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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
Homeopathic remedy: I've seen a recommendation to take alfalfa in combination with Lactuca Virosa. After taking this combination, some women have reported an increase in milk supply of 50-100%. Lactuca Virosa is also known as wild lettuce. It can be ordered in different strengths in homeopathic pill form (under the tongue) or tincture form. Some people have had a problem finding this -- Birth & Breastfeeding Resources and Washington Homeopathic Products, Inc. both carry homeopathic Lactuca Virosa.
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Marshmallow appears to be a nourishing herb, not a galactagogue. However, at least one mom who I know of has seen better results using a combination of fenugreek/marshmallow rather than fenugreek alone. Can be taken in combination with blessed thistle, alfalfa, and fenugreek. [top]
Milk thistle has been used historically to increase milk supply. It contains silibinin, silydianin, and silychristin, which supposedly have liver-protecting properties
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A tincture sold by Motherlove herbal company that contains blessed thistle, nettle and fennel seed. This tincture has been recommended as an effective galactagogue by several different sources. This company also has two other tinctures for increasing milk supply: More Milk Plus (containing fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettles, fennel seed) and More Milk Two (containing raspberry leaf, nettles, alfalfa; designed for moms nursing during pregnancy). Kerry's Herbals carries a tincture for increasing milk supply called Nursing Mother Blend. It contains Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Alfalfa and Anise. BirthandBreastfeeding.com carries a number of single tinctures, combination formulas and teas for increasing milk supply. Growing Life carries an Abundant Milk Tincture containing Blessed Thistle, Fennel and Fenugreek
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You can find mother's milk tea in many health food stores. Different brands have different ingredients, but most contain fenugreek, fennel, nettle and/or blessed thistle. A tea is a somewhat weak form of an herb and varies greatly in strength depending upon the ingredients and how it's prepared. Many moms get better results from taking capsules or a tincture of a single herb or combination of herbs. Following are a couple of recipes: All-purpose nursing infusion: 1 ounce dried blessed thistle or borage leaves, 1 ounce dried raspberry or nettle leaves, 1 teaspoon any one of these seeds: anise, cumin, fennel, caraway, coriander, dill. Place leaves in half gallon jar and fill to top w/ boiling water. Cap tightly and steep overnight. Strain herbs and refrigerate until needed. Before nursing, pour off one cup and heat nearly to boil. Pour over a tsp. of any of the seeds. Let brew and cool for five minutes before drinking. Can be drunk freely, up to two quarts a day. ("Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" by Susan Weed) To make another milk boosting tea, use 1 teaspoon *each* of fennel, cumin and dill, steeped in 8 oz of boiling water for 15-20 minutes. Drink one cup, three times a day. Results should be noticeable within 24 hours. Then you can increase or decrease frequency as needed. Links for additional information:
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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.
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