Lactating mothers are often concerned about their milk supply.
Some women lactate heavily while some find it difficult to produce enough milk. There are certain herbs that boost lactation and can be safely incorporated in your post natal diet.
Herbs For Lactation
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain moisture, protein, fibre and carbohydrates. They also contain large amounts of calcium, phosphorous, carotene, riboflavin and thiamine. Fenugreek seeds have excellent medicinal value.
They help to increase lactation and can be safely given to a lactating mother. Take 3 parts wheat flour and one part fenugreek seeds. Fry the seeds in ghee and grind them to make powder.
Fry wheat flour in ghee, add sugar, water and fenugreek powder to make a halwa. Take it in a small quantity every day with meals to boost the flow of milk.
Ajwain (Bishop’s Weed)
Ajwain or Bishop’s Weed is a small shrub and it is used in herbal medicines since ages. Ajwain is a stimulant and it helps in lactation by stimulating the flow of milk.
You can eat ½ tea spoon Ajwain seeds with milk twice a day for lactation.
Fry Ajwain in pure ghee and eat 1 tea spoon of the mixture with your meals every day for 40 days.
Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are popularly used in Indian Cuisine. It contains vitamin A and C, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorous among other minerals. Cumin seeds are given to a new mother for various health benefits. It is also helpful in increasing lactation.
Grind cumin seeds to make a fine powder, add equal amount of jaggery and bind the mixture to make small balls. Eat two balls three times a day with warm water to boost the flow of milk.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most beneficial herbs for lactation. It is a strength giving herb and helps in the fast recovery of the new mother. To increase the flow of milk, you should eat 2-3 cloves of garlic with hot milk in the morning. Fry chopped garlic in ghee and eat it with your meals. It will help to stimulate milk secretion.
Coriander Seeds
Coriander is a stimulant and tonic. Coriander seeds help to boost lactation effectively.
Boil 1 tea spoon coriander seeds in one litre water for 2-3 minutes. Strain the water and drink it during the day to improve the flow of milk.
Dill
Dill holds a great value for nursing mothers. It increases secretion and it has a soothing effect on the system. After child birth, you can make tea using dill leaves and drink it regularly to improve lactation. Pregnant women can also take dill to prepare the breasts for milk secretion.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have a cooling effect and they increase the volume of milk. Fennel seeds can be used in various forms. You can boil ½ tea spoon fennel seeds in one litre water, strain the water and give it to lactating mother to stimulate milk production.
Eat ½ tea spoon roasted fennel seeds after meals for lactation. Fennel seeds help to prevent flatulence and gas formation, thus it is beneficial for the baby too.
