Herbs and breastfeeding

The nourishing qualities of the plants and herbs are amazing and have been used for centuries by breastfeeding mothers.

- Herbs for mastitis natural healing

- Herbs to avoid during breastfeeding

- Herbs to increase breast milk supply

- Herbs for weaning or oversupply of breast milk “breastfeeding engorgement”

- Herbs safety during pregnancy

- Herbs that help for depression during breastfeeding

- Natural herbal antibiotics during breastfeeding

- Herbs that can increase baby’s appetite taken through breastmilk

- Herbs that can calm baby taken through breast milk

- Herbal teas that are safe to drink during breastfeeding

- Breastfeeding herbal supplement replacements for improved immunity against colds and infections

- Oregano

- Parsley

- Peppermint, menthol and spearmint

- Sage (which is actually used for weaning or for healing mastitis)

- Sorrel

- Thyme

- Chickweed

- Periwinkle

- Cocoa

Some herbs that can actually harm mom and baby during breastfeeding

- Rhubarb root, Evodia, Star anise, Sophora root, Ginseng, Bladderwrack, Angelica Root, Indian snakeroot, Wormwood, Coltsfoot, Chaparral, Petasites root, Ginkgo, Kava, Valerian, Coptis, Anise, Aloe, Senna, Borrage, Licorice, Basil, Ephedra, Rue

Herbs and breastfeeding – Gardening secrets for growing herbs at home

(Celestial Seasonings is a good make that lists all ingredients)

Avoid the pharmacologically active herbal teas.

- Orange cinnamon

- Lemon lift

- Raspberry teas

- Rose hips - contains a lot of Vitamin C.

Lactation herbs for increasing breastfeeding milk supply

( Galactagogues are those herbs that establish and promote the flow of the mother's milk. )

- The fenugreek herb – Fenugreek breast feeding is safe, but can sometimes cause colic, stomach upset and diarrhoea in baby. Fenugreek milk produced can sometimes smell and taste like maple syrup and can even make mom smell like maple syrup too.

- Blessed thistle herb – The herb milk thistle should be taken in moderate amounts

- Fennel – Should be taken in small quantities (fennel oil should be avoided)

- Raspberry leaf herbs increase milk supply and are very subtle

- Goat's rue are great herbs for lactation and are widely used around the world

- Brewer's yeast

- Alfalfa

- Nettle tea

- Hops flowers

Other Helpful breastfeeding herbs

- Enchinacea – For colds and flu to boost your immune system and to heal breast infections

- Phytolacca Decandra – Helps heal breast infections, mastitis and cracked nipples

- Calendula cream – Cracked or bleeding nipples

- Garlic – Will increase baby’s appetite

- Olive leaf extract – Can be used as a natural antibiotic so that you can continue to breastfeed

- Hops flowers – Has calming properties, but also promotes increased milk production

A herbal drink that will revitalise you and give you strength for breastfeeding

Make your own “herbs and breastfeeding tea”

- Get together equal quantities (about a handful each) of nettle leaves (gives you energy), oatsraw (high in calcium) and red raspberry leaves (great for milk supply)

- Put them in a jar (1 quart) Fill with boiling water, cover and seep for four hours

- Strain and drink (you can mix with fruit juice to taste)

Herbs and breastfeeding list for weaning or oversupply

- Herb Robert, Red sage, Garden mint, Periwinkle

Herbs during pregnancy that are safe

- Red raspberry leaf, Blessed thistle, Fenugreek, Nettle leaf (rich in calcium, magnesium and iron) Nettle leaf actually decreases the risk of piles during pregnancy

Herbs that help heal mastitis “mastitis herbs”

- Cleavers – Keeps the swelling down (40 drops in warm water every three hours)

- Calendula – Drink one cup every four hours for drainage of lymph fluids

- Echinacea root – Fights the infection like an antibiotic

- Garden sage – Dries up excess milk

- Prickly ash – Increase your immunity to mastitis

Herbs and depression – safe while breastfeeding

- St. John’s wort – Should not be taken in conjunction with any other depression medication.

- Evening primrose oil

- Motherwort

- Blessed thistle

More on PPD here

More herbs and breastfeeding info found at Kellymom.com

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with herbs and nursing

-  First time breastfeeding moms

-  Low milk supply

-  Fenugreek breastfeeding

-  Breastfeeding diet guidelines

-  Frustration and depression

-  Mastitis help

-  Breastfeeding Thrush

-  Weaning a baby off of breastfeeding

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