Post by Michelle on Dec 14, 2008 4:09:39 GMT -6
Herbs while Nursing
Herbs that may decrease milk supply:
* black walnut * periwinkle herb (vinca minor)
* chickweed * sage
* herb robert (geranium robertianum) * sorrel
* lemon balm * spearmint
* oregano * thyme
* parsley * yarrow
* peppermint
Herbs to avoid while nursing:
* bladderwrack * indian snakeroot
* buckthorn * kava kava
* chaparral * petasites root
* coltsfoot * phen-fen, herbal
* dong quai * rhubarb
* elecampane * star anise
* ephdra/ma huang * tiratricol
* ginseng * uva ursi
* wormwood
Herbs for increasing milk supply:
Alfalfa
Dosage: up to 4 capsules, 3 times a day; homeopathic 6 tablets a day. Note: Not recommended for people taking blood thinning agents. Can be taken in combination with blessed thistle, marshmallow, and fenugreek.
Anise/Aniseed
Dosage: crush seeds just before use. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp of seeds. Let stand covered for 5-10 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times a day. Note: Not recommended during pregnancy. Do not take when using birth control pills containing estrogen. Also reported to be helpful for baby colic.
Blessed Thistle
Dosage: Capsules: up to 4 capsules, 3 times a day. Tincture: up to 20 drops, 2-4 times a day; tea: pour one cup of boiling water over 1.5 to 2 grams of crushed Blessed Thistle and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times per day. Note: Use with caution if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family. Can be taken in combination with red raspberry, alfalfa, marshmallow and fenugreek.
Fenugreek for Increasing Milk Supply
Effect on 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 breastmilk" [Swafford 2000].
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 alternative methods of increasing milk supply.
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" [Huggins].
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
Possible side effects and cautions
* Sweat and urine smells like maple syrup; milk and/or breastfed baby may smell like maple syrup.
* Occasionally causes loose stools, which go away when fenugreek is discontinued.
* Use of more than 100 grams of fenugreek seeds daily can cause intestinal distress and nausea (recommended dose is less than 8 grams per day).
* Repeated external applications can result in undesirable skin reactions [Wichtl 1994].
* Ingestion of fenugreek seeds or tea in infants or late-term pregnant women can lead to false diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease in the infant due to presence of sotolone in the urine. See [Korman 2001] and other studies on fenugreek and maple syrup urine smell.
Use with caution or avoid if you have a history of:
* Peanut or chickpea allergy: Fenugreek is in the same family with peanuts and chickpeas, and may cause an allergic reaction in moms who are allergic to these things. Two cases of fenugreek allergy have been reported in the literature. [Patil 1997, Ohnuma 1998, Lawrence 1999]
* Diabetes or hypoglycemia: Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, and in the few studies using it as a hypoglycemic, also reduces blood cholesterol. Dosages higher than the recommended one (given above) may result in hypoglycemia in some mothers [Heller]. If you're diabetic (IDDM), use fenugreek only if you have good control of your blood glucose levels. While taking this, closely monitor your fasting levels and post-prandial (after meals) levels. Mothers with hypoglycemia should also use fenugreek with caution. For more on fenugreek and glucose levels, see the references below.
* Asthma: Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for asthma. However, inhalation of the powder can cause asthma and allergic symptoms. Some mothers have reported that it worsened their asthma symptoms. [Dugue 1993, Huggins, Lawrence 1999].
* Abnormal menstrual cycles: Fenugreek is considered to be an emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow). Per [White], it may cause breakthrough menstrual bleeding; this source recommends using fenugreek with caution if you have a history of abnormal menstrual cycles.
* Migraines: Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for migraines. However, [White] indicates that it may trigger a migraine and/or contribute to the duration and severity of a migraine.
* Blood pressure problems or heart disease: Fenugreek is commonly reported to lower blood pressure and LDL blood cholesterol levels. [White] indicates, however, that it may cause or contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) - this source recommends avoiding this herb if you have a history of hypertension, or if there is a strong family history of hypertension or heart disease.
Drug interactions
* Oral drugs or herbs taken at the same time as fenugreek may have delayed absorption due to the mucilage content of fenugreek.
* Glipizide and other antidiabetic drugs
Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels and may enhance the effects of these drugs.
* Insulin
Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, so insulin dosage may need to be adjusted.
* Heparin, Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Ticlopidine and other platelet inhibitors
The fenugreek plant contains several coumarin compounds. Although studies have not shown any problems, it potentially could cause bleeding if combined with these types of drugs.
* MAOIs
Fenugreek contains amine and has the potential to augment the effect of these drugs.
Possible side effects for baby
Most of the time, baby is unaffected by mom's use of fenugreek (except that more milk is usually available). Sometimes baby will smell like maple syrup, too (just like mom). However, some moms have noticed that baby is fussy and/or has green, watery stools when mom is taking fenugreek and the symptoms go away when mom discontinues the fenugreek.
Fenugreek can cause GI symptoms in mom (upset stomach, diarrhea), so it's possible for it to cause GI symptoms in baby too. Also anyone can have an allergic reaction to any herb, and fenugreek allergy, though rare, has been documented.
Another reason for these types of symptoms --and perhaps more likely than a reaction to the herb-- may be that mom's supply has increased due to the fenugreek and the symptoms are those of oversupply, where baby is getting too much foremilk. Fussiness, gas and green watery stools are classic symptoms of an overabundant milk supply.
Where to get fenugreek
Fenugreek seed capsules, tinctures and teas can be purchased in many health food stores and online. You can also buy empty gelatin capsules and bulk fenugreek seed powder to make your own capsules.
Fenugreek tea is a weak form of the herb. For the tea: use a teaspoon of whole fenugreek seeds. Steep in boiling water for 15 minutes or so and drink three or more times a day.
Fenugreek sprouts are another way to eat fenugreek. Fenugreek seeds can be obtained in the bulk food section of some health food stores, or you may be able to find them at a store that specializes in Indian or other eastern foods. Soak 1-2 teaspoons of the seeds in water overnight. Pour that water off the next day (or drink it - it's fenugreek tea) and rinse seeds with clear water. Place the seeds into a sprouter (this can be as simple as a small, clear plastic clamshell carry-out container), and place on a windowsill or table with the lid slightly ajar. Rinse with water daily. The seeds will sprout in around five days.
Fenugreek seeds for mastitis or engorgement: Steep several ounces of seeds in a cup or so of water. Let seeds cool, then mash them. Place on a clean cloth, warm, and use as a poultice or plaster on engorged or mastitic breasts to help with let-down and sore spots.
Other uses for fenugreek
Fenugreek has been used traditionally to treat diabetes, coughs, congestion, bronchitis, fever, high blood pressure, headaches/migraines, diarrhea, flatulence, anaemia, irregular menstrual cycles and arthritis, to ease labor pains and menstruation pain, and as an appetite stimulant. Fenugreek has also been used as an external poultice to control inflammation and dandruff.
Oatmeal for increasing milk supply
Eating a bowl of oatmeal, if nothing else, is healthy for mom. At best, it may be a simple way to increase milk supply.
Eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast each morning is a frequently heard recommendation for increasing milk supply. Although there is no scientific evidence regarding oatmeal and milk supply, oatmeal does seem to work for some. Many working moms have noticed that on the days they eat oatmeal for breakfast, they can pump more milk than on the days they eat something else. In some countries, "traditional wisdom" recommends eating oatmeal as a way to increase milk supply. A number of lactation consultants recommend eating oatmeal as a way to increase supply.
Some possible explanations:
* Oatmeal is is a good source of iron. It is known that maternal anemia/low iron levels can result in a decreased milk supply, so it makes sense that eating something high in iron might increase milk supply in some women.
* Oatmeal is a comfort food for many women. Anything that increases relaxation in mom can encourage let-down, and hence also influence milk supply.
* A use that some of the milk-increasing herbs share is that of decreasing cholesterol levels. Herbs used for both increasing milk production and decreasing cholesterol levels include fenugreek and alfalfa. Oat bran, which is in oatmeal, is also known to help lower cholesterol.
Suggested dosage:
One bowl of hot oatmeal (any type) every day. Some moms say that they see an increase in supply when they eat anything made with oats, including instant oatmeal and oatmeal cookies.
Side effects:
* Oats are not associated with any adverse effects
* Those with gluten sensitivity (celiac disease) should eat oats with caution
Herbs that may decrease milk supply:
* black walnut * periwinkle herb (vinca minor)
* chickweed * sage
* herb robert (geranium robertianum) * sorrel
* lemon balm * spearmint
* oregano * thyme
* parsley * yarrow
* peppermint
Herbs to avoid while nursing:
* bladderwrack * indian snakeroot
* buckthorn * kava kava
* chaparral * petasites root
* coltsfoot * phen-fen, herbal
* dong quai * rhubarb
* elecampane * star anise
* ephdra/ma huang * tiratricol
* ginseng * uva ursi
* wormwood
Herbs for increasing milk supply:
Alfalfa
Dosage: up to 4 capsules, 3 times a day; homeopathic 6 tablets a day. Note: Not recommended for people taking blood thinning agents. Can be taken in combination with blessed thistle, marshmallow, and fenugreek.
Anise/Aniseed
Dosage: crush seeds just before use. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp of seeds. Let stand covered for 5-10 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times a day. Note: Not recommended during pregnancy. Do not take when using birth control pills containing estrogen. Also reported to be helpful for baby colic.
Blessed Thistle
Dosage: Capsules: up to 4 capsules, 3 times a day. Tincture: up to 20 drops, 2-4 times a day; tea: pour one cup of boiling water over 1.5 to 2 grams of crushed Blessed Thistle and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times per day. Note: Use with caution if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family. Can be taken in combination with red raspberry, alfalfa, marshmallow and fenugreek.
Fenugreek for Increasing Milk Supply
Effect on 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 breastmilk" [Swafford 2000].
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 alternative methods of increasing milk supply.
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" [Huggins].
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
Possible side effects and cautions
* Sweat and urine smells like maple syrup; milk and/or breastfed baby may smell like maple syrup.
* Occasionally causes loose stools, which go away when fenugreek is discontinued.
* Use of more than 100 grams of fenugreek seeds daily can cause intestinal distress and nausea (recommended dose is less than 8 grams per day).
* Repeated external applications can result in undesirable skin reactions [Wichtl 1994].
* Ingestion of fenugreek seeds or tea in infants or late-term pregnant women can lead to false diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease in the infant due to presence of sotolone in the urine. See [Korman 2001] and other studies on fenugreek and maple syrup urine smell.
Use with caution or avoid if you have a history of:
* Peanut or chickpea allergy: Fenugreek is in the same family with peanuts and chickpeas, and may cause an allergic reaction in moms who are allergic to these things. Two cases of fenugreek allergy have been reported in the literature. [Patil 1997, Ohnuma 1998, Lawrence 1999]
* Diabetes or hypoglycemia: Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, and in the few studies using it as a hypoglycemic, also reduces blood cholesterol. Dosages higher than the recommended one (given above) may result in hypoglycemia in some mothers [Heller]. If you're diabetic (IDDM), use fenugreek only if you have good control of your blood glucose levels. While taking this, closely monitor your fasting levels and post-prandial (after meals) levels. Mothers with hypoglycemia should also use fenugreek with caution. For more on fenugreek and glucose levels, see the references below.
* Asthma: Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for asthma. However, inhalation of the powder can cause asthma and allergic symptoms. Some mothers have reported that it worsened their asthma symptoms. [Dugue 1993, Huggins, Lawrence 1999].
* Abnormal menstrual cycles: Fenugreek is considered to be an emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow). Per [White], it may cause breakthrough menstrual bleeding; this source recommends using fenugreek with caution if you have a history of abnormal menstrual cycles.
* Migraines: Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for migraines. However, [White] indicates that it may trigger a migraine and/or contribute to the duration and severity of a migraine.
* Blood pressure problems or heart disease: Fenugreek is commonly reported to lower blood pressure and LDL blood cholesterol levels. [White] indicates, however, that it may cause or contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) - this source recommends avoiding this herb if you have a history of hypertension, or if there is a strong family history of hypertension or heart disease.
Drug interactions
* Oral drugs or herbs taken at the same time as fenugreek may have delayed absorption due to the mucilage content of fenugreek.
* Glipizide and other antidiabetic drugs
Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels and may enhance the effects of these drugs.
* Insulin
Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, so insulin dosage may need to be adjusted.
* Heparin, Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Ticlopidine and other platelet inhibitors
The fenugreek plant contains several coumarin compounds. Although studies have not shown any problems, it potentially could cause bleeding if combined with these types of drugs.
* MAOIs
Fenugreek contains amine and has the potential to augment the effect of these drugs.
Possible side effects for baby
Most of the time, baby is unaffected by mom's use of fenugreek (except that more milk is usually available). Sometimes baby will smell like maple syrup, too (just like mom). However, some moms have noticed that baby is fussy and/or has green, watery stools when mom is taking fenugreek and the symptoms go away when mom discontinues the fenugreek.
Fenugreek can cause GI symptoms in mom (upset stomach, diarrhea), so it's possible for it to cause GI symptoms in baby too. Also anyone can have an allergic reaction to any herb, and fenugreek allergy, though rare, has been documented.
Another reason for these types of symptoms --and perhaps more likely than a reaction to the herb-- may be that mom's supply has increased due to the fenugreek and the symptoms are those of oversupply, where baby is getting too much foremilk. Fussiness, gas and green watery stools are classic symptoms of an overabundant milk supply.
Where to get fenugreek
Fenugreek seed capsules, tinctures and teas can be purchased in many health food stores and online. You can also buy empty gelatin capsules and bulk fenugreek seed powder to make your own capsules.
Fenugreek tea is a weak form of the herb. For the tea: use a teaspoon of whole fenugreek seeds. Steep in boiling water for 15 minutes or so and drink three or more times a day.
Fenugreek sprouts are another way to eat fenugreek. Fenugreek seeds can be obtained in the bulk food section of some health food stores, or you may be able to find them at a store that specializes in Indian or other eastern foods. Soak 1-2 teaspoons of the seeds in water overnight. Pour that water off the next day (or drink it - it's fenugreek tea) and rinse seeds with clear water. Place the seeds into a sprouter (this can be as simple as a small, clear plastic clamshell carry-out container), and place on a windowsill or table with the lid slightly ajar. Rinse with water daily. The seeds will sprout in around five days.
Fenugreek seeds for mastitis or engorgement: Steep several ounces of seeds in a cup or so of water. Let seeds cool, then mash them. Place on a clean cloth, warm, and use as a poultice or plaster on engorged or mastitic breasts to help with let-down and sore spots.
Other uses for fenugreek
Fenugreek has been used traditionally to treat diabetes, coughs, congestion, bronchitis, fever, high blood pressure, headaches/migraines, diarrhea, flatulence, anaemia, irregular menstrual cycles and arthritis, to ease labor pains and menstruation pain, and as an appetite stimulant. Fenugreek has also been used as an external poultice to control inflammation and dandruff.
Oatmeal for increasing milk supply
Eating a bowl of oatmeal, if nothing else, is healthy for mom. At best, it may be a simple way to increase milk supply.
Eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast each morning is a frequently heard recommendation for increasing milk supply. Although there is no scientific evidence regarding oatmeal and milk supply, oatmeal does seem to work for some. Many working moms have noticed that on the days they eat oatmeal for breakfast, they can pump more milk than on the days they eat something else. In some countries, "traditional wisdom" recommends eating oatmeal as a way to increase milk supply. A number of lactation consultants recommend eating oatmeal as a way to increase supply.
Some possible explanations:
* Oatmeal is is a good source of iron. It is known that maternal anemia/low iron levels can result in a decreased milk supply, so it makes sense that eating something high in iron might increase milk supply in some women.
* Oatmeal is a comfort food for many women. Anything that increases relaxation in mom can encourage let-down, and hence also influence milk supply.
* A use that some of the milk-increasing herbs share is that of decreasing cholesterol levels. Herbs used for both increasing milk production and decreasing cholesterol levels include fenugreek and alfalfa. Oat bran, which is in oatmeal, is also known to help lower cholesterol.
Suggested dosage:
One bowl of hot oatmeal (any type) every day. Some moms say that they see an increase in supply when they eat anything made with oats, including instant oatmeal and oatmeal cookies.
Side effects:
* Oats are not associated with any adverse effects
* Those with gluten sensitivity (celiac disease) should eat oats with caution