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If you have heard about fenugreek before, most probably it is about its function as a galactagogue, that unique ability to help lactating mothers produce more breast milk. The use of fenugreek for lactation and milk supply has long been recommended by traditional medicine men in India and China, and today, western lactation experts seem to agree.
The belief that fenugreek can aid in producing breast milk has long been upheld in ancient Egypt, Israel and China. It’s amazing that, even with the absence of technology in those days, herbalists from different parts of the globe unknowingly agreed that this peculiar herb can do what it does. There are historical records that people have used fenugreek in ancient times. Even Hippocrates and early Greek and Roman physicians have made mention of the herb. It truly is one of the oldest herbal medicines known. Its tiny yellow seeds were even used as food, medicine and yellow dye for wool.
In the harems of old, there are records to suggest that it was used to enhance and enlarge the breasts of the king’s female servants, and in the 19th Century in the New World, it was used as a cure-all herb for female complaints.
Modern research on fenugreek began in the 1940′s and in 1945, when an Egyptian researcher claimed that it is a potent stimulator in producing breast milk production. Since then, fenugreek seeds have been known the world over as an integral herb for lactating mothers.
Today, experts and consultants recommend its use more confidently since the Food and Drug Administration declared it to be safe.
“We have been recommending fenugreek for six years whenever a mother’s milk production is determined to be low,” said Kathleen Huggins, RN. “To date, we have worked with at least 1200 women who have taken the herb. Many of these mothers began by changing the frequency and duration of breastfeeding: In some cases the use of a fully automatic breast pump was necessary when it was determined that the infant did not sufficiently drain the breast. A significant number of mothers who took the herb, however, did not need other interventions.” Kathleen Huggins is the director of the Breastfeeding Clinic at San Luis Obispo General Hospital. She wrote the book “The Nursing Mother’s Companion”, co-wrote “The Nursing Mother’s Guide to Weaning”, and has written several papers on breast feeding.
Other than as lactation aide, fenugreek is also known to enlarge the female breasts, increase female libido, and soothe menstrual pains. It also benefits males. It is now marketed as a body building supplement, a supplement that increases male libido, and one that treats testicular pains.
Meanwhile, this wonder drug from South Asia now cultivated around the world is also known to cure many other illnesses, including arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, cold, fever, gastritis, indigestion, and constipation when taken orally. As an emollient, it can also treat eczema, boils, inflammation and gout.
When not doing its job as a potent medicine, fenugreek is spicing up aromatic Asian dishes. It is commonly used to make delicious curry pastes and powders.
The use of fenugreek for lactation and milk supply is neither obscure nor novel. It has been used, recommended and proven by people all over the world through the centuries. Lactating mothers should not hesitate using it when necessary, especially when its efficacy has been attested to by generations upon generations of mothers throughout the ages.
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