Herbal mixtures and supplements that naturally increase the delivery of breast milk and support the healthy immunity of mum and baby are an important part of the breastfeeding tradition. “There are herbs that can help you make milk faster or to help make it flow faster, making it often a difference in just a few days” (Humphrey, 114). Herbs have been used for thousands of years to promote healthy lactation. Herb mixtures offer powerful ingredients that:
- Support the immunity of the mother and baby
- Increase the production of breast milk with goats rue
- Help the lymph system and cleaning
- Help mother and baby with the right digestion/assimilation
- Calm gas and quiet cramps
- Provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
- Can also be used to wean the milk supply and to dry up if necessary
Herbal breastfeeding support, combined with the right nursing techniques, can improve the experience and care for mother and baby when breastfeeding. Make pumps or breastfeeding more often and ensuring that the baby is properly recorded, the volume of your milk supply can increase. I also recommend working together at this critical time with a lactation specialist for deeper training on your diet and hydration. Here is an alphabetical reference for a number of common herbs that are used during breastfeeding. Feel free to add to the list:
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) – Rich in vitamins and minerals, Alfalfa is a Yin Tonic that is used to rebuild strength and to reinstalled after birth.
Blessed thistle (Cnicicus Benedictus) – Stimulates gastric juices, saliva, AIDS -Spijsvertering and Cleaning.
Caraway (Carum Carvi) – AIDS Digestion and soothes spasms of the digestive tract.
Cat cake (Nepeta Cataria) – Cat cake is a garden coin that is calming and restorative, both for the spirit and the digestive tract. A classic first aid herb for abdominal complaints for both mother and baby. An ingredient in complaint water.
Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) – Consisting of small flowers that offer a lot of relief, Kamille is a classic herb for the early stages of life. It helps to calm the body and mind of baby and mother, soothes irritations and promotes healthy digestion.
Dill (Anethum Graveolens) – A traditional component of complaint water, dill soothes digestion and abdominal bubbles.
Fennel seed (Foenuculum vulgare) – helps the right appetite and digestion for mother and baby, soothes stomach and intestines, helps the production of breast milk and stops gas.
Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum -Graecum) – Regulates a healthy appetite, increases the production of breast milk and regulates healthy blood sugar levels.
Goat’s rue (Galega Officinalis) – A traditional European remedy for increasing the food of breast milk in animals and people.
Hop (Humulus lupulus) – An effective bitter digestion that helps a cautious disappointment, Hop also calms restlessness and stress. No reported allergies and passes Gras Standard. Hop is a soft but powerful herb for relaxation.
Fuel (Uitca Dioica) – Fuel Promotes overall immune health, cleaning and moved body fluids.
Oats (Avena sativa) – A nourishing tonic, oats are recommended for recovery and repeating. They are rich in nutritious vitamins and minerals and can also be used topically to calm inflamed and itchy skin.
Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus) – Dealing tonic for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Rich in minerals such as calcium magnesium and iron that support a healthy milk supply. Raspberry Leaf can also be used with sage to help with weaning and milk credit.
Wise ((Salvia Officinalis) – Cake and contracting, sage is used as a tool to dry up the milk supply when mother and baby are ready.
Written by Elizabeth Willis, clinical herbalist and nutritionist
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.
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