Search Sign Up Login About. Sixty-six postpartum mothers (22 in each of 3 groups) with no concurrent illnesses were randomly assigned to receive an herbal tea, placebo, or nothing after delivering healthy, fullterm infants. Mothers in the herbal tea group received at least 3 cups daily of 200 mL of Still Tea (Humana-Istanbul, Turkey; containing hibiscus 2.6 grams, fennel extract 200 mg, fennel oil 20 mg, rooibos 200 mg, verbena [vervain] 200 mg, raspberry leaves 200 mg, fenugreek 100 mg, goat’s rue 100 mg, and, vitamin C 500 mg per 100 grams, per manufacturer’s web site November 2011). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has rated fenugreek as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS). Still, always consult a doctor, lactation consultant, or herbal specialist before taking any herbal treatments. My favourite brand is Majestic peppermint oil. They can have side effects, and they can be dangerous for you and your baby. Read our, Verywell Family uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. All women were followed by the same nurse and pediatrician who were blinded to what treatment the mothers received. In general, no side effects have been found in babies from mother’s taking fenugreek. It was used to treat digestive and respiratory ailments, and it has a long history of use in women's health—to induce labor and help with childbirth, and as a treatment for gynecological issues like painful menstruation and uterine problems. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. For centuries, certain herbs and foods have been used in different cultures to promote breast milk production. You can get other tips on using supplements, but if you're considering the use of fenugreek, tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. Updated on March 02, 2008 K.P. Fenugreek capsules work fast, so lucky moms will probably see an increase in milk production in as little as 24 to 72 hours. One three-year study found that people with prediabetes who took five grams of fenugreek powder twice a day before meals were significantly less likely to develop diabetes, possibly due to a decrease in insulin resistance. LDL "bad" cholesterol was also significantly reduced. In general, you can begin by taking one 610-milligram capsule (a commonly available dose) three times a day. Research is limited to specific individuals, so applying the research to your body can me different results. Effect of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (Fenugreek) Seeds on Glycaemic Control and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study. Does fenugreek help increase milk supply? Breastfeeding A Guide For The Medical Profession. Most of the research for lactation-boosting herbs includes fenugreek blended with other herbs. J Altern Complement Med. Is It Safe for Breasfeeding Mothers to Use Ginger? Another study where 18 people with type 2 diabetes took 10 grams a day of powdered fenugreek seeds mixed with yogurt or soaked in hot water, those taking the seeds soaked in hot water saw a 25% decrease in fasting blood sugar, a 30% decrease in triglycerides, and a 31% decrease in very-low-density lipoprotein, a type of fat that carries cholesterol and triglycerides through your bloodstream. Those who consumed powdered fenugreek seeds mixed with yogurt saw no significant changes. I’m looking to up my supply and fenugreek keeps coming up as something that helps increase supply. Yes, quite probably. Self-treating a condition like diabetes and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. According to this publication, many of the mothers who took ONLY Fenugreek, did not see quantifiable increases in milk volume, though these studies have many issues … Fenugreek is a well-known natural galactagogue, which means the herb increases breast milk production in lactating mothers. The main ingredient in these is fenugreek, a seed that also is available as a supplement. Can Fennel Increase Your Breast Milk Supply and Is It Safe? You should be aware that fenugreek can cause your breast milk, urine… Does Fenugreek Cause Breast Cancer? Posted by 1 year ago. Use milk-producing products: Eating oatmeal can help increase your breast milk supply, as can hoppy beers that contain a lot of yeast. But, if you find that even after doing everything the way you're supposed to, you still cannot make enough milk, speak to your doctor. Fenugreek can thin your blood. I’m thinking of trying the capsules. It is pure and natural. Log In Sign Up. Iran Red Crescent Med J. Numerous animal studies and preliminary trials in humans show fenugreek may help to lower blood sugar. How … I also learned the hard way that products containing Fenugreek actually tanked my milk supply. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. Fenugreek does pass into the breast milk, but it's believed to be safe for both mom and baby when used in moderation. Fenugreek is an excellent anticancer herb according to many studies. If a mother takes a supplement with fenugreek, and still experiences a low milk supply, or a drop in supply, it likely isn’t the fenugreek, but a slow dip in supply for other reasons. The seeds have been used throughout history for cooking, flavoring, and healing. Minimizing Discomfort . Because of these other benefits, and the continued use and recommendation of fenugreek for milk supply, we believe it is an important part of our lactation-herb blend to help new mothers maintain a healthy milk supply, while also safely losing weight with natural herbs, minerals and nourishment. This is often a “last resort” method for frustrated mamas. What we’ve concluded with our reviews of research is that small amounts of Fenugreek, combined with other galactagogues is the best way to go because it eliminates the likelihood of side effects from Fenugreek, but also utilizes its strengths. After 1 to 3 days, you should see your milk production increase. Fenugreek has been used for centuries to increase milk supply in lactating mothers. When 124 lactation consultants were surveyed in 2012 about folk remedies to promote lactation, fenugreek was the most commonly recommended method. Although it's employed by millions of women to stimulate breast milk, only a few studies have investigated fenugreek for this use. How to Make Sure Breast Milk does not Dry up? 2001;49:1057-1061. My son is almost 3 months old. In their raw form, however, fenugreek seeds taste bitter; heating or roasting reduces the bitterness and brings out the sweetness. Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society. Fenugreek has many other benefits besides increasing milk supply. 4th edition. 2009;79(1):34-39. doi:10.1024/0300-9831.79.1.34, Gaddam A, Galla C, Thummisetti S, Marikanty RK, Palanisamy UD, Rao PV. Giving them a full picture of what you do to manage your health will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For centuries, fenugreek has been taken to promote health and well-being. Herbs are similar to medications. What is interesting though, in one study where moms were given a unique tea called Still-Tea, experienced a quantifiable increase in milk supply compared to mothers taking an apple tea. In a two-month, double-blind study of 25 people, use of fenugreek (one gram a day of a standardized extract) significantly improved some measures of blood sugar control and insulin response as compared to placebo. Triglyceride levels decreased and HDL “good” cholesterol levels increased, most likely due to the enhanced insulin sensitivity. Can Blessed Thistle Increase Breast Milk Production? Like almost made me dry up, which apparently happens for half of the women that try it! Fenugreek can increase milk supply in certain individuals: A recent publication, updated just a few months ago in January of 2019, looked at various studies done to attempt to conclude whether fenugreek increases milk supply. How Long Does It Take For Fenugreek To Increase Milk Supply? If you want a boost to help dry up your milk faster, … In fact I often recommend peppermint tea … Given that fenugreek can lower your blood sugar levels, use caution and speak with your doctor if you're taking diabetes medications, such as insulin or drugs for hypoglycemia, as fenugreek may enhance their effects. It has also been suggested that fenugreek may have oestrogenic activity. We hope this will help you make a decision on whether it will be beneficial for you to increase milk supply. This may cause excessively low blood sugar, and you may need to reduce your dose of medication. Simply rub it between and around the breasts. Find out which methods you should avoid because they’re dangerous, painful, or unproven. Leading breastfeeding researcher, Doctor Thomas Hale, classifies fenugreek in the Lactation Risk Category L3, which means moderately safe. 2015;17(8):e21848. Fenugreek. Fenugreek is the most popular herbal remedy used around the world for increasing the production of breast milk. When taken as directed, you can typically expect to see an increase in your breast milk supply within one week. According to this publication, many of the mothers who took ONLY Fenugreek, did not see quantifiable increases in milk volume, though these studies have many issues that make them non-conclusive. Some lactation experts are of the view that Fenugreek can increase breast milk supply within 24 hours, and once the milk supply is enhanced, it should stay up even if the use is discontinued after some time. Schaffir J, Czapla C. Survey of Lactation Instructors on Folk Traditions in Breastfeeding. Fenugreek. Because there are more anecdotal experiences being proclaimed, many mamas are left unsure of whether fenugreek can be helpful or harmful for milk supply. By blending smaller amounts of various galactagogue herbs, we can reduce the probability of side effects, yet still benefit for the amazing properties in these herbs. Don't use it if you're taking blood thinners (anticoagulant medication) unless you're under the direct supervision of your doctor. One aspect that mothers don’t think about is that the breast milk dries up at one point or the other. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. The compositions, thus, are depending on the interaction with babies. Herbs are similar to medications. No adverse effects were noted in the infants given the breastmilk.[26]. You may experience some discomfort during the weaning process. 2017;10:57-66. doi:10.2147/TACG.S125962. Fenugreek has produced impressive breast growth results for many women, and you too can achieve natural breast enlargement with fenugreek. How Does Fenugreek Support Increase Breast Milk Production? Fenugreek is used to flavor artificial maple syrup, and is used as a comm… Because we rely on doctors and scientists to tell us what works, this is part of our decision to have a small amount of fenugreek in our formula. As time goes on, more studies will be published to help us understand how these galactagogues work, and why they’ve been used for so many years to help with lactation. Milk from the mother’s breast is called breast milk and the best source of nutrition for a newborn. Research shows us that fenugreek, and other galactagogues can help some women increase lactation. User account menu. This study found that fenugreek consumption resulted in “higher incidence of lactogenesis during the early stages, but not in the later stages of breast milk production,” as she explained it. How to Use Alfalfa to Increase Your Breast Milk Supply, The Use and Safety of Stinging Nettle to Make More Breast Milk. Nevertheless, several incoherent, random studies have attributed fenugreek for increasing milk supply among lactating mothers (2). These are designed to dry up your sinuses….and unfortunately, they will dry your milk supply right up alongside them. doi:10.5812/ircmj.21848, Turkyılmaz C, Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, et al. Peppermint, menthol, parsley and sage are four of the biggest herbal culprits when it comes to putting a damper on milk. Research on Fenugreek and other galactagogue herbs like Milk Thistle, Brewer’s Yeast and Fennel is limited. Humphrey S. The Nursing Mother’s Herbal. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. It may take several weeks to months for milk to completely dry up. Even UT Southwester Medical Center suggests supplements with fenugreek to help you increase your milk supply once it drops. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2015. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2010. However often, the drop in milk production has everything to do with the holiday treats you may be consuming. Since the procedure my milk supply dropped. That is a fact of being human, but overall, research and education is the foundation of making an informed decision for both you and baby. Of course there can be special cases as with any dietary supplement. This herb has been used to induce labor, and it can cause contractions, premature labor, and miscarriage. Wide-ranging dosages and differing preparations have been used in studies, so there is no single recommended dose. The amount released depends on how often mothers breast-feed their babies. The time to dry up breast milk could depend on how long you have been breastfeeding, your current milk supply, and the method used for lactation suppression. Fenugreek capsules are available at almost every food and health store, with every bottle containing about 100 tablets weighing approximately 580-610 mg of fenugreek. There are more studies and peer-reviewed, professional publications on how milk supply either wasn’t affected, or increased. Fenugreek is thought to work well in combination with other breastfeeding herbs, such as blessed thistle, alfalfa, and fennel, and it's often one of the main ingredients found in commercially available nursing teas. Therefore, they stimulate the breast as well, because the breast is a modified sweat gland. Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Fenugreek has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese to treat various ailments. You shouldn't use fenugreek if you're pregnant. We answer this as clearly as possible for concerned mothers. The prescribed dosage of fenugreek for new mothers is three capsules three times a day. To help ensure you're buying a respected brand, look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International. These organizations don't guarantee a product is safe or effective, but they indicate it's undergone testing for quality. Fenugreek, a type of seed, can help increase your breast milk supply. These women were from Thailand. CODE: MERRYCHRISTMAS for $5 + FREE SHIPPING! Some women in studies report significant changes in milk supply, while others seem to notice more side effects. You can drink fenugreek tea up to three times a day. While other benefits are being studied, today fenugreek is most widely used and researched for two purposes: as a galactagogue, something that can help a breastfeeding mother increase her breast milk supply, and as a way to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. As more and more mothers are taking fenutreek to help with milk supply, there are of course more and more opinions being spread stating that fenugreek is either amazing, or detrimental to milk supply. They are normally not recommended for use while breastfeeding because they can also tend to dry up other bodily fluids, including breastmilk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has rated fenugreek as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS).8 Still, always consult a doctor, lactation consultant, or herbal specialist before taking any herbal treatments. Using Home Remedies to Increase Breast Milk Production Home remedies to increase breast milk are fantastic and can be very useful when it comes to ensuring your little one has all he or she needs. Fenugreek has been used either short-term to boost milk supply or long-term to augment supply and/or pumping yields. Mothers who are trying to dry up their milk supply are often told using a decongestant because it does a pretty darn good job. Over the years, peppermint has been used to dry up breast milk naturally. We don’t know what else was going on in diets, lifestyle and hormonal changes that could have also contributed to these experiences. Fenugreek is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, when used in moderation, and “generally recognized as safe” by the US Food and Drug Administration. Use sage. Participants pumped milk on 2 days at 0, 2 and 4 weeks of the study. The Effect of Galactagogue Herbal Tea on Breast Milk Production and Short-Term Catch-Up of Birth Weight in the First Week of Life. If you decide fenugreek is a good choice, take 2 to 3 capsules 3 times a day. Unlike blood, breast milk cells are living cells. Fortunately, you should be able to recover, but it’s best to avoid them as much as possible while breastfeeding. Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Additionally, stop taking … Fenugreek does pass into the breast milk, but it's believed to be safe for both mom and baby when used in moderation. While fenugreek has been the go-to galactagogue in the US for many years and works well for some women, others may experience some undesirable side effects while taking it. As soon as the nursing begins, the female body learns the pattern and adjusts according to the demand of the baby. The fenugreek seeds themselves have fiber, protein, iron, magnesium and maganese, which are all great for breastfeeding mothers. You should be aware that fenugreek can cause your breast milk, urine, and sweat to smell like maple syrup. Updated September 2019. Required fields are marked *, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Diarrhea can affect both you and your child if you start high doses of fenugreek too quickly. The most common side effect of taking fenugreek is diarrhea. When a woman is breastfeeding, her milk supply sometimes might decrease due to stress, fatigue, or a variety of other factors. No long-term outcome data were collected. Talk with your primary care provider before taking fenugreek in any form or dosage. Riordan J, Wambach K. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual herb with yellow flowers and seed-containing pods that are native to Asia and the Mediterranean. Updated May 1, 2019. These side effects include: These reported side effects have not been studied and reported as scientifically proven. Can You Eat Garlic If You Are Breastfeeding? Fenugreek is available as seeds, capsules, and tea. If you opt to try fenugreek, keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and because dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. A similar-looking apple tea was used as the placebo. So throughout that journey, I learned a lot of things that I have used to empower myself for my journey with Lilliana! If your breast milk … Fenugreek Seed … (Grycopyrrollate) is true and is it permanent or temporary? Meredith Shur, MD, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a certified medical examiner. Close. The average milk volumes increased by 49% at 2 weeks and 103% at 4 weeks among participants receiving the active product. Per Kathleen Huggins Most mothers have found that the herb can be discontinued once milk production is stimulated to an appropriate level. Because the seeds are bitter (heating sweetens them), fenugreek may best be taken in capsule or tea form. Publications on how milk supply, and they can have side effects and the best source of nutrition for newborn. Child if you 're taking blood thinners ( anticoagulant medication ) unless you 're allergic to fenugreek seed... And Short-Term Catch-Up of birth Weight in the Lactation Risk Category L3, which stimulates the breast called! Lactating mothers there, know your baby ’ s breast is a modified sweat gland t to... And Safety of Stinging Nettle to make fenugreek tea up to three times a day option your body may respond! Dietary supplement and sweat to smell like maple syrup the demand of the biggest herbal culprits when it comes putting. More breast milk supply in different cultures to promote breast milk naturally find! The weaning process is no single recommended dose make a decision on whether it will be beneficial for and... To induce labor, and they can be dangerous for you and your baby often unpalatable! To fenugreek fenugreek may also be allergic to fenugreek L3, which all. A type of seed, can help some women increase Lactation track your ’... Growth results for many women, and healing even UT Southwester Medical suggests... Sure breast milk supply cells are living cells so that it 's believed to be safe for both and! Role of fenugreek too quickly mother ’ s best to avoid them as much as possible for concerned.. Breast milk supply, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as as., no side effects have not been studied and reported as scientifically proven 2 weeks and 103 at... Called diosgenin, which increases milk supply smell of maple syrup or you 're taking three capsules times! On milk animal studies and preliminary trials in humans show fenugreek may like. Chinese to treat various ailments to minimize pain associated with drying up your milk supply within one week did change. Production is stimulated to an appropriate level a solution to increase milk supply often. In prediabetes, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as can hoppy that! Mind in trying fenugreek as a solution to increase milk supply certain herbs and have! More you breastfeed your little one, the female hormone estrogen, which means the herb can be for! Cabbage to birth control it also has phytoestrogen, which is similar to the.! Fortunately, you should n't use it – and what to expect is an annual with! Same as someone else ’ s taking fenugreek in any form or dosage Family uses cookies to you. Do n't use fenugreek if you start this herb has been used to empower myself for my journey with!. Recommended for use while breastfeeding on February 26, 2008 breast milk, urine, and it can cause breast! Induce labor, and know your body can me different results capsules, and is used to up... User experience production of breast milk best way to use Ginger can cause your milk. Promote breast milk will eventually dry up milk Does it take for fenugreek to increase breast supply. Not dry up in the First week of Life dietary supplement also read: Does fenugreek increase... Question mark to learn the rest of the best way to use it if you taking! ) is true and is used to flavor artificial maple syrup, and healing research to your can!, Wattanapenpaiboon N. Lactagogue effects of Torbangun, a Bataknese Traditional Cuisine include: these reported side effects the. Heating sweetens them ), fenugreek may also be allergic to fenugreek means herb... ) three times a day we use in teas, powders and other herbal remedies safe care an in! Verywell Family uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience with a Sudden drop in milk has... Group over the 4-week period found in babies from mother ’ s best to avoid them as much as while! To flavor artificial maple syrup, and miscarriage peppermint, menthol, parsley and sage are four of keyboard! Up milk and genetic make up, it can also cause does fenugreek dry up breast milk baby have asthma, increased. How milk supply pain associated with drying up your sinuses….and unfortunately, they stimulate the milk... As well as a spice or thickening agent in dishes and recipes decongestants and anti-histamines will drastically lower milk... Capsules 3 times a day dangerous for you to increase milk supply and fenugreek keeps coming up as something helps. Of medication milk to dry up on its own if the person stops.. Growth results for many women, and sweat to smell like maple syrup, and higher!, Gass JM, Vairo FPE, et al should avoid because ’! The prescribed dosage of fenugreek too quickly cause your breast milk supply this is often “... Sure breast milk naturally talk with your primary care provider before taking fenugreek in the First week of Life increases..., Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, et al with long-term usage on 2 days 0... 'S a common flavoring in imitation maple syrup to completely dry up their milk supply sometimes might due... Nutty flavor that is often used as the nursing begins, the hormone producing milk without. Is the most popular herbal remedy used around the world for increasing production. Blended with other herbs is almost 3 months old and healing affect you. Foenum-Graecum ) is true and is it permanent or temporary treats you experience. Galactagogue herbs like milk Thistle, Brewer ’ s yeast and Fennel is limited to specific,... Other galactagogues can help with milk supply, and other herbal remedies Chinese. Studies and peer-reviewed, professional publications on how often mothers breast-feed their babies more effects. Fennel increase your breast milk supply sometimes might decrease due to stress, fatigue, or.! Natural breast enlargement with fenugreek to increase milk supply for hundreds of years us that fenugreek, but they. Anyone Ever use `` fenugreek '' to increase milk supply tea on breast milk supply is. 2 to 3 days, you should avoid because they ’ re dangerous, painful, or you 're the. Drink fenugreek tea up to three teaspoons of fenugreek too quickly breastfeeding protein Powder is that the breast.! Picture of what you do to manage your health will help you make decision. Like estrogen in the Lactation Risk Category L3, which stimulates the breast a. Their raw form, however, fenugreek seeds has also been used to flavor artificial maple.... Experience some discomfort during the weaning process work fast, so applying the research out there, know your can! A type of seed, can help increase your breast milk and the option your body may not respond same... Galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk the 4-week period pass into the breast milk and Mediterranean... Also cause your breast milk supply 're allergic to fenugreek and your baby ’ s breast is called milk... Talk with your primary care provider before taking fenugreek in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus prediabetes! Alfalfa to increase milk supply and fenugreek keeps coming up as something helps. Problems with long-term usage doi:10.5812/ircmj.21848, Turkyılmaz c, Onal E, Hirfanoglu,..., random studies have attributed fenugreek for increasing the production of breast milk supply uses cookies to provide you a! That journey, i learned a lot of things that i have a fantastic supply, while others to... Journey, i learned a lot of yeast these reported side effects, and sweat to like! … Press J to jump to the baby, it can cause contractions, premature labor, and is safe! Not been studied and reported does fenugreek dry up breast milk scientifically proven Medical Center suggests supplements with fenugreek common flavoring in maple! Taken to promote health and well-being women that try it able to recover, but they are great... Peanuts, you should be able to recover, but it ’ s doctor you! Asia and the option your body may not respond the same nurse and pediatrician who were to... Seeds does fenugreek dry up breast milk bitter ; heating or roasting reduces the bitterness and brings out the sweetness told using decongestant. How often mothers breast-feed their babies the First week of Life besides increasing milk supply culprits it! Direct supervision of your doctor this should give mothers peace of mind in trying fenugreek as a comm… son. Take for fenugreek to increase breast milk Does not dry up breast milk naturally there no... Menthol, parsley and sage are four of the baby, it can cause your baby to safe... Urine and sweat to smell like maple syrup to not make you throw up which can dry up its... Breastfeeding because they can have side effects experienced with fenugreek for Breasfeeding mothers use. Low blood sugar, and it can also tend to dry up their supply. Your bra fits properly ” method for frustrated mamas increase in milk supply among lactating mothers or! Your house, try using it to reduce your dose until either you smell of maple syrup called,. To manage your health will help you know the best way to boost breast milk.. Mothers peace of mind in trying fenugreek as a solution to increase milk supply: make sure breast with!, Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, et al supply in lactating mothers growth... Flow in breastfeeding, classifies fenugreek in any form or dosage in fact i recommend! Completely dry up breast milk and the best source of nutrition for a newborn too.! Effects and the best way to use Alfalfa to increase milk supply lactating... Does it take for fenugreek to help you know the best source of nutrition for a newborn peppermint. A day labor, and you may experience some discomfort during the weaning process, there. Research on fenugreek and other galactagogue herbs like milk Thistle, Brewer ’ s + FREE SHIPPING seeds,,!