Some say breast milk is one of the most perfect substances a new baby
can consume and is uniquely suited to their nutritional needs. It is a
live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory
properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for
both mothers and children. The importance of healthy, bountiful and
consistent lactation is important not only for the baby but the mother
as well. The herbs we include in our lactation herbal tea provides the
following benefits:
Alfalfa Leaf is a phytoestrogen meaning it can mimic estrogen
and attach to receptor sites in our body. Estrogen is the most critical
hormone for breast milk production and supply. It is considered a
superfood because it has a high vitamin and mineral content which will
support lactation.
Blessed Thistle is commonly used as an herbal galactagogue. A
galactagogue is a food, herb, or medication that increases the flow of
breast milk, usually by increasing prolactin levels. Blessed Thistle is
believed to increase the hormones prolactin, which boosts the milk
supply and oxytocin which enables the release of milk from the nipples.
Fennel Seed is believed to be a galactagogue as well and its
reputation for enhancing breast milk is related to its phytoestrogens,
which as mentioned above is similar to the estrogen hormone that is
naturally formed by the human body.
Fenugreek Seed is a well-known galactagogue, contains
phytoestrogen and has been used by lactating mothers to boost breast
milk supply for hundreds of years. Fenugreek contains several
flavonoids and vitamins which are beneficial for lactating mothers and a
compound called diosgenin which also increases milk flow in lactating
women.
Hops are a moderate galactagogue and a powerful phytoestrogen
and moderate nervine. Nervines are herbs that act upon the nervous
system that are sedating or calming which may help mother’s relax enough
for easy lactation.
Milk Thistle Seed is a galactagogue and as mentioned, signals
the body to increase milk output. This is particularly true when
paired with fenugreek as there is evidence that they work best together.
Also known as Saint Mary’s Thistle and Our Lady’s thistle, this herb is
a plant that has white veins running through its leaves that some
believe symbolize breast milk.
Nettle Leaf is not only a galactagogue but is also believed to
support lactation by providing essential nutrients. It is one of the
most nutritious of the spring greens, containing high levels of vitamins
and minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, folic acid, B
vitamins, vitamin K, and essential amino acids. This herb works well
with other galactagogues, such as fenugreek, fennel, and blessed
thistle.
Raspberry Leaf has nutrient-dense properties and because of
the huge demand on a woman’s resources – sometimes breast milk is in
short supply. So raspberry leaf can help boost the nutrients that may
be needed for ample supply. It is also considered a galactagogue because
like some of the other herbs it stimulates the release of prolactin.
Shatavari Root is also a well-known galactagogue and research
shows that Shatavari can increase breast milk supply by increasing the
production of corticoids and prolactin, which improve the quality and
the amount of breast milk produced. Shatavari also stimulates the
secretion of steroid hormones that improve milk production and also
increases breast weight. It is also an adaptogen providing antioxidant
properties that help improve the overall health of the nursing mother.
Ingredients: Alfalfa Leaf, Blessed Thistle, Fennel Seed, Fenugreek Seed, Hop Flower, Milk Thistle Seed, Nettle Leaf, Raspberry Leaf, Shatavari Root
