Fenugreek has been used for centuries for a variety of ailments including
low milk production. In reviewing the literature, there is no recent
scientific paper on fenugreek except one done in the 1940's done in Egypt.
The researcher reported increases in milk production as great as 900%

In our clinic we have been using fenugreek seeds for well over six years. I
estimate that more than 1500 women have taken the capsules to improve
documented low milk production.

Fenugreek stimulates sweat glands (moms will notice an increase in
sweating; maple aroma sweat) and perhaps since the breast is a modified
sweat gland that is why it is so effective. Mothers generally notice an
increase in production 24-72 hours after starting the herb.

We generally recommend 2 or 3 capsules taken three times a day. Teas are a
weak form of the herb. Fenugreek capsules can be purchased in most any
health food store for around $7-9 for a bottle of 100 caps.

As far as safely goes, we have had a handful of mothers report diarrhea
that quickly subsided when the seeds were discontinued. We have had two
mothers report that it stimulated asthma symptoms. (Both were reluctant to
stop taking it because they felt it improved their production so well!) We
know of mothers who have taken the capsules for months and months without
difficulty. We do not believe we have seen any side effects in infants. The
seeds are eaten in some middle eastern areas in salads or with honey poured
over them. Artificial maple syrup is usually corn syrup and fenugreek.

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Kathleen Huggins