Herbs for Increasing Breastmilk Production

Best Herbs for Increasing Milk Production

Here is a list of the key herbs that are known to increase milk production. As with any herb or medication, check with a qualified health practitioner or lactation consultant before taking. Dosage amount is important in impacting milk supply.

• Fenugreek. Fenugreek is one of the most potent herbal galactagogues. Fenugreek (used in large amounts in Indian cuisine) is known for its ability to increase milk production within a few days. It works be increasing bodily secretions, breastmilk included. (As a result, some experience loose stools from regular use of Fenugreek. This problem should go away as soon as the use of Fenugreek is removed.) Regular use and dosage is required. Many tinctures and teas are on the market these days that include Fenugreek in them. You can also take plain Fenugreek capsules.
• Goat's Rue. This is another extremely effective herb in increaing milk production. This works by stimulating production in the mammary glands directly (and possibly increasing mammary tissue itself.) Like Fenugreek, you would likely notice an improvement in milk production within a few days. Unlike Fenugreek, Goat's Rue does not have a laxative effect and can be a great choice for those who get an upset stomach from Fenugreek. As a result, this can be an ideal choice for breastfeeding women from the beginning.
• Blessed Thistle. Blessed Thistle is good for increasing milk production and cleansing the liver and helping digestion. Often used in combination with other herbs for nursing teas. However, if used alone, this herb can taste quite bitter.
• Alfalfa. Alfalfa is high in Vitamin K (known for its blood clotting properties.) It is nutritious and can help to fortify the nursing mother as well as improve her milk production.
• Fennel.Fennel is another herb that is often used in Indian cooking. It is known as a digestive herb and is often used to alleviate gas or indigestion (or colic in babies.)
• Hops.You probably have heard people tell breastfeeding women to drink a beer. It is an old myth that beer increases milk production. However, there is some truth to this myth if the beer contains hops. Many European countries make dark, heavy beers that are rich in hops. Like many of the other lactation inducing herbs, hops is bitter.
• Nettle. Nettle is an extremely nutritious herb. It is rich in calcium and iron and it has been used to treat anemia. Nettle has also been used for allergies to reduce inflammation. It also helps to increase breastmilk production and support the nutritional value of the milk for the infant.
• Red Raspberry Leaf. Many pregnant women drink raspberry tea to strengthen their uterus for delivery. It is also rich in vitamins such as calcium and iron. Many nursing teas have raspberry leaf to help enrich mother's milk and to facilitate uterine healing post-partum.

How to get these herbs

It is always best to consult a skilled naturopath or a lactation consultant before taking any herbs while pregnant or breastfeeding. However, most teas on the market that are specifically targeted for pregnant or nursing women, are gentle enough that it would be hard to 'overdose' on them. Note that herbs and teas that are recommended for pregnancy are NOT the same herbs and might even be harmful for breastfeeding.

Teas. Traditional Medicinals and Yoga Tea make great nursing and Raspberry leaf teas.

Herbs. Any herb store or even healthfood store should have many of the herbs listed above in either capsule or tincture format. There are brands called Motherlove (www.motherlove.com) and Herblore (www.herblore.com) that makes organic herb tincture blends that are quite effective for breastfeeding. They also have a skilled staff and can answer any specific questions or concerns.

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