If you are a breastfeeding mom, you may be looking for natural ways to improve your milk supply. One natural remedy that has been used for centuries is goat’s rue. This herb is known for its ability to increase breast milk production, like lactation foods.
In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of goat’s rue and how to use it safely while breastfeeding.
What is Goat’s Rue?
Goat’s Rue is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
The plant has been used medicinally for centuries and is known for its healing properties. Goat’s Rue is also known as French Lilac or Italian Fitch.
The scientific name for the plant is Galega officinalis. The plant is a member of the legume family and is related to the pea. Goat’s Rue grows to a height of two to three feet and has blue-green leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stem.
The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months. Goat’s Rue is typically found growing in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. Goat’s Rue is an important food source for bees and other pollinators.
Goat’s rue (Galega officinalis) is an perennial herb that has been traditionally used to increase milk production in lactating mothers. The herb works by stimulating the growth of mammary tissue and promoting milk production. Goat’s rue is also thought to improve the quality of breast milk.
In addition to its use as a lactation aid, goat’s rue is also used as a natural treatment for diabetes. The herb helps to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production.
Traditional healers have long used goat’s rue for its medicinal properties. The plant is thought to be a powerful diuretic, and is often used to treat conditions like edema and hypertension. Additionally, goat’s rue is believed to promote lactation in nursing mothers, and has even been traditionally used as an abortifacient.
While there is not a lot of scientific evidence to support these uses, some preliminary studies have shown promising results. Goat’s rue may one day prove to be a valuable herbal remedy for a variety of conditions.
What are the Health Benefits of Goat’s Rue?
Goat’s rue has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions. Modern science is beginning to validate some of these uses.
Goat’s rue is most commonly used as a digestive aid. It can help to increase appetite and reduce indigestion and other stomach problems. Goat’s rue is also used as a diuretic and to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
Some studies have shown that goat’s rue can help to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It may also help to prevent or delay the onset of type II diabetes. Goat’s rue is also being studied for its potential cancer-fighting properties.
While more research is needed, goat’s rue appears to be a safe and effective herbal remedy with a wide range of potential health benefits.
Goat’s Rue Benefits for Breastfeeding Mothers
Goat’s rue has been used for centuries to increase milk production in lactating mothers. The herb works by stimulating the growth of mammary tissue and promoting milk production. Goat’s rue is also thought to improve the quality of breast milk.
There are a few different ways that you can use goat’s rue while breastfeeding. You can take it in capsule form, brew it into a tea, or even add it to your food.
If you are interested in trying goat’s rue, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first. While the herb is generally safe, there are a few precautions that should be taken.
How to Use Goat’s Rue for Breastfeeding
Goat’s rue can be used in a variety of ways to help increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
Capsule
One way to use the herb is to take it in capsule form. The recommended dose is two capsules three times per day.
Tea
Another way to use goat’s rue is to brew it into a tea. To do this, add one teaspoon of dried goat’s rue to a cup of boiling water.
Steep for ten minutes and then strain. Drink one cup of tea three times per day.
Food Supplement
You can also add goat’s rue to your food. The herb can be added to soups, stews, or casseroles. It can also be used as a seasoning for meats or vegetables.
When using goat’s rue, it is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. The herb can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if taken in large doses.
Does Goat’s Rue Increase Your Milk Supply?
Yes, goat’s rue does appear to increase milk supply. Researchers believe that the herb works by stimulating prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production. The goat’s rue herb has been used to help with low milk supply for hundreds of years.
There have been studies which found that it increased breast milk production by up to 60%, however, these studies were not randomized controlled trial and are not considered valid clinical trials.
The dried leaves of the goat’s rue plant are considered to be a galgalactagogue, and it is often recommended for breastfeeding mothers in order increase their supply. European countries have been taking goat’s rue to help with breast milk supply for hundreds of years.
It is part of the fenugreek family, which is also known to increase milk production.
If you are interested in trying goat’s rue to increase your own milk supply, you should speak with a lactation consultant or herbalist first. The herb can be taken in capsule form or as a tea. It is important to start with small doses and increase gradually, as too much goat’s rue can cause an upset stomach.
Herbal remedies and dietary supplements should always be taken with professional medical advice, especially when breast feeding.
How Long Does It Take for Goat’s Rue to Increase Milk Supply?
Some women notice an increase within 24 hours, while for others it may take a few days. Goat’s rue is most effective when taken consistently for several weeks. Some mothers continue taking goat’s rue until their baby is weaned, in order to maintain their milk supply.
If you already have an abundant milk flow you should avoid taking this herbal supplement as it can cause an over abundance of milk.
Will Goat’s Rue Increase Breast Tissue?
Some people believe that goat’s rue can stimulate the growth of breast tissue and is often used by women who want to relactate, breastfeed and adopted child or after breast surgery.
Can I Drink Rue Tea While Breastfeeding?
Yes, you can drink rue tea while breastfeeding. Rue tea is a herbal tea that has many benefits for both mother and child. Rue tea can help to increase milk production, improve digestion, and reduce stress levels. Additionally, rue tea is high in vitamins and minerals, which can help to improve the health of both mother and child.
However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before drinking rue tea, as it can interact with certain medications. Additionally, it is important to drink rue tea in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to side effects such as nausea and vomiting. If you experience any adverse effects after drinking rue tea, discontinue use immediately and consult with a healthcare professional.
Is Goat’s Rue Toxic to Humans?
The dried leaves are not toxic however the fresh leaves can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
While there are no documented cases of toxicity in humans, goat’s rue is considered toxic to livestock and should not be consumed by them.
The Bottom Line on Goat’s Rue Lactation Qualities
Goat’s rue is an herb that has been used to increase breast milk production for centuries. While there is no concrete evidence that it is effective, many women swear by its ability to increase their milk supply. If you are interested in trying goat’s rue to increase your milk supply, be sure to speak with a lactation consultant or herbalist first, as too much of the herb can cause an upset stomach.
Additionally, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated while taking goat’s rue, as it can cause dehydration. Lastly, if you experience any adverse effects after taking goat’s rue, discontinue use immediately and consult with a healthcare professional. If you have a low breast milk supply, then the goat’s rue might help increase your milk supply.
If you need to produce more milk or need breastfeeding support then speak to your healthcare practitioner asusing goat’s rue should only be done with the support of a lactation consultant, and should never be used with other supplements or other herbs without advice.
This article was written by Sandra Baker – full time writer and the mother of four amazing kids (including twins!)
She’s also a breastfeeding counselor and has spent years helping new parents learn how to care for their children. When she’s not writing or caring for her children, Sandra likes to spend time reading and taking walks with her husband.
