Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-grecum), as with virtually all herbs, has to
be dosed according to the mother's and baby's reaction and response. This
is true of pharmaceuticals as well. It is one of the oldest
known/documented herbs. With that stated, I am hoping that this mom worked
her way up to the dose you listed. That dose is the upper limit that I
would suggest in most cases; however, that does not mean that there are
detrimental effects over that level. There are no known long-term effects
of taking fenugreek EXCEPT IN PREGNANCY AND IN INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETICS
(it can be used as a hypoglycemic-state inducer). It is not believed to be
stored in fat cells and has a relatively short half-life of its active
ingredients. HOWEVER, I cannot vouch for the purity, freshness, quantity
of, or quality of a company that I have not worked with and investigated.
So, there may be something in the capsules besides fenugreek that is
causing the maple-smell. This is usually a sign of sugar in the urine, and
that can be caused by many things (and should be taken seriously).
Fenugreek does contain alkaloids (trigonelline and gentianine), mucilage,
protein, and sterioidal saponins, as well as Vitamins B and C, and small
amounts of A (which is a fat soluble vitamin--not in sufficient dosage to
cause concern here). It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, digestive
tonic, milk promoter (galactogogue), demulcent, uterine stimulant, and it
lowers blood sugar (although some say it just regulates blood sugar).
One approach might be to lower the dose of fenugreek and combine it
with other galactogogues such as fennel, thyme, hops and blessed thistle
(any one or more). I'd also look at the mother's diet (when and how much
of what), as well as other meds she might be taking. I hope this helps and
is clear.
: )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC email: [log in to unmask] : )
: )HSR & Health Educational Consultant voice/fax: 541 753 7340 : )
: )LLLLLLLLLLLLL**CHANGE THE WORLD, NURTURE A CHILD!**LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL : )
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