Botanical Galactagogues

Abstract

Herbs have a long history of use in all cultures to stimulate milk production both in women and in dairy animals. It is estimated that about 15% of breastfeeding women in the United States have used botanical galactagogues. This article discusses some of the herbs commonly used as galactagogues and also makes some suggestions on how studies might be conducted to bridge the gap between common uses and lack of studies on the safety and effectiveness of these herbs in lactation. Coverage in this article includes Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed, Galega officinalis (goat’s rue) herb, Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed, Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree) seed, Epilobium spp. (fireweed) herb, Pimpinella anisum (anise) seed, Cnicus benedictus (blessed thistle) herb, Silybum marianum (milk thistle) herb, Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) herb, and Gossypium spp. (cotton) root.