Herb Of The Week - Fennel - For Lactation

[Guest guest]

Got milk?

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

Turkish Rose Absolute Co-op

Last 2 Days! Through Friday Only

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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http://currantsandspice.fateback.com/lactation.html

 

Fennel

 

Medicinally, fennel is widely used as a digestive aid and as a treatment

for dyspepsia (Blumenthal et al., 2000). It has mild estrogenic

properties (Bingel and Farnsworth, 1991). Fennel is also used to

counteract infant colic, whether consumed by the mother or given

directly to the infant (Weed, 1986; Weizman et al., 1993). The

effectiveness of an herbal colic remedy containing fennel, chamomile,

vervain, licorice, and lemon balm has been demonstrated in a clinical

trial (Weizman et al., 1993). However, this formula was given directly

to the babies, so it remains clinically unproven that the beneficial

effects of the herbs would reach the infant through the mother's milk.

 

The Wise Woman Herbal (Weed, 1986) suggests that breastfeeding women use

the seeds of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller [Apiaceae]) or any of its

close relatives (anise, cumin, caraway, coriander and dill) to improve

their milk supply. Although clinical evidence for its efficacy is

lacking, fennel seed has enjoyed centuries of use as a galactagogue.

Its mechanism of action is unknown.

 

In Italy, a galactagogue tea is made from the seeds of fennel and anise

(Pimpinella anisum L. [Apiaceae]) (Rosti et al., 1994). Two case reports

from that country (Rosti et al., 1994) describe temporary central

nervous system depression in infants, 15 and 20 days old, whose mothers

were consuming large quantities of fennel and anise tea. All symptoms

disappeared once the women stopped drinking the tea. However, these

appear to have been isolated cases, so it is possible that a particular

batch of the tea was adulterated with another, more toxic herb. In the

absence of further evidence, one can assume that this age-old remedy is

safe.

 

There are no known contraindications for use of fennel seed or fennel

oil during lactation, but it is not recommended for use for more than a

few weeks at a time (Blumenthal, 2000).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thank you Chris!

 

I'd read that Susun recommended fennel seeds for lactation but I hadn't come

across enough research myself on that one. Not that I need research to prove

all the anecdotal evidence experienced birth care providers have.

 

Breastmilk is wonderful and women don't take advantage of all they can do to

help their babes through it - fennel through the breastmilk. I need to post a

great article on all the other ways breastmilk is also a natural healer.

 

For instance - conjunctivitis? give it a squirt of breastmilk. a burn?

breastmilk dabbed around the burn. Friend of mine's daughter was bit by a dog

(don't ask...MIL situation and bone of contention - pun intended) - dabbed

breastmilk donated by a mom she knew - healed it.

 

Breastmilk is amazing.

 

Dale