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Home > Herbs > Herbs & Milk Supply > What is a galactagogue? Do I need one? > Herbal Remedies for Increasing Milk SupplyA - B · C - E · F - I · J - M · N - Z
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
Chasteberry/Vitex/Chaste tree berry has been said to enhance lactation, but in practical application it may decrease milk supply. Once the milk supply is firmly established and on autocrine control, it's doubtful that the use of vitex, in and of itself, will have any negative impact on milk production, but it should not be recommended as a galactagogue. Vitex is a very useful herb for PMS symptoms, as well as for moms who are breastfeeding and are desiring to conceive again, and are having problems with their cycles returning or becoming regular enough to sustain a pregnancy. Vitex works by stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and suppressing the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This in turn causes the corpus luteum to secrete more progesterone. Progesterone suppresses the production of prolaction. Also, vitex has components that bind to the dopamine receptor sites of the pituitary, inhibiting prolactin secretion. German studies from 1943 and 1954 suggested that vitex increases milk supply, but these studies were not very well designed. They basically measured when the mom weaned, and found that women who had been using vitex had a 2% weaning rate at hospital discharge, as compared to a 8% weaning rate for the other moms. Nothing was measured regarding hormone levels (obviously back then they weren't even aware of the hormones involved with lactation). Thank you to Kerry of Kerry's Herbals for the additional information on vitex! Additional references: Presser, Arthur M. MD. Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal
Herbs. Smart Publications, 2000. Bone, K. Vitex Agnus Castus. European Journal of Herbal Medicine, Vol 1:2 1994. .
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Chlorophyll is present in all green plants and has been reported to "bring in rich milk." I'm not aware of the recommended dosage. I think that it's probably not a galactagogue, but may provide vitamins/minerals helpful for good milk production.
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Comfrey has been reported to "bring in rich milk." HOWEVER, many sources say to avoid internal use of this herb. Comfrey is a known carcinogen when ingested. In addition, Hale (Medications and Mothers' Milk 1998-99, p. 170) says that "Comfrey and members of this family are exceedingly dangerous and should not be used topically, ingested orally, or used in any form in breastfeeding mothers." Other names for this herb are Russian Comfrey, Knitbone, Bruisewort, Blackwort and Slippery Root. More info from the FDA.
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Dill is considered by some to be a galactagogue. It is a common culinary herb. Dill tea: Steep 2 teaspoons of dill seed in 1 warm cup of water for 10-15 min. Take 1/2 cup 2-3 times daily. Another recipe (reported to be an old Indian remedy for low milk supply): Steep 1/2 cup dill seeds in water overnight. Boil until very dark in color. Strain. Drink one cup of this dill tea per day.
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One midwife suggests taking an essential fatty acid supplement, because the fatty acids help us to make the hormones we need for breastfeeding. She suggests trying it for at least a week. Reportedly, some moms have had luck with this, especially if they are on a really low fat diet. This is most likely not a true galactagogue, but may be helpful nutrition-wise if mom is missing this in her diet. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, and is reported safe for nursing moms. [top]
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:
10/20/2005
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