Herbs for Breastfeeding
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: [Name Not Given]
Posted on: July 31, 1998

What herbs help lactation? I would like to produce more milk.

Rosemary Gladstar, in her book "Herbal Healing for Women" (available from Richters), recommends a herbal formula containing fennel seed, fenugreek seed, blessed thistle leaf and hops. The book gives directions how to make and take the decoction. If taken daily it will promote a healthy, rich flow of milk. If this formula is too bitter, another tea, made from blessed thistle, fennel, nettle and raspberry leaf, can be taken.

Gladstar tells the story of a patient of hers who was having difficulty producing milk, despite taking the recommended formulas. After further questioning, it was discovered that the mother was eating parsley regularly for its rich stores of vitamins and minerals. Parsley is a potent inhibitor of lactation, and when the mother stopped taking it milk flow improved substantially.

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