TO INCREASE MOTHERS MILK PRODUCTION
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) appears to be the herb that is most
often used to increase milk supply. It is an excellent galactagogue, and has been
used as such for centuries. In one study of ten women, "the use of Fenugreek
significantly increased volume of breast milk" .
Mothers generally notice an increase in production 24-72 hours after starting the
herb, but it can take two weeks for others to see a change.
Dosages of less than 6 capsules/day (approx 3500 mg/day) produce no effect in
many women. One way to determine if you're taking the correct dosage is to
slowly increase the amount of Fenugreek until your sweat and urine begin to smell
like maple syrup. If you're having problems with any side effects, discontinue use
and consider.
Fenugreek can be used either short-term to boost milk supply or long-term to
augment supply and/or pumping yields. There are no studies indicating problems
with long-term usage. Per Kathleen Huggins "Most mothers have found that the
herb can be discontinued once milk production is stimulated to an appropriate
level. Adequate production is usually maintained as long as sufficient breast
stimulation and emptying continues".
Suggested dosage:
capsules
(580-610 mg) • 2-4 capsules, 3 times per day
• 6-12 capsules (total) per day
• ~1200-2400 mg, 3 times per day (3.5-7.3 grams/day)
• German Commission E recommends a daily intake of 6 grams
capsules
(500 mg) • 7-14 capsules (total) per day
powder or seeds • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon, 3 times per day
• 1 capsule = 1/4 teaspoon
• can be mixed with a little water or juice
tincture 1-2 ml, 3 times per day (or see package directions)
tea one cup of tea, 2-3 times per day
Milk Thistle For The Increase Of Moms Milk
Preparation of milk thistle to be used as a herbal home remedy is very easy. Its
flowers, leaves and seeds can all be used for healing. Milk thistle is known a
versatile herb with tonifying and restorative abilities. In particular, its use lie in
helping nursing mothers and those with liver and gall bladder problems.
Milk thistle first got its name because it was first used to help stimulate milk
production in mothers who are breastfeeding their babies. Its leaves have white
streaks that run across them and this is said to symbolize milk flow. Hence, simply
munch on the leaves much like you are eating spinach, if you want to increase milk
flow or to help relieve menstrual problems.
For liver and gall bladder problems, look to the seeds. Milk thistle seeds contain a
large amount of silymarin. They are used to combat the symptoms of liver disease.
In fact, many herbalists say that it is helpful in treating cirrhosis of the liver as well.
You can lower high cholesterol levels as well as reduce gall bladder inflammation
with consuming milk thistle seeds.
Many research studies also show that milk thistle has other wonderful health
benefits. One of the findings reveal that the milk thistle contains many more
antioxidants than even Vitamin E. These seeds can be used to help prevent
damage to the tissues of the body due to free radicals.
You may also choose to eat the pretty flowers of milk thistle. The flowers are best
consumed before they bloom. In fact, the heads of the flowers are often treated
much the same as artichokes. Consume the flower heads to help stimulate the
liver and digestive system.
You can also choose to prepare a herbal home remedy from milk thistle in a variety
of ways for healing. Take the seeds of the milk thistle to prepare a tincture by
using 20-25 drops of the oil and combine it with water. This tincture can help treat
liver and gall bladder issues.
If it is hard for you to grow milk thistle in your garden, you can also consume it in
the form of capsules. Herbalists usually recommend a dosage of one or two
200mg capsules each day for gall bladder or liver ailments. To help fight a
hangover, consume the capsules before drinking alcohol.
One of the easier ways to consume this herbal home remedy is through an
infusion. You can prepare an infusion by using the leaves and flowers of the herb
to help increase milk flow in
lactating mothers or to help for digestive problems.
Lastly, you can also crush the seeds into a powder to use on skin ulcers or you can
infuse the seeds to allow you to drink it in a tea. The infusion works well for
treating gall bladder
symptoms. They can be combined with lady’s mantle and St. John’s Wort to help
in relieving menstrual cramps.