Fenugreek, the common name for Trigonella foenum-graecum, is a native plant from the Mediterranean region and India. Its seeds have been traditionally used not only for cooking and flavoring but also for healing. It has a characteristic smell like that of maple syrup, but it is bitter in taste. Used for centuries by natives to promote well-being, fenugreek is also known for digestive and gynecological health. Furthermore, farmers use fenugreek as a galactagogue, a substance that helps increase the milk production of cows. Then what about fenugreek and milk supply? Is fenugreek helpful? The truth is, later on, fenugreek is used to increase milk supply of women.
What Are the Effects of Fenugreek on Milk Supply?
In fact, fenugreek and milk supply increase do have some connection. Fenugreek is a kind of herb known to increase milk production, not only in cows, but also in lactating mothers. However, few studies have been done, and many have mixed results. If you want to try the effects of fenugreek, remember that it is advisable to use non-pharmaceutical methods first to increase your milk supply, since herbal products, like other medications, may have significant side effects.
It has been observed that after taking this herb, mothers increase milk production in one to three days. However, others take about two weeks to notice significant changes, while some do not think their milk supply has increased at all.
Taking a daily dose of less than 3,500 milligrams usually produces no effect. It has been suggested that one can try taking increasing dosages of fenugreek until the smell of maple syrup is noted in one’s sweat and/or urine. However, its use must be discontinued if side effects occur.
Women can try using fenugreek either on a short-term or long-term basis to have more milk for breastfeeding. So far, there have been no health problems associated with long-term use. Mothers may also discontinue its use once they have enough milk production, which may be maintained with enough breast stimulation and proper emptying.
How to Use Fenugreek to Increase Milk Supply
Fenugreek may be used to help breastfeeding mothers to increase milk supply. It is also believed to promote liver health as well as digestive health. It can stimulate one’s appetite and lower cholesterol levels. Aside from these, fenugreek can ease chest congestion. When used topically as creams or ointments, it can help relieve skin inflammation. Though fenugreek and milk supply increase are proved to be related with each other, there are guidelines to follow.
Recommended Dosages
|
Types |
Dosages |
|---|---|
|
580-610 mg capsules |
Take 2 to 4 capsules, 3 times per day (or 6 to 12 capsules daily) or about 1200 to 2400 mg, 3 times per day (equivalent to 3.5 to 7.3 grams daily) |
|
500 mg capsules |
7 to 14 capsules daily |
|
Powder or seeds |
1/2 to 1 teaspoon, 3 times per day 1 capsule = ΒΌ teaspoon This can be mixed with water or juice. |
|
Tincture |
Apply 1 to 2 ml, 3 times per day (according to package directions) |
|
Tea |
Take one cup tea, 2 to 3 times per day |
If you want to know how long you should take fenugreek, you can watch the video below:
What Are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?
When it comes to fenugreek and milk supply increase, there are some sides effects one should look out for when applying.
1. Side Effects on You
- The characteristic maple syrup smell may be observed in your milk.
- Occasionally, you may have loose stools, but this goes away when you stop taking fenugreek.
- Taking fenugreek at a dose of more than 100 grams daily can cause nausea and intestinal distress.
- Repeated topical applications can lead to skin reactions.
- When fenugreek tea or seeds are taken by late-term pregnant women or infants, maple syrup disease might be falsely diagnosed in infants.
Warnings:
- Allergic reaction. Fenugreek belongs to the same family as chickpeas and peanuts, which can cause allergic reactions in babies.
- Diabetes/hypoglycemia. Fenugreek lowers blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and blood cholesterol. High dosages can result in hypoglycemia in diabetic mothers. Use it only if you have controlled blood sugar levels. Monitor your fasting blood sugar levels as well as post-prandial levels (after meals). Mothers with low blood glucose levels should use fenugreek cautiously.
- Asthma. Although fenugreek is a known natural asthma remedy, inhalation of its powder may trigger asthma or allergic symptoms. Other mothers report that it worsens asthma symptoms.
2. Side Effects on Your Baby
Babies do not usually experience side effects from their mom’s fenugreek intake, except for smelling like maple syrup. However, sometimes mothers notice that their babies become fussy, gassy and having greenish, watery stools. It is possible, however, that these changes are due to the effect of oversupply of milk rather than a side effect of the herb. Although an allergic reaction to fenugreek is possible, it is quite rare. Symptoms usually disappear when fenugreek intake is discontinued.
Several Facts You Should Know About Drug Interactions of Fenugreek
- When taken orally together with other drugs or herbs, absorption may be delayed because of fenugreek’s mucilage content.
- Fenugreek may enhance the blood glucose, thus lowering effects of antidiabetic drugs.
- It enhances the hypoglycemic effects of insulin so that dosage of insulin may need adjustment.
- Fenugreek contains coumarin compounds, which can enhance the effects of other anticoagulants, including warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine and platelet inhibitors
- Fenugreek may augment the effects of MAO inhibitors because of its amine content.
Important Notes:
If you have a low milk supply and have tried natural ways to increase your production without success, talk to your lactation consultant or doctor about using fenugreek. It is best to start using low doses, increasing gradually, until desired results are obtained without side effects. Consult your doctor if your baby is not feeding well.