Centre d'information

Different dosages for taking dietary supplements in case of milk supply issues

Herzl Family Practice Centre, Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic
Herbs to increase milk supply
Patient Handout
Many herbs and natural products have been used in various cultures, over the years, to increase breastmilk supply. Below
are some herbs that may increase milk production. However, we recommend you consult a naturopath and/or other
health care professional before taking these products. Caution must be taken as herbs can cause side effects and interact
with other pills. Some are contraindicated in pregnancy.
Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum):
• Dose: 1500 to 1800 mg in capsule form 3 times a day with food, or
• 2 ml/day of 1:1 liquid extract, 2-5 ml/day of 1:2 extract, or 10 ml/day of 1:5 extract, or
• 2-3 grams/day of dried, powdered seed.
• You may experience a maple-like or curry odour in your sweat, urine, and breastmilk. This means that the herb
has reached an effective level in your body.
• May cause diarrhea; take with caution if you have asthma, thyroid disease, or diabetes on hypoglycaemic
medication (pills, insulin). Do not take with blood-thinning agents such as aspirin or warfarin (coumadin). Do not
take if allergic to peanuts or legumes.
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) :
• Dose: 900 to 1100 mg in capsule form 3 times a day with food
• Usually used to help fenugreek work.
Milk thistle (Cardui mariae herba):
 Dose: 200-600 mg/day in capsule form of concentrated extract, or
• 4-10 ml/day of 1:1 liquid extract
• Stimulates prolactin secretion and milk production
• To avoid if allergic to artichoke, kiwi, daisy or ambrosia, or if taking blood-thinning agents such as aspirin or
warfarin (coumadin)
Fennel (Foeniculi fructus):
• Dose: Raw or cooked in bulb form
• 3-6 ml/day of 1:2 liquid extract or 7-14 ml/day of 1:5 extract, or
• 1-2 grams/day in powder or capsule form
• Can optimise glandular tissue, increase prolactin and favor milk ejection
• To avoid if allergic to carrots or parsnip, or if taking blood-thinning agents such as aspirin or warfarin (coumadin)
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa):
• Dose: Up to 60 g a day (1-2 capsules 4 times a day)
• May cause diarrhea
• Caution with history of Lupus and avoid if taking blood-thinning agents such as aspirin or warfarin (coumadin)
Brewer’s Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae):
• Dose: 3 tablespoons a day in powder form
• May lower blood sugar levels; contraindicated in Crohn’s disease; may interact with certain narcotic medications
(meperidine) and antidepressants (MAOIs).
Moringa (Moringa oleifara):
• Dose: 3-9 grams/day in capsule or powder form, or
• 3-6 ml/d of liquid extract.
• Can increase prolactin levels and glandular breast tissue
• May decrease blood sugar; to use with caution if diabetic or on oral hypoglycemic medication
• To avoid if taking blood-thinning agents such as aspirin or warfarin (coumadin)
Goat`s Rue (Galega officinalis):
 Dose: 1-4 capsules a day, or
• 3-6 ml/day of 1:1 liquid extract, 4-8 ml/day of 1:2 extract, or 6-12 ml/day of 1:10 extract
• 3-6 grams/day if dried.
• Useful in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) insufficient glandular tissue.
• Can lower blood sugar levels and make you urinate more often; take with caution if taking other medications for
diabetes.
• To avoid if taking blood-thinning agents such as aspirin or warfarin (coumadin)
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus):
• Dose: 3-6 grams/day in powder form, or
 4-9 ml/day of liquid extract.
• Stimulates mammary gland
• May be difficult to absorb in people with fat absorption difficulties
You can find these products at most natural health product stores and many pharmacies. They may work well when taken
together, and/or with domperidone. Please consult with a naturopath, herbalist or your lactation consultant for more
information.
The information contained in this patient handout is a suggestion only, and is not a substitute for consultation with a health
professional or lactation specialist. This handout is the property of the author(s) and the Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic. No part of this
handout can be changed or modified without permission from the author and the Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic. This handout may be
copied and distributed without further permission on the condition that it is not used in any context in which the International Code for
the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is violated. For more information, please contact the Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic, Herzl
Family Practice Centre, SMBD Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. © 2009, rev 2024

Remonter en haut de la page

CONSULTER

---

---

Thématiques :
Production lactée Suppléments et médicaments

Mots-clés :
low milk supply medications herbal supplement

---