Have you ever wondered how herbs increase breast milk supply? Lactogenic herbs are very popular among breastfeeding moms who worry about their milk supply and whether or not their baby is getting enough milk. Aside from practices like constant nursing, skin-to-skin contact, and relaxation, there are many nursing mothers that use lactogenic herbs to increase breast milk supply. Herbs should be taken in moderation to avoid any potential side effects that would make you and your baby feel uncomfortable.
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Fenugreek
Fenugreek is one of the most common remedies used to increase milk supply and has been used for centuries. It may take a few days for some mothers to notice an increase while others see an increase within a week.
Benefits
- Many essential vitamins and minerals
- High in fiber
- Phytoestrogen
- Aids digestion
- Normalizes blood sugar metabolism
A well-known side-effect of taking fenugreek is the scent of maple syrup through your perspiration and urine. Most mothers stop taking fenugreek once they notice this because it means they have reached the best dosage.
✓ Available in capsule form
✓ Used in teas
✓ Available in seed form
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Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle is often used in combination with fenugreek to stimulation milk production.
Benefits
- Improves appetite
- Aids digestion
- Helps with depression
- Stimulates digestive juices
- Improves circulation
- Blessed thistle is also used as a remedy to aid menstruation and hormonal issues.
✓ Available in capsule form
✓ Used in teas
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Fennel
Fennel can be found in the produce section of your grocery store. It is used in many recipes but it also found in products that promote breast milk production.
Benefits
- Good source of vitamin C
- High in fiber
- Phytonutrients
- Aids in digestion
- Helps with colic
- Helps to relieve heartburn
- Fennel is also known to aid in menstrual problems and helps treat anemia.
✓ Available in capsule form
✓ Available in seed form
✓ Available as fennel essential oil
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Goat’s Rue
This herb is known to increase the growth of breast tissue. Although the plant itself is considered toxic if ingested, Goat’s Rue is safe when dried and used in teas or in capsules.
Benefits
- Balances levels of blood sugar
- Aids in the production of breast tissue
If you are hypoglycemic or diabetic, you should avoid taking Goat’s Rue. It should also be used in moderation.
✓ Available in capsule form
✓ Used in teas
✓ Available as a tincture
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Alfalfa
Alfalfa not only helps with increasing your milk supply, it also improves the quality because of the numerous vitamins and minerals it possesses.
Benefits
- Antioxidant-rich
- Anti-inflammatory
- Good source of fiber
- Aids in digestion
- Diuretic
- Good source of protein
- Rich in chlorophyll
Alfalfa can be taken in supplement form or can be eaten as alfalfa sprouts.
✓ Available in capsule form
✓ Used in teas
✓ Used in recipes
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Remember to go easy when using herbs to increase your milk supply. It may cause oversupply which can lead to plugged ducts, breast engorgement, or mastitis.
[…] Try a Lactogenic Herb Many herbs such as fenugreek or blessed thistle have properties that can stimulate milk production. […]