Gentian violet is the original treatment for thrush, which went out of favor when other prescription meds came about and due to the huge mess it can make. It is very effective for yeast or sore nipples THAT ARE CAUSED BY YEAST. Gentian violet has been implicated as a toxinigen, but that was in rat studies that used something to the tune of 500 times the dose a baby would get. For treating normal, transient nipple soreness, the only topical for nipples approved by LLLI is Lansinoh--and for good reason too. St. Johns Wort oil, while very beneficial in older children and adults, can cause MAJOR allergic reactions in infants. Please don't recommend this topically to remain on the nipples. Lansinoh is soothing because it seals the nerve endings off from air (I suspect what your moms are reporting too) and it assists in moist wound healing. If you have not read Sue Huml's articles on moist wound healing in breastfeeding, I highly recommend them. Other common topicals used by some here are vitamin E, 'bag balm' and comfrey- ARE CONTRAINDICATED for infants. Anything fat soluble could potentially build up in the fat cells. The reason Lansinoh is okay (even in those allergic to wool) is that it is "ultra" pure anhydrous lanolin (guaranteed not to cause allergic reactions). And, NO I don't work for them. 'Hope this clarifies things a bit. : )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC email: [log in to unmask] : ) : )HSR & Health Educational Consultant voice/fax: 541 753 7340 : ) : )------------**CHANGE THE WORLD, NURTURE A CHILD!**------------------ : )