Where to buy fenugreek for lactation

Not much clinical research has been done as far as how and why different galactagogues work — especially herbal galactogogues like fenugreek and blessed thistle.

Generally, they work by increasing prolactin levels. Domperidone, for example, is a drug galactagogue that works by blocking dopamine receptors , which prevents inhibition of prolactin release and thus helps increase milk supply.

You can also find it in the vitamin section of most grocery stores. Most capsules come in mg doses. Generally, lactation consultants recommend starting with taking 2 capsules 3 times per day with food for a total of six capsules per day. More information on dosage is available here. Your sweat and urine will smell like you went on a pancake bender. Your baby might begin to smell that way as well.

Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecu m is an annual herb with yellow flowers and seed-containing pods that are native to Asia and the Mediterranean.

The seeds have been used throughout history for cooking, flavoring, and healing. Fenugreek has a strong flavor of maple, so much so that it's a common flavoring in imitation maple syrup.

In their raw form, however, fenugreek seeds taste bitter; heating or roasting reduces the bitterness and brings out the sweetness. For centuries, fenugreek has been taken to promote health and well-being. 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.

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. Fenugreek is the most popular herbal remedy used around the world for increasing the production of breast milk.

When lactation consultants were surveyed in about folk remedies to promote lactation, fenugreek was the most commonly recommended method. In one day study, researchers reported that new mothers taking fenugreek tea increased breast milk production that helped babies gain more weight.

Fenugreek is thought to boost the production of breast milk due to an effect on the stimulation of sweat production, and mammary glands are sweat glands that have been modified by hormonal stimulation. Numerous animal studies and preliminary trials in humans show fenugreek may help to lower blood sugar.

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.

Fenugreek may also help prevent the onset of diabetes. 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. Fenugreek does pass into the breast milk , but it's believed to be safe for both mom and baby when used in moderation. The U. Still, always consult a doctor, lactation consultant , or herbal specialist before taking any herbal treatments.

Herbs are similar to medications. They can have side effects, and they can be dangerous for you and your baby. You should be aware that fenugreek can cause your breast milk, urine, and sweat to smell like maple syrup.

There's a serious illness that's characterized by a maple syrup smell, and if your doctor doesn't know that the maple syrup smell is from the fenugreek, he can misdiagnose your child with maple syrup urine disease. The most common side effect of taking fenugreek is diarrhea. Diarrhea can affect both you and your child if you start high doses of fenugreek too quickly.

But, you can usually avoid stomach issues if you start this herb at a low dose and gradually increase it. You shouldn't use fenugreek if you're pregnant. This herb has been used to induce labor, and it can cause contractions, premature labor , and miscarriage. Fenugreek may act like estrogen in the body and be unsafe for women with hormone-sensitive cancers.

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. There are no studies indicating problems with long-term usage. Fenugreek is used to flavor artificial maple syrup, and is used as a common food ingredient curries, chutneys, etc. It is a basic ingredient of curry powder often used in Indian cooking and the Five Spice mixtures used in Asian cooking.

It is also eaten as a salad and sprouted. Fenugreek is considered safe for nursing moms when used in moderation and is on the U. As with most medications and herbs, various side effects have been noted; see the side effects and safety information below.

Medicinal doses of fenugreek not the amounts used in curries are considered a uterine stimulant. Fenugreek has been used to aid and induce labor [ Dehlvi , Bingel ] and is considered to be an emmenagogue [ Turner ]. For this reason, fenugreek use is not recommended during pregnancy particularly late pregnancy. Sometimes baby will smell like maple syrup, too just like mom.

Also anyone can have an allergic reaction to any herb, and fenugreek allergy, though rare, has been documented. Fussiness, gas and green watery stools are classic symptoms of an overabundant milk supply. The main question in this instance, however, is whether the fenugreek is needed at all. See Increasing Low Milk Supply for more information. Fenugreek seed capsules, tinctures and teas can be purchased in many health food stores and online.