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Herbal Remedies for Increasing Milk Supply

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The information in these pages is a compilation of information I have found on the use of herbs as galactagogues. My sources include lactation consultants, nursing mothers, lactation and herbal texts, and information on the traditional use of herbs. Thus far, there is practically no "scientific proof" (studies in peer-reviewed journals) that herbs are effective for increasing milk supply (see Fenugreek info for one such study) - evidence is drawn from case reports and traditional use.

Note that the listed side effects are not side effects specific to the nursing mother/baby pair (these are usually unknown), but are side effects that might occur for anyone taking the herb. See Herbs and Breastfeeding: References for additional general information on each herb.

I try to include all herbs that might be recommended to increase milk supply - note in my information that some of these herbs have not been reported to be helpful for increasing supply, and some are unsafe to use at all. Others have mixed reviews as to safety and/or efficacy. My intent is to present the information I have found to help others make an informed choice.

What is a galactagogue? Do I need one? · Herbal safety for nursing moms

Symbols used
Use of this herb may be hazardous to mom and/or baby.
Efficacy as a galacatagogue is questionable.


 Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) 
Suggested dosage:
capsules
 up to 4 capsules, 3 times a day
homeopathic
 6 tablets per day
Side effects:
  • At customary dosage levels, Alfalfa leaf poses no problems.
  • There have been isolated reports of persons allergic to alfalfa.
  • Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.
  • Ingestion of large amounts of the seed and/or sprouts has been linked to the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in animal studies. The chemical responsible for this effect is believed to be canavanine. Persons with SLE/lupus or with a history of lupus or other auto-immune disorder should not use alfalfa products, as they have been known to aggravate lupus and other auto-immune disorders.

Alfalfa is one of the more commonly used galactagogues. Can be taken in combination with blessed thistle, marshmallow, and fenugreek.

Homeopathic remedy: I've seen a recommendation to take alfalfa in combination with Lactuca Virosa. After taking this combination, it has been reported that some women have noticed an increase in milk supply of 50-100%.

More information on alfalfa (in general, not as a galactagogue) can be found here:

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 Anise/Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)
Suggested dosage-infusion: Crush seeds just before use. Poor 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp of seeds. Let stand covered for 5-10 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times per day.
Side effects:
  • Anise poses no known risks when taken at customary dosage levels.
  • There is a slight possibility that you could develop an allergic sensitivity to the herb.
  • Not recommended for use during pregnancy.
  • If you should not take birth control pills containing estrogen, do not take Anise–it has some estrogen-like activity.

Anise seed is one of the more commonly used galactagogues. Anise seed cookies are traditionally brought to new mothers in some cultures. Anise is also reported to be helpful for infantile colic.

WARNING: Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) has been associated with illnesses ranging from serious neurological effects, such as seizures, to vomiting, jitteriness and rapid eye movement. One of these cases was a breastfed baby whose mom drank the tea (baby was not given any tea). Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is considered by the US FDA to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS), however there is concern that it might be mixed with the Japanese variety since it cannot be visually distinguished from Japanese star anise. The US FDA has issued an advisory recommending that star anise be avoided altogether.

More on Anise/Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)

 

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 Astragalus root (Huang-qi)
Suggested dosage: unknown
Side effects:
  • Astragalus appears to be relatively nontoxic. High one-time doses, as well as long-term administration, have not caused significant harmful effects.
  • Side effects are rare and generally limited to the usual mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions.

This herb is widely used in Chinese Traditional Medicine and is generally considered safe for nursing moms. Reported toxicity is very low. Three species of Astragalus have been reported to increase milk supply - A.glaux from the Mediterranean, A. glycyphyllos from the Ukraine, and A. hamosus from India.

 

 

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 Blessed Thistle (Cnicus Benedictus)
Suggested dosage:
capsules
 up to 4 capsules, 3 times a day
tincture
 up to 20 drops of tincture, 2-4 times daily
tea
 Pour one cup of boiling water over 1.5 to 2 grams of crushed Blessed Thistle and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times per day.
  German Commission E monograph recommends 4–6 grams of blessed thistle per day.
Side effects:
  • Anyone with allergies to plants in the daisy family should use blessed thistle cautiously.
  • Reported to be an effective emmenagogue. The American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Index and the German Commission E indicate that blessed thistle is not to be used during pregnancy.
  • Cathartic (laxative effect) and emetic (causes vomiting) in large doses (more than 5 grams per dose).

Blessed thistle is one of the more commonly used galactagogues. Can be taken in combination with red raspberry, alfalfa, marshmallow, and fenugreek.

Hale notes that blessed thistle is "virtually nontoxic, with only occasional suggestions that high doses may indice GI symptoms." Lactation Risk Category is L3 (moderately safe). He does not warn against use during pregnancy.

German - Bitter distal or Benedikten Kraut
Latin - Cnicus Benedictus

References and more information:

Blessed Thistle Herb excerpted from Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs, American Botanical Council, 2000.

Blessed Thistle excerpted from Brinker F. Herb Contradictions and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998, 70–1.

Literature review of fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle and raspberry leaf by Rachel Emma Westfall

McGuffin M., Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. American Herbal Product Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1997.

Cnicus benedictus L. Blessed Thistle. from NaturalHealthNotebook.com

Herbs to Avoid While Pregnant from Motherlove Herbal

Blessed Thistle HealthNotes info from MotherNature.com

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) by Sharol Tilgner, ND

Weed S. Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 1986, p. 43, 85, 156. Susun Weed recommends blessed thistle for occasional use during pregnancy "to help keep your emotions on an even keel" and postpartum for increasing milk supply and lifting depression.

Nutritional Profile -- Blessed Thistle -- Cnicus benedictus (Compositae)
calculated on a zero moisture basis per 100 gm
Aluminum 8.5 mg Cobalt 0.38 mg Magnesium 177 mg
Ash(total) 13.3 % Crude Fiber 9.8 % Manganese 0.21 mg
Calcium 1,120 mg Dietary Fiber 37.9 % Niacin 0.31 mg
Calories 0.5 /gm Fat 1.1 % Phosphorus 270 mg
Carbohydrates 76.0 % Iron 2.4 mg Potassium 2,600 mg
Chromium 0.18 mg Thiamine 0.27 mg Tin 2.5 mg
Vitamin C 3.0 mg Protein 9.6 % Selenium 0.34 mg
Riboflavin 0.21 mg Silicon [trace mg] Sodium 122 mg
Vitamin A 22,200 IU Zinc [trace mg]    
Nutrients of note:
Sugars 12 % (glucose, sucrose)
Starch 8 %  

 

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 Borage
Suggested dosage:
 unknown
Side effects:
  • mild laxative
  • potentially toxic
  • The American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Index indicates that borage is not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.
  • Borage is not recommended for long term use.

Use this herb with care as it is potentially toxic - if you use it, it is recommended that you ensure that it's prepared by an experienced herbalist. Borage leaves, when prepared properly, appear to be an effective galactagogue. There is at least one tincture designed for increasing milk supply that contains borage (among other things) that is commercially available .

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 Brewer's Yeast
Suggested dosage:
tablets
 3 - 5 tablets, 3x per day
powder
 1.5 - 2.5 tablespoons, 3x per day
Side effects:
  • may cause gassiness in baby
  • baby's stool will smell "yeasty"

Brewer's yeast is often reported to be a galactagogue, however many feel that brewer's yeast is not effective for increasing milk supply. Brewer's yeast is a rich source of B vitamins, and a protein source, providing essential amino acids.

Links for additional information:
ASK THE LACTATION CONSULTANT: Brewer's Yeast to Increase Milk Supply

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 Burdock
Suggested dosage:
 unknown
Side effects:
  • There is a slight chance that contact with the skin will cause a reaction. No other side effects have been reported.
  • Burdock root in large quantities may stimulate the uterus and therefore should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Burdock has been reported to be a galactagogue.

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Disclaimer: Most herbal treatments have not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to lactation. Herbs are drugs, and some caution is necessary. I am presenting this data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and am not liable for its accuracy nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on this information.

 

Page last modified: 03/03/2005
Written: 05/12/1998

Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for educational purposes only, although every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information. Unless otherwise noted, the articles at this website are not written by doctors or other health care professionals. If you are concerned about your health, or that of your child, consult with your health care provider regarding the advisability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your individual situation.
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