical conditions where donated breast milk may be used:
“My milk helped to heal a terrible sunburn that was blistering in just a few days.”
“Thank you for sharing this. Breast milk contains lauric acid, which has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. It’s also rich in immune factors that help protect and support skin healing. When applied to sunburn, breast milk can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and keep the area clean. Many say it helps ease the burning sensation and supports faster recovery—especially for mild burns.”
“I occasionally put breast milk on my baby’s eyes and inside the ears. It keeps conjunctivitis away and helps in healing an ear infection.
You can also put it up the nose like a saline nasal spray, which will keep the nose clearer longer than the saline would.
Since I started this, my baby has not been on an antibiotic for ear infections. Whereas before, we went to the doctor weekly for a new ear antibiotic!
My baby is now eight months old and has had ear infections, but they don’t last longer than a few hours after I put breast milk in her ears.“
“I just squirted a bit of milk on my baby’s head every time she ate. The cradle cap was gone in 3 days. Hasn’t been back.”
“Add 20 ml or so to any hair cream you would usually use (20ml for the amount you will use at that time). Apply to your hair, comb, use heat if you want, and rinse it after 5 minutes or after all night. It’s up to you.
The hair looks shiny after this. It also feels soft.
When you rinse it, it will feel a little oily. It won’t feel that way when it’s dry.
I think there is a difference if you use hindmilk, foremilk, or both, but I’m not sure yet. My two sisters-in-law and I have tried this with great results! I always let them know when my son has left some milk for their hair.
My hair is tough to comb, so I use conditioner for this process, and after rinsing it, I apply the conditioner mixed with breast milk.
I hope this helps! The best part? Since it’s a supply and demand process, I always have enough milk for my baby and for looking nice!
God bless you!”
“I have had a continuing problem with leg ulcers for about twenty years. I recently had a problem with two leg ulcers for about five months, and after trying all the tricks I’ve learned over the years with no positive results, I went to a well-known wound clinic about three months ago to see what they could do.
They tried everything they knew, including some skin patches that cost $2000 an application, with no positive results. After watching a news show on the benefits of breast milk on healing wounds, I acquired some fresh milk from my daughter, who is breastfeeding my grandson, and figured I’d try it.
I saw a positive change in my ulcers in twenty-four hours. On the second day, they started to have a burning sensation as the nerves seemed to wake up.
In two weeks, both ulcers were completely healed. My wound doctor was amazed at the quickness of the healing. The milk I used was always fresh and never frozen.
I will be freezing some milk for future use, as I am certain I will have ulcers sometime in the future and will find out if frozen milk still works its magic.”
“I had dry, cracked heels. I put expressed milk on my heels, and the cracks are gone, and my heels are smooth again! It’s awesome!
I also developed a dry eczema patch on my fingers (unsure why), and only breastmilk would help it from stinging, and it finally started healing again!
This stuff is magic! Now to store it for when I am no longer breastfeeding.”
“I currently have shingles. I put my breast milk on my outbreak.
The skin around the blisters went from bright red to a lighter pink in just a few hours. Also, the burning/itching sensation was dramatically reduced.
I’ve used breast milk successfully for pink eye and eczema before, so it is no surprise that it helped me in this situation!”
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