Pokeroot - the impossible remedy - Mastitis

(Updated information is in Purple text)
Pokeroot is a herb from North America known as Pokeweed, American Poke, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry and its Latin name of Phytolacca Americana. (www.MountainRoseHerbs.com)

I was put onto this remedy by my Doula when I manifested Mastitis with my third child at around 4months of her infancy. I got through that particular attack using lots of rest, fresh food, and heaps of home made Pro-biotics via Kefir milk. I did have a very nasty episode of it though...and that was after a cracked nipple episode, which I now know is a forerunner and part of the Mastitis infection. The cracked nipples were awful with one nearly detaching. Hellish. It took six weeks to heal and I thought I'd never get better during the worst of it, but there you go...the body heals :)

The fever I had the evening that the Mastitis took full hold was 'epic', and also a message as to the reason behind the manifestation of this infection. I hallucinated for around eight hours that night, fevering, sweating and elimating from bladder and bowel. Like I wrote,...it was 'epic'. That night I dreamed I was forever building a house for my family; no, I 'had to' build a house for my family, it was a task that had been set me, and all I seemed to have at my disposal were matchsticks,...and some of them were burned already.

Yes, classic modern mother syndrome (although I dispise the use of 'syndrome'...just means you've got a heap of symptoms that medicine can't quite understand unless you go to a Holistic practitioner...) of needing/wanting to provide for her babies, because this lifestyle we lead makes the partner (male or female) 'unreliable' unless it is evident in the pay/income structure. We are constantly being challenged with increases in everyday utilities and consumables for our modern lives. It's not hard to see why we are so ill as a majority society. We're up to our eyeballs in stress,...or should that be distress...

Pokeroot is used for various illnesses, and even as a remedy for cancer (particularly noted for uterine and breast cancer treatments).  In 'A Modern Herbal' by Mrs. M. Grieve, it is stated that it is "to be of undoubted value as an internal remedy in cancer of the breast."  She also indicates that it is used to treat menstrual tension, headaches, skin problems, rheumatism and more. Surely such a valuable herb might be more widely used? But no. Seems that the 'toxicity' of such a herb cannot compete as a suitable remedy with the prevalence of sensationalist reports of it causing deaths (not confirmable) or hideous side effects (from its misuse). If this same context were applied to Paracetamol we'd never find it on the shelves for sale..

A previous attempt at obtaining Pokeroot ended up with me being cautioned as to taking it while I am breastfeeding, and, I wasn't sold the tincture, leaving me to wait another fortnight before I could begin treatment, by which time I'd recovered (again) using probiotics, Colloidal Silver and lots of good nutrition.

The following is a short description of the dosage and treatment for Mastitis, and possibly the bacteria lurking in my system responsible for the repeated outbreaks. I hope it will provide someone with the information they need to try this treatment out themselves, and, a case study for anyone interested in using Pokeroot while breastfeeding.

A little bit of personal history...I've suffered with Mastitis now on and off for around a year since the birth of my fourth child. Cracked nipples, hot and swollen breast tissue and milk ducts, fever, weakness, kidney aches and pains all come and go with this rotten infection. It really is debilitating! Not only the physical effects of the infection but the psychological and emotional exhaustion of feeding with a cracked and bleeding breast is utterly devastating...once, but to go through it every two to three months has been sheer hell.
The first time I'd had Mastitis with my third child was after recovering from a hideously cracked nipple too. Fortunately I'd only ever had a blocked duct now and again in her breastfeeding history which lasted to around age 3. We successfully breastfed for nearly three years, despite being told that due to her short frenulum, we may never feed for a long time or ever comfortably. This proved to be wrong. We fed happily and for a long time.
With the fourth child, again, short frenulum, and so we opted to have it snipped. Breastfeeding WAS much easier than before, however, Mastitis has been much worse and has returned over and over again.
So I find myself turning towards 'drastic action', which is a change for me...I'm usually concerned with only gentle treatments, yet challenged with getting back to 'full power' I am taking the advice of someone I trust and going forth ;)
I've also researched this a fair bit and came across an endorsement to use this with breastfeeding on Susun Weed's website. (link here)

NB -

• Cabbage Leaves: Treatment for Mastitis can include the use of outer leaves of cabbage to reduce inflammation. It works a treat, giving relief within an hour of application. Repeat with fresh leaves every 3 to 5 hours depending on the heat being produced by the breast tissue. Changing them every hour may be needed in some cases. Keep the leaves in the crisper area of your fridge and re-use once or twice if you can (that is, if there is no pus or blood on the leaves), otherwise, fresh leaves for each application. 
• Apply Colloidal Silver or liquid probiotic to breast and nipple before and after feeds. 
• Coconut Oil is a powerful immune system supporter, and, its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a serious helper for cracked nipples from yeast infection (thrush) which is usually another indicator that the bacteria for Mastitis is perhaps present and will have opportunity to flare up. Take one to two tablespoons of good organic cold pressed coconut oil three times a day, and use a little topcially before and after feeds with bubba.
• I have also heard that Fryars Balsam can heal cracked nipples within a few hours but unfortunately have not had the opportunity to obtain the balsam for use on myself. (Mother swears its a miracle worker) UPDATE! :) Fryars Balsam completely works wonders!!! I endorse this thoroughly! :) However, I did have to wait around a week to order it from the USA, as the common remedy sold here in Australia (and the UK too) is only half the real recipe. This marvelous stuff places a clear 'seal' over open wounded skin, creating a barrier of protection. Baby doesn't mind the taste and fed on top of it straight away. Bliss on sore boobies! You can even take it internally to kill parasites and bacteria. Directions are on the bottle.'Herb Pharm' brand.
• Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence dabbed onto the breasts especially onto non-broken skin will encourage speedy healing and it makes you feel calmed too. Excellent to use before a feed is imminent to calm the nerves and enable a better feed and calmer latching on.
• Be practical regarding fever. Use cold compresses or cold packs on the forehead. Take cool showers and wear loose clothing. Keep the room ventilated comfortably and *get some help so you are not left alone with a baby*. If you become concerned that the fever is becoming untreatable see your healthcare practitioner of choice.

Day 1
Day Dosage:
1 drop in approxmiately a cup of water
Taken before evening meal around 4:30pm

Reaction -  After about 15mins I can feel, literally feel, this working on my glands. Under my neck and arms feels uncomfortable, like the onset of flu like symptoms, however, I have no congestion and no fever, and the glands themselves are not swollen.
The Mastitis affected nipples that had been healed at this point in time turn pinkish red and the healed tears have a lining of mucus on them. I'm slightly worried at this point, but use Colloidal Silver topically to calm the heat being produced and to kill any bacteria on the surface of the nipple, and down a large dose of liquid probiotic (Fast Tract from Miessence) to fortify my immune system.
Taking a dosage of Rescue Remedy whenever needed (approximately 6 to 8 times a day).

Day 2
After an evening of feeling slightly apprehensive and slightly 'glandy', I've come through feeling much better. Nipple colour is still pinkish red and mucus is still being produced very slightly. I continue with Colloidal Silver applications during the day before and after feeds with baby. YES. STILL BREASTFEEDING while taking Pokeroot. Bubba is fine ;)
Taking a dosage of Rescue Remedy whenever needed (approximately 6 to 8 times a day).

Day Dosage:
1 drop in approxmiately a cup of water
Taken before evening meal around 4:30pm

Day 3
I feel much better today, the Pokeroot effects are not as pronounced, however I am still using Colloidal Silver topically yet the nipple tissue is now flaking and therefore healing. I use some coconut oil after removing the flaking skin that will come off. I am still taking two large doses of Fast Tract morning and evening.
Taking a dosage of Rescue Remedy whenever needed (approximately 6 to 8 times a day).

Day Dosage:
1 drop in approxmiately a cup of water
Taken before evening meal around 4:30pm

Day 4
Today I can barely feel any of the effects of an overstimulated immune system, however for the past few days my body has been 'flushing'. Hadn't written it down but both bowels and bladder have been very active day and night and I have lost a lot of waste. Great stuff really, can't complain. Baby is still fine. One year old feeding as been erratic but he has been healthy, regularly feeding and filling his nappy. I have noticed more wees and heavier wees than normal with him. This is the only side effect I have noticed along with the demand for more liquid intake via pure water and breastmilk plus some ricemilk and coconut oil drink.
Taking a dosage of Rescue Remedy whenever needed (approximately 6 to 8 times a day).

1 drop in approxmiately a cup of water
Taken before evening meal around 4:30pm

Day 5
System still improving. Still lots of water being used by the body, but wow, I feel really good today :) Something has shifted and I feel like I've got it on the run...whateveritis ;}
Taking a dosage of Rescue Remedy whenever needed (approximately 6 to 8 times a day).
 
Day Dosage:
1 drop in approxmiately a cup of water
Taken before evening meal around 4:30pm

Day 6
Today I feel that this Pokeroot Tincture has started to balance its effect with me. I am going to consider giving my body a rest from it tomorrow. See how I feel when I wake up...
Taking a dosage of Rescue Remedy whenever needed (approximately 6 to 8 times a day).

Day Dosage:
1 drop in approxmiately a cup of water
Taken before evening meal around 4:30pm

Day 7
Yes, today I am giving my body a rest from the tincture. Just going to boost up on good food and keep on with the Probiotic intake too. Baby is still fine. We are very healthy in fact.
Taking a dosage of Rescue Remedy whenever needed (approximately 6 to 8 times a day).

Day Dosage:
nil

Day 8
Have chosen to begin again with a morning dosage after breakfast. Feeling good so far. No immediate reaction other than a very slight 'thick' feeling in the glands in my throat. No lack of energy or fever etc. All good!

Day Dosage:
1 drop in approxmiately a cup of water


I will come back and update this article in the future after a full two weeks to a month of using Pokeroot. I feel that a fortnight will be all that is needed to clear this from my system, and, hopefully I won't ever have to combat Mastitis again, but if I do, I have Pokeroot on hand to clear it away.
Update: I have not had any inklings of Mastitis in the month since taking Pokeroot. I've only had one day of extra treatment with the tincture and will maintain observation of any symptoms that arise. So, all good so far :) Still taking two doses of Fast Tract each day, and if I forget a dose my body lets me know about it... :( Upon reading up about yeast infections and how they are a flag for more internal imbalace, I am going to be researching internal parasites further...but that will be another blogpost ;}

Many Blessings
Jannette
:)