Info on Helpful Herbs for the New Mom
from the article "Herbs and Healthy Lactation" by Marie Miczak, Mothering, Spring 1996

It is always a good idea to consult a professional healthcare provider before taking any remedies - even "natural" ones.

Red raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus) - naturally rich in absorbable calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C.

Avoid: caffeine and herbal antihistamines including mahuang (Ephedra) and osha root.

Fennel seeds - known for its relaxing effects on a baby's digestive system and its ability to help increase milk supply

hops - the same hops flowers used in beer can help you relax and stimulate milk production - drink nonalcoholic beer.

vitex (chaste berry) - enhances pituitary hormone prolactin, stimulating milk secretion.

blessed thistle, aniseeds, nettles, raspberry leaves, fenugreek - try these to help milk production.

catnip - for colic. taken in a tea form by a breastfeeding mother, catnip gently encourages the cramps in a baby's intestines to subside. avoid onions, garlic, broccoli, beans, chile, and perhaps dairy products for one week.

cup of rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) or wintergreen (Menthae piperitae folium) tea - can help with syptoms such as headaches, body aches, and cramping. if your baby has a fever, avoid mint teas.

Echinacea (echinacea angustifolia) - said to enhance immune system if you get a cold. try wild cherry bark as a safe cough expectorant.

herbal extracts of nettle and yellow dock roote (Rumex species), as well as molasses - good for iron-deficiency anema, as they are nonconstipating sources of absorbable iron, and have been shown to be effective in raising red blood cell count.

dandelion or chamomile tea - for mastitis or dry, cracked nipples. also try chamomile and/or echinacea root. increase intake of vitamin C. also, a poultice of warm cabbage leaves or thinly sliced raw potatoes can provide blessed relief. get in touch with your healthcare practitioner as you might need antibiotics.