Natural Herbs That Produce Milk

New mothers often want to increase their flow of milk when breastfeeding to ensure their infants are receiving ample nutrients at each meal. Certain herbs are considered lactogenic, or milk-producing, and some women take the natural supplements to keep their milk amounts consistent during their child's entire breastfeeding phase.

Alfalfa

According the Mobi Motherhood International website, alfalfa may be lactogenic due to its ability to strengthen the breasts' glandular tissue. The herb is safe to take both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and increases the healthy fat content of the milk. Alfalfa also boosts the function of the pituitary gland, or the bodily organ that produces hormones for lactation. The supplement is antifungal and rids of the body of infection while promoting the health of the liver and kidneys. Mothers also choose alfalfa due to its high nutritional content; the supplement is potent in amino acids, potassium and zinc, which are also transferred to the baby.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a popular herb associated with producing a healthy flow of milk in lactating mothers. The tea and supplements have a maple syrup-like smell, causing a mother's breast milk and urine to carry the scent. The Breast Feeding.com website warns against taking too much fenugreek, as the herb can make the baby smell like maple syrup as well; this is one of the symptoms of Maple Syrup Urine Disease, which is a very serious disorder of the metabolism. The herb originated in Asia and contains phytoestrogen, which has a mild sedative effect for women. In addition to boosting milk flow, fenugreek capsules or tea can also lower blood sugar and reduce water retention.

Blessed Thistle

Blessed thistle is an herb used as a cure for smallpox during medieval times. In the present day, blessed thistle is an herbal contraceptive, as well as a natural remedy for ridding the body of infection, according to Breast Feeding.com. The website also asserts that there are no studies that prove that the supplement increases milk production, but that blessed thistle is likely safe for mothers who are breastfeeding. The herb is useful for treating diseases of the liver and stomach, and stimulates gastric juices in the stomach to aid in food digestion. Blessed thistle is taken as a tea, and increases appetite in mother and baby, which could lead to more milk in the breasts.

Cumin

Cumin, the herb that gives warm, savory flavor to curry, is also a natural supplement that can boost milk supply for lactating mothers. And, according to the Mobi Motherhood website, when a mother takes cumin and breastfeeds her baby, the herb can soothe the infant's digestive system and help to cure colic. The herb also possesses sedative properties that will relax mother and baby during feeding times. According to "Mother Food," a book on lactogenic herbs and foods by Hilary Jacobson, pregnant woman should only take small amounts of the herb, and women who are especially prone to breast infections should limit the use of cumin. You can find cumin in the ethnic seasonings section of the grocery store to add to recipes, or visit the health food store to purchase the herb in capsule form.