Lactation
Bearberry recommended
Mothers Milk Infusion
$8.00 for 10 individual tea bags
New Moms can feel overwhelmed and tired, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. This Herbal blend of Blessed Thistle, Fennel, Fenugreek, Lemon Grass, Nettle Leaf, and Raspberry Leaf comes from time-tested recipes handed down from generation to generations, blended to support and promote healthy lactation.
Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Persons with allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family (such as feverfew, chamomile, calendula or Echinacea species) should exercise caution, as allergic cross-reactivity to Asteraceae plants is common.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
Information provided is based on historical and traditional use of herbs and is for educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
herbs
Fenugreek Seed
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Also known as Bird’s-foot, Grek Hayseed, and Trigonella
$1.67 per Ounce
History: Fenugreek is native to the Middle and Near East and is widely used on the Indian subcontinent. It has small round leaves that can be dried, as well as seeds. Many ancient cultures have used Fenugreek since ancient times. There is even evidence that the ancient Egyptians understood the benefits of Fenugreek, since Fenugreek seeds have been found in tombs, particularly that of Tutankhamen.Fenugreek has a long history as a breast enlarger and contains diosgenin which is used to make synthetic estrogen. It has been found to promote the growth of new breast cells and increase the size and fullness of the breasts. While Fenugreek is considered the finest herb for enhancing feminine beauty it also aids in sexual stimulation, balances blood sugar levels, and contains choline which aids the thinking process.
Modern Uses: The Commission E approved internal use of fenugreek seed for loss of appetite and external use as a poultice for local inflammation. Traditionally, fenugreek is used internally to treat anorexia, dyspepsia, gastritis, and convalescence, and topically for furunculosis, myalgia, lymphadenitis, gout, wounds, and leg ulcers. It is indicated for use externally as an emollient for treating furuncles, boils, inflamed indurations, and eczema, applied as a poultice.
Active Ingredients: steroidal saponines including diosgenin, alkaloid, Mucilage, bitter principle
Actions: expectorant, demulcent, tonic, galactogogue, emmenagogue, emollient, vulnerary
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Also known as Sweet Fennel and Wild Fennel
History:Fennel was known as a medicinal herb in ancient China, India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. According to Greek legend, man received knowledge from Mount Olympus in the form of a fiery coal enclosed in a stalk of fennel. During the Middle Ages, wealthy people routinely used it to seasoning their food due to its licorice like flavor. On the other hand, the poor used its ability as an appetite suppressant during days of fasting. The plant was originally introduced to North America by Spanish priests; however, the English also brought it to their early settlements in Virginia where it was a trade good with the Native Americans.
Modern Uses: The Commission E approved the internal use of fennel seed preparations for dyspepsias such as mild, spastic gastrointestinal afflictions, fullness, and flatulence. It is also approved for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. Fennel syrup and fennel honey are used for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract in children.
In France, fennel seed is allowed the same indications for use as the star anise seed or aniseed. The German Standard License for infusion of fennel seed reports its use against flatulence and cramp-like pains in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in infants and small children, and to dissolve mucus in the respiratory tract. ESCOP lists fennel seed for dyspeptic complaints such as mild, spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints, bloating, and flatulence, for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, and fennel syrup or fennel honey for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract in children.
Active Ingredients: anethole, fenchone, petroselinic acid, oleic acid, and tocopherols, limonene, camphor, alpha-pinene
Actions: Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, stimulant, galachtogogue, rubefacient, expectorant, anti-emetic, diaphoretic, hepatic
Alfalfa Leaf
Medicago sativa L.
Also known as Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, and Purple Medic
History: Although the Alfalfa plant originated in Asia, it became a widely used plant in the Mediterranean just before 500 BC. The Arabs prized the plant as a folder, claiming that it gave their animal’s superior speed and strength. The Arabs also enjoyed eating the Alfalfa themselves. During the age of exploration, the Spanish brought and planted Alfalfa seeds in Central America, where it has been valued as a highly nutritious plant. The Alfalfa plant has been used by many herbalists as a cure for a wide variety of illness and ailments, including diabetes and tooth decay.
Blessed Thistle
Cnicus benedictus
Also known as Holy Thistle, and Spotted Thistle
History: Blessed Thistle is a rare European plant that grows frequently along roadsides. The plant has been used medicinally since the Middle Ages, when monks prescribed it as a cure for smallpox. Since then herbalists have used Blessed Thistle as a cure all, using it as a remedy for everything, from headaches to skin disorders to fevers. Traditional herbalists have employed it to support lactation in nursing mothers. This herb is approved by the German Commission E for its ability to increase appetite and support the digestive process, and is also an approved food additive in the United States
Modern Use: The Commission E approved the internal use of blessed thistle for loss of appetite and dyspepsia. The British Herbal Compendium indicates its use for loss of appetite, anorexia, and flatulent dyspepsia. It is used as an aromatic bitter for stimulation of appetite and increasing gastric juice secretion.
Milk Thistle Seed
Silybum marianum
Also known as St. Mary's Thistle, Our Lady's Thistle, and Holy Thistle
History: Milk Thistle originated in Mediterranean region but quickly spread throughout Europe. Today is grows wild throughout Europe, North America and Australia. The Milk Thistle plant received its name from the milky white hue of some its pink flower veins. According to a medieval legend, the Virgin Mary spilled milk on the plant while nursing her child. Due to this story, many people were wrongly led to believe that eating the plant led to increased lactation. However, Milk thistle was also used as a treatment for liver dysfunction, serpent bites and as an antidote for liver toxins. Nicholas Culpeper, a well known British herbalist from the mid 1600, reported that Milk Thistle was effective for relieving obstructions of the liver. In 1898, eclectic physicians Harvey Felter and John Lloyd stated that the herb was good for congestion of the liver, spleen, and kidney. Native Americans also used Milk Thistle, but as a remedy to treat boils and other skin diseases.
Modern Uses:The Commission E approved the internal use of crude milk thistle fruit preparations for dyspeptic complaints. Formulations* are approved for toxic liver damage and for supportive treatment in chronic inflammatory liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis.
The German Standard License for milk thistle seed tea infusion indicates its use for digestive disorders, particularly for functional disturbances of the biliary systems. liver damage caused by chemicals, Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning, jaundice, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis, loss of appetite, heartburn, gallbladder complaints, diabetes, hangover, diseases of the spleen, prostate cancer, malaria, depression, uterine complaints, increasing breast milk flow, allergy symptoms, and starting menstrual flow.
Active Ingredients: flavones silybin, silydianin, silychristin, bitter principle, mucilage
Actions: cholagogue, galactogogue, demulcent
Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus castus
Also known as Chaste Tree Fruit or Monk's Pepper
History: The Chaste Tree’s name originates from its use in Roman fertility festivals and its adaptation by the Catholic church as a sign chastity and celibacy. Traditionally, the berries are used to create a pulp and is used as a tincture for the relief of paralysis and limb pain and weakness. Chaste Tree extract has also been used to manage symptoms numerous gynecological issues such as premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
Uses
The Commission E approved the use of chaste tree fruit for irregularities of the menstrual cycle, premenstrual complaints, and mastodynia. The herb has been studied for use in cases of insufficient lactation.
Warning: Patients who have an allergy to or are hypersensitive to V. agnus-castus or patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid use. Safe use in children has not been established.
Uses: PMS, normalization of pituitary gland, dysmenorrhea
Active Ingredients: iridoids (agnuside and aucubin), flavonoids(kaempferol, quercetagetin, casticin), diterpenoids, progestins, essential oils, alkaloid vitricine and ketosteroids. Vitexlactam A, diterpene
Actions: Emmenagogue, tonic
Nettle Leaf
Urtica dioica
History:Stinging Nettle gets its name from its ability to shoot you with a venom in its leaves or stem that leaves you with a itchy rash, similar to Poison Ivy. What is less known about the plant is that the leaves and stem can act as an anti-irritant to an already inflicted part of your skin. The root of the Stinging Nettle can be used to improve the overall health and wellness of an individual. In North America, many native tribes, such as the Ojibwe, Huron, Iroquois, Algonquin, Chippewa, Menomini, Meskwaki, and Potawatami, used the plant for a multitude of medical purposes.
Warning: Experts recommend taking no more than 1 dose a day for the first few days to make certain you are not allergic to it!
Uses: hay fever, allergies, runny eyes, running nose, osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, allergic skin conditions including eczema and contact dermatitis.
Active Ingredients: lycopene, histamine, protoporphyrin, serotonin, violaxanthin, and xanthophyll-epoxide
Actions: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-anaphylactic,anti-rheumatic, anti-asthmatic, anti-convulsant, anti-dandruff, anti-histamine, astringent, decongestant, depurative, diuretic, hemostatic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, galactagogue, immunomodulator, prostate tonic, stimulating tonic
Complementary Herbs: Burdock, Figwort