-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
lactation: excess/deficiency
botanicals
primary herbs
Atropa belladonna (toxic): local inflammations and swellings such as mastitis and engorgement, apply liniments or plasters topically taking care to wash thoroughly from breasts before nursing. For an anti-galactagogue effect when weaning or when mastitis threatens, place 5-10 drops in 4 oz. water and take 1 tsp. doses every few hours (Felter, pp. 239-240)
Borago officinalis: infusion of flowers and leaves, drink freely to promote nursing (Weed, p. 85; Mitchell, p. 85)
Cinnamomum camphora: suppresses milk production when used internally or topically on breasts (Felter, p. 266)
Cnicus benedictus: 10-20 drops tincture of leaf promotes milk production (Weed, p. 85)
Foeniculum vulgare: contains phytosterols that promote lactation. Bruise or crush the whole seeds (Anderson Geller; Mitchell, p. 34)
Humulus lupulus: infusions, tinctures, and even good-quality dark beer promote lactation, especially in women for whom tension or anxiety impairs milk letdown (Stansbury)
Leonurus cardiaca: a general women's herb, galactagogue (Heron)
Pimpinella anisum: contains phytosterols that promote lactation. Bruise or crush the whole seeds (Anderson Geller)
Physostigma venenosum (toxic): increases mammary gland secretions (Felter, p. 533)
Pilocarpus jaborandi (toxic): increases milk supply when deficient (Felter, pp. 539-546)
Salvia officinalis: dries up milk when weaning a child or lactation is excessive (Felter, p. 614)
complementary herbs
formula: nursing tea:
Cnicus benedictus, 1 oz.
Urtica spp., 1 oz.
Infuse herbs in half gallon boiling water overnight. Strain and refrigerate. At nursing time, reheat 1 cup tea and pour over 1 tsp. of any of the following: Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Carum carvi. Steep 5 minutes, strain and drink. Use freely throughout the day. (Weed, p. 156)
formula: nursing tincture:
Foeniculum vulgare, 1 oz.
Borago officinale, 1 oz.
Physostigma venenosum (toxic), 1 drop (optional).
instructions: 60 drops in 4 oz. water three times daily (Stansbury)
formula: weaning tincture:
Salvia officinalis, 1 oz.
Cinnamomum camphora (essential oil), 3 drops
Atropa belladonna (toxic), 3 drops
instructions: 30 drops four times per day (Stansbury)
footnotes