The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and often new mothers are concerned with the quality and quantity of the milk supply. Goat’s rue, or Galega Officinalisis a herbal gala eye that has been used for centuries to increase the food of breast milk.
It is available as a tea, herbalincture or formulated with other galactagogues such as fenugreek, which is a member of the same Fabaceae family. In 1837 a French farmer discovered that Galega OfficinalisWhen eaten by his cows, their milk supply increased by 35-50%. Galega (Gale means “milk” and ega Translates as “bring to, cause”) then became known as Goat’s Rue. The other common names are French lilac, holy hay, Italian Fitch or Professor-Wier.
How does Rue van Goat work?
At the moment there is no clear insight into how Goat’s Rue increases milk production. According to different mothers who are breastfeeding, with the help of a simple tincture of goats rue, in addition to frequent food and/or regular pumps every 2-3 hours, raising protein intake, maintaining hydration, sufficient sleep and reducing stress levels, all the increase in milk production delivered. The recommended dose of Galega is 1 to 2 ml of tincture 2 to 3 times a day, or an infusion of 1 teaspoon dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water 2 to 3 times a day (nice, 131).
Goat’s rue, prolactin and lactation
The use of galactagogues such as goats rue to improve someone’s milk supply can be useful because ” ” ” ” Production of breast milk is a complex physiological process with physical and emotional factors and the interaction of multiple hormones, the most important of which is considered prolactin “(Liebert, 41).
Prolactin stimulates the lactation and its release is inhibited by dopamine that is excreted by the hypothalamus. In addition, “lactation is initiated with delivery, the removal of the placenta and falling progesterone levels in the presence of very high prolactin levels” (41). Various drugs for milk improvement such as Domperidon, a dopamine inhibitor, are not available in the US due to a lack of approval from the FDA.
During my experience as a doula and herbalist who work with mothers who are breastfeeding, I found the best results, which means that increased milk supply, was the result of taking galactagogues such as blessed thistle, fenugreek and goats rue. After taking high doses of fenugreek, some mothers complain about experiencing blood sugar drops and even mentioned an “maple syrup” scent. When using galactagogues, most mothers find that when they reach the level of the desired milk production, they can stop taking the herb. Breastfeeding can be complicated, and when in doubt, lactation drivers and support groups such as La Leche League are available.
A walk in the garden
Goat’s Rue grows hardy in most conditions and flowers in the summer months. Recently, when he visits London, England, my host invited me to visit Chelsea Physic Garden, the oldest botanical gardens in London. The Society of Apothecaries of London founded this garden in 1673, so that their students could learn to grow medicinal plants and study their use. During our garden tour I found a small copy of Galega Officinalis Among the ‘official plants’, those who are considered medicinal qualities. One of the gardeners focused on me to another area Galega Lives and this enormous shrub showed the beauty of this French lilac. For something that is considered a harmful weed, Galega Officinalis Is very feminine with her long stems and light pink flowers. This beautiful galactagogue dominated its domain – just like a strong breastfeeding fold!
References
- Liebert, Mary Ann. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactagogues when initiating or increasing the speed of the secretion of breast milk.
- The Academy of Breast Feeding Medicine Protocol Committee. Breastfeeding medicine. Part 6, number 1, 2011.
- Nice, Frank J. Infant, Child, & Adolescent Nutrition. Part 3, June 2011.
Written by Marisa Buchsbaum, Clinical Herbalist & Doula. The website of Marisa is www.thetreeoflifedoula.com.
Only for educational purposes. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease or to sell a product.
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