Are you planning to breastfeed your child, but you have insufficient milk production? Well, we must know about some of the natural ways to increase your milk production. In this article we will talk about some of the herbs that help you produce enough breast milk for your baby. So, read below and discover about the herbs.
15 Herbs That Help You Produce Enough Breast Milk For Your Baby:
There are several reasons for low milk production in breastfeeding women. Some of the common reasons might be, if you are not breastfeeding your baby on a regular basis, if you started breastfeeding your child late, or if you are suffering from diabetes, high BP, or obesity, or if your baby was a premature baby. However, let us not go into the reasons that might be causing a low milk supply in you. Let us talk about the herbs that can help you increase your breast milk supply.
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Fenugreek:
A herb known as fenugreek is one of the most used herbs to increase milk production in women and it is in fact the primary ingredient in various lactation teas.(1)
Fenugreek is native to the Mediterranean and Asian region and it is well known for its maple syrup smell and also for its bitter, burnt sugar taste.
When taken in moderate amount, fenugreek is not harmful. However, it might cause your breast milk, your sweat, and urine to smell like maple syrup. In addition to this, the herb can also cause your baby’s urine and sweat to smell like maple syrup.
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Blessed Thistle:
This herb is generally combined with fenugreek so as to increase a low breast milk production in mothers. Blessed thistle is a typical ingredient that is found in nursing teas for lactating mothers. This herb is believed to be quite safe as long as you take it in moderation or in recommended doses.(2)
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Shatavari:
Shatavari is an ayurvedic herb that has been in use to treat the problem of low milk production in lactating women. This herb is packed with a compound that helps in regularizing and also in maintaining the hormonal balance in the body; and thus helping in better supply of milk.
You can either buy the Shatavari herbal supplement or can take the herb by mixing it in water so as to increase your breast milk for your baby.
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Fennel:
Fennel is a sweet herb that is considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This is an aromatic herb that has both, culinary as well as Medicinal uses. This herb has been used for treating a lot of health issues, such as digestive problems and menstrual problems. It is even believed that fennel help in increasing milk production in lactating mothers.(3)
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Torbagun Leaves:
Torbagun leaves are also known to be beneficial in increasing the production of milk in breastfeeding women. These leaves are used popularly in Bataknese cuisine; however they have been in use for centuries to improve the milk supply of lactating women. You can prepare torbagun tea, soup, or might even use these leaves in any of your favorite dish and consume it on a daily basis.
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Stinging Nettler:
This is a nutritious, leafy green plant that is loaded with iron and vitamins and minerals. When stinging nettler is taken after childbirth, it is known to treat anemia, fight fatigue and also increase your milk supply.(4)
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Anise:
Anise is a fragrant herb that can be used to cure your breast milk issues. This is a herb that nit only contains estrogenic properties, but also is beneficial in unclogging the blocked milk ducts, which in turn helps in increasing the breast milk supply.In order to use this herb you can prepare an anise tea and safely consume 2-3 cups in a day.
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Goat’s Rue:
When we are talking about some herbs that help you produce enough breast milk for your baby, we must also let you know about the Goat’s rue. This is a member of the same plant family as that of fenugreek. Goat’s rue in its dried form is believed to be a safe herbal supplement. The properties of this herb might help a mother to build up breast tissue and to make more breast milk.(5)
However, the fresh goat’s rue plant is pretty dangerous and it should never be used.
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Alfalfa:
One of the oldest and also most cultivated crops in history is alfalfa. It is very much nutritious and is full of minerals and vitamins. Alfalfa is loaded with antioxidants, low in saturated fat, and is rich in protein and fiber. This herbal plant is one of the primary sources of food for dairy animals, as it is believed to increase the milk production.
You can add this herb safely to your breastfeeding diet, unless you do not overdo it.
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Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a fragrant herb that is known to enrich the flavors of various culinary dishes. However, many breastfeeding women suffering from low milk supply, have been using this herb to increase their milk production. It is also believed to enhance the flavor of breast milk. You can consume cinnamon powder by mixing the powder in warm water and some honey or can add it to your milk.
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Milk Thistle:
Milk thistle, also known as Mary thistle, has been linked with breastfeeding for centuries. There are many people who believe that the white veins of this plant represent breast milk, so, if you consume milk thistle, you can increase your milk production. However, human studies supporting this claim are limited.
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Cumin Seeds:
Cumin seeds are fragrant seeds used in cooking several dishes and it is also known to be an effective herbal remedy for treating low milk production in lactating mothers. Apart from this, cumin seeds are also loaded with iron, which is known to provide enough of energy to breastfeeding mothers.
Simply mix one teaspoon of cumin seeds with sugar and have this with warm milk before sleeping at night.
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Brewer’s Yeast:
This is a healthy and nutritional herbal supplement that can aid to increase your energy levels and also to fight off the baby blues. Brewer’s yeast is also believed to help in increasing the supply of breast milk in lactating mothers.
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Ginger:
This is a traditional herb that adds flavor to our foods and is also known for treating a lot of health problems. Ginger is usually taken for digestive issues; however, in some parts of the world, this herb is believed to help mothers increase the supply of their breast milk. (6)
Fresh ginger could be a healthy addition to your diet and is also not known to cause any harmful effect on mother or baby when is used in moderation.
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Garlic:
Garlic is an ingredient that is used in several recipes all around the world. Garlic is also known for a wonderful dietary supplement and also as an excellent medication. It has got several health benefits. You can also use this to increase your milk supply if you are a breastfeeding mother.
However, keep a strict note that though garlic can increase milk supply, it might also change the flavor of your breast milk.
Warnings and Precautions about Breastfeeding Herbs:
Warnings: Always make sure that you talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement when you are breastfeeding your baby. Though herbal remedies are used as medications since many centuries, it does not mean that these herbs could be without any danger or side effect.
Precautions:
Herbs can also have side effects, depending on its preparation. Some herbs can even be quite toxic.
You should inform your child’s doctor in case you are taking any herbal supplement while you are lactating.
Also Read:
- How to Know if You are Producing Enough Breast Milk?
- Foods & Supplements That Help Produce More Breast Milk
- Can You Get Hepatitis From Breast Milk?
- Can My Baby Be Lactose Intolerant To Breast Milk?
- Breast Milk Bank: Its Process, Health Benefits & FAQs
- Things That Decrease Breast Milk Production
- 5 Amazing Health Benefits of Breast Milk Bath for Baby
