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Fenugreek is one of the most effective herbs for increasing breastmilk production. Herb Lore offers Fenugreek in capsule or tincture (liquid extract) form. The capsules are made of all-vegetarian Vegi-Caps, and the liquid extract comes in a regular brandy-base (which extracts more completely) or a non-alcohol vegetable glycerine/distilled water base. Many of our clients prefer the capsules because it is easy, convenient, can be easily regulated (which is of utmost importance – more on this below), and nothing needs to be prepared by them. It is especially preferable for those who need to take larger amounts of the herb. The recommended dose is 3 capsules three times a day if you need only a moderate increase, or 5 capsules if you need more significant increase. (Note: One capsule equals one dropperful of tincture.) With Herb Lore Fenugreek, you should see results in 12-24 hours. If this amount is not adequate, you may safely increase the dose until you find the right amount that works for you. If you find that you've become overly full or engorged, you will want to decrease the amount. Your dosage may be further tailored to your needs by increasing the dose to support your typical low production time, and lowering the dose with regard to fuller times. In other words, if you tend to wake up in the morning fairly full, but experience low production in the afternoon and evening hours, you may want to take your 5 capsules in the morning and 5 again at noontime, and then decrease it by one at your evening dose, so that you don't wake up so full and engorged. Many clients have reported that they noticed an increase in production about 3 hours after taking the herb. In light of this, you will be able to find the right balance that works for you. For me, it was 7 capsules three times a day. I was able to recover my milk and went on to breastfeed my daughter until she was almost 3 years old. Fenugreek is used by many lactation centers to help even adoptive moms establish a breastmilk supply to feed their adopted babies.

Fenugreek is a very safe herb (it is actually a cooking spice), even when taken in large amounts. it works to stimulate body secretions - breastmilk being one of them.  You will notice a maple syrup-type smell coming from your perspiration when using Fenugreek.  This is an indication that the herb is active in your system.  The only side effect of this herb is that in a low percentage of people, it can cause gas in the mother and/or baby. If this is a problem for you or your baby, there are a number of options to help counteract the gas.

•  Fennel Caps ( ORDER NOW ) – the herb Fennel helps to dispel gas while also working to increase breastmilk production.

•  Nursing Tea ( ORDER NOW ) – a wonderful tasting tea specifically formulated to help increase breastmilk production. Its main ingredient is Fennel, which, while increasing milk production, helps to dispel and alleviate gas. This tea is also available in a liquid extract version, Nursing Tincture.

•  Tummy Tea ( ORDER NOW ) – if gas or indigestion (or colic) proves to be a significant problem for mom or baby, this product would be the most appropriate. It is specifically designed to alleviate digestive complaints, including gas pain. It again contains Fennel Seed, along with other herbs famous for their effectiveness in relieving tummy complaints. Due to the Fennel Seed, it will also support breastmilk production, but it's main purpose is to help soothe digestive upset and to dispel gas. This tea is also available in a liquid extract, or tincture , form.  

As Fenugreek, when used in very large doses (several grams at a time) , can lower blood sugar levels, insulin-dependent diabetics should use the herb with caution or not at all, as it may affect their blood sugar levels and insulin needs. It is actually a wonderful and helpful herb for diabetics, but for those who are on strict insulin regimens, this can disrupt their blood sugar balance and medication levels.  It is also a member of the legume family, so people with sensitivities or allergies should avoid the herb.

One other important note for Fenugreek use: Once Fenugreek consumption is started, consistency with the herb's usage is important. Abruptly stopping the herb or taking it inconsistently can result in a decrease or inconsistency in milk supply .

Many teas contain Fenugreek as an ingredient. Having it as part of a multi-ingredient combination makes it extremely difficult to regulate the amount of Fenugreek one would get in each dose when used in this way. An up-and-down Fenugreek intake like this could result in an up-and-down milk supply.  Again, consistency is important with this herb. Once the milk supply has been established and is stable, one can gradual wean down from the herb until it is eliminated altogether. Doing it slowly like this should not impact the milk supply.  For example, if one is taking 5 capsules 3 times a day, they would go to 5-5-4, then 5-4-4 the next day, and then 4-4-4 the next day and so on, until they are completely off.  If it does lower the supply, continuation of the Fenugreek is appropriate. Long-term use of this herb is considered safe.

Fenugreek should not be used by pregnant women, due to its slight uterine stimulating properties. Goat's Rue and Nursing Tea or Tincture are all safe for use during pregnancy and are great alternatives.

The vegi-capsules are available in several sizes: a 200 count size in vegi-caps, which will last approximately two weeks; and a large 400 count size (vegi-caps), which will last about a month, a 2 oz. and 4 oz. tincture, which last approximately 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively, depending on the amount required and used.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Herb Lore office at 1-877-808-5815.