HERBS FOR INCREASING MILK PRODUCTION

1.Fenugreek

Fenugreek is considered a good remedy for stimulating the milk-producing glands. Fenugreek contains phytoestrogens that help increase breast milk production.

Soak one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water overnight. In the morning, boil this water along with the fenugreek seeds for several minutes. Strain the solution, and drink this tea every morning until you get positive results.

Note: Diabetic and asthmatic women must not use fenugreek remedies.

2. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds also help increase breast milk production. This herb acts as a galactogogue, a substance that helps the body produce more breast milk. Plus, fennel seeds aid digestion and help prevent colic pain in small babies.

·         Add one tablespoon of fennel seeds to one cup of hot water. Cover the cup, let it steep for 30 minutes, and then strain the solution. Drink the tea twice daily for a month.

·         Alternatively, mix together one-half cup each of fennel seeds, cumin seeds and rock candy (misri) in a bowl. Grind the ingredients to make a fine powder. Have one teaspoon of it with one cup of milk three times a day for one or two weeks.

·         Also try to include fennel seeds in your cooking.

3. Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are also believed to stimulate milk production. Plus, cumin seeds improve digestion and provide relief from constipation, acidity and bloating. They are also a source of iron that provides strength to new mothers after childbirth.

·         Mix one teaspoon of cumin power with one teaspoon of sugar. Have this mixture with a glass of warm milk daily before going to bed for a few weeks.

·         Alternatively, add two teaspoons of cumin seeds to one-half cup of water and boil it. Strain the solution and add one-half cup of milk and one teaspoon of honey. Mix well and drink once daily for several weeks.

4. Cinnamon

According to Ayurveda, cinnamon will also help to increase secretion of breast milk. When nursing mothers eat cinnamon, it helps improve the flavor of breast milk that many babies seem to like. Plus, it helps delay the occurrence of menstruation after childbirth and prevents early conception.

1.      Mix a pinch of cinnamon powder and one-half teaspoon of honey.

2.      Have it along with a cup of warm milk.

3.      Repeat daily before going to bed for one or two months.

5. Garlic

Being an excellent galactagogue, garlic stimulates lactation. It has been found that nursing mothers who eat garlic tend to feed for a longer time, and babies even like the flavor of the milk.

1.      Finely grate three garlic cloves.

2.      Boil the grated garlic in one cup of water until the quantity is reduced to about one quarter.

3.      Add a cup of milk to the mixture and bring it to a boil again.

4.      Remove from heat, mix in one-half teaspoon of honey and strain it.

5.      Drink it once daily, in the morning, during the breastfeeding period.