Herbal Info for Cindy etc.,
        When you say Milk Thistle do you mean Blessed Thistle  (Cincus
benedictus or Carduus benedictus)? It is an herb used traditionally for
incresing milk supply.Herbs get so many names that when using them with
babies and moms it's good to check the Latin.It can be bitter when as an
infusion (strong tea). Red Raspberry is also good. The New Age Herbalist
lists the following herbs as good for increasing milk production:
        blessed thistle(Cincus benedictus)
        borage ( safe and has a good reputation)
        dill (Anethum graveolens)
        fennel(Foeniculum vulgare)
        chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus)
        red raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus)
Prepare as follows for an infusion:
        half an ounce of dried herbs (all together in equal parts depending
on how many off the list she has): to 1 pint (500 ml) of water
Put all the herbs in a non metal container. Bring the water to a boil(
separate container). Pour over the herbs, cover, let stand. Then strain off
and refrigerate.
        The mom may also want to use tinctures or capsules, then just
follow the adult dose on the preparation she gets, either a combined or all
the herbs separate.
        if she can't find them all then just take what ones she can
An important thing to remember is that the packaged "mother's milk" type
stuff/herbal tea from health food stores are wonderful,BUT they are not a
medicinal or therapuetic dose, so prepare her that the infusion may be
quite a bit stronger than herbal beverages.
        Hope it all helps..
                namaste...Amy Mohrbacher
                        LLLLeader and Nursing Student