When you’re a breastfeeding mom you want to ensure your milk is the best in both supply and quality. There are many herbs that have been used for hundreds of years that can support a breastfeeding mom. Goat’s rue is one of the best herbs to increase milk supply.
What is Goat’s Rue?
Goat’s rue (Galega officinalis) was originally found in the Middle East but has become established in Europe and Western Asia. It’s a hardy perennial that has light purple flowers and is now considered a weed in the USA. The parts that grow above ground are dried and used for the tea or extract to support milk supply.
Benefits of Goat’s Rue
Goat’s rue herb is a galactagogue meaning it’s a plant that helps promote lactation. Fennel, ginger, milk thistle and fenugreek are other well known galactagogues. These herbs are most commonly used together, like in the Majka Lactation Booster, but you can also find goat’s rue in a capsule or tincture form.
|
Does Goat’s Rue Really Increase your Milk Supply?
While goat’s rue and other lactogenic herbs have not been extensively studied, most mothers that use herbs to increase their milk supply are happy and reported the supplementation to be effective in boosting their milk supply. With all of the restrictions around studying herbs in pregnancy and breastfeeding, we can use the wisdom of historical use and other mother’s experiences to be confident that it really works. (check out what some Majka mamas have to say***)
How long does it take for goat's rue to increase milk supply?
Most women will notice a difference within a few days, however, it may take 2-3 weeks to notice the effects. In some studies, women noticed an increase after only a couple of days of taking goat’s rue.
Can you take fenugreek and goat's rue together?
Yes, both herbs come from the same family but unlike goat’s rue, fenugreek does not have the same blood sugar lowing effects which is the main concern when taking both together. Most often, several herbs are used together to increase lactation and goat’s rue and fenugreek are safe to do so.
Potential Goat’s Rue Side Effects for Breastfeeding Moms
Goat’s rue in its raw form is poisonous to both animals and humans. Once properly prepared, it’s completely safe for a nursing mom. Because of goat's rue's blood sugar lowering properties, mothers with diabetes would be wise to check with a qualified health care practitioner before starting supplementation. Lastly, goat’s rue is a part of the legume family so people with allergies to this family of foods should be aware.
It’s estimated that 30% of women stop breastfeeding because they are not sure how to increase milk supply or are not confident that they have enough. A true undersupply is quite rare and it is herbs like goat’s rue that can give a nursing mother the confidence and the milk boost that creates a successful and enjoyable breastfeeding journey. This is why Majka is so passionate about supporting moms to feel confident & supported through this important time.
References
Bethesda (MD). Drugs & Lactation Database. Goat’s Rue. National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Revised May 2018.
Drugs & Lactation Database [Internet]. Goat’s Rue. Updated May 1, 2019.
Odeyemi S, Bradley G. Medicinal Plants Used for the Traditional Management of Diabetes in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Pharmacology and Toxicology. Molecules 2018, 23(11), 2759
Sim TF, Hattingh HL, Sherriff J, Tee L. The Use, Perceived Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Galactagogues During Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015 Sep; 12(9): 11050–11071.
Vitamins & Supplements: Goat’s Rue. WebMD Online.
