Just as our Earth came equipped with plenty of food for us to eat, it also came equipped with herbs that can be used for every known disease and circumstance that arises in life.

And that's great news for new moms because it means that their babies don't have to suffer from low milk supply.

For centuries, many herbs have been used to stimulate milk production. Two of those herbs are fenugreek and blessed thistle.

Fenugreek

When an herb has the ability to cause milk production, that herb is called a galactagogue. Fenugreek's galactagogue effects are due to the lactation factors found in the fatty acids of the herb. And fenugreek is noted to increase milk production  up to 900%.

But like all other herbs, the effects aren't limited to just one organ. Herbs work on multiple organ systems simultaneously.

Fenugreek increases protein utilization so that a little protein that you eat goes a long way in the body and is used for growth of new muscles and hormones. Fenugreek also increases the production of red blood cells, helps increase body weight in babies and stimulates liver function.

Fenugreek is also called an herb that is called mucilaginous. which means that it absorbs water to itself and expands. This action makes it helpful and healing to the stomach, especially in the case of ulcers.

When fenugreek is taken to stimulate milk production, the milk flow can begin in 24 to 48 hours. There are no known toxic side effects from taking the herb. However, the scent of the urine, sweat or body odor may change somewhat to smell like maple syrup.  Three capsules three times a day is a usual dosage.

Blessed Thistle

Reports of the use of blessed thistle go back all the way to the first century A.D. Besides using blessed thistle to stimulate milk production, the herb was used to reduce gas and indigestion and treat liver and gall bladder disorders. Test tube studies have shown antibacterial and anti-yeast activity from the herb as well.

Like fenugreek, blessed thistle has not been found to have any toxic side effects; however, large amounts of the tea can cause nausea. That’s why capsules or tinctures are often used. The normal dosage is 3 capsules 3 times a day or 20 drops tincture three times a day.

Sources:
Herbs that Heal. Rx: Prescription for Herbal Healing by Michale A Weiner, Ph.D. and Janet A. Weiner. Quantum Books, 1994.

School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R. Christopher, 20th Anniversary Edition. Christopher Publications, Springville Utah, 1976.