Dear Lactneters
The 1988 edition of "The Complete New Herbal" (Richard Mabey, Guild Publishing
in London) has an entry under Vitex agnus castus (Chaste tree, chasteberry or
monk's pepper) reading "Research in Germany now indicates that the plant
possesses the ability to increase production of the luteinizing hormone and
prolactin. Comparative case studies appear to confirm that it does, indeed
stimulate the flow of milk" The (German) references cited are from 1943 and
1954! Some of the breastfeeding counsellors here in Germany have noted that
women taking this herb have reduced milk production.  Is there any recent
research?  Along the same lines, some of the "milk enhancing" teas here
contain alchemilla vulgaris (lady's mantle, lion's foot or bear's foot).
Anecdotal accounts attribute increased milk production to this herb. Does
anyone have any experience or research on it?  As I'm currently on NOMAIL, I'd
be grateful for responses directly to my email address: [log in to unmask]
Thanks - Elizabeth Hormann, IBCLC - Cologne, Germany