In a message dated 1/14/1 3:25:57 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Has anyone heard of this herb?  I had a patient tell me "the lady" at the
healthfood store told her that it would increase her milk if she was behind,
or decrease her milk if she were trying to wean.  >>

I have never heard of pulsatilla used as an herbal preparation. I am certain
the woman is referring to the homeopathic remedy, not an herb, although she
may be taking it in tincture form, rather than the more familiar tablet or
pellet. Pulsatilla is indeed listed in most sources as a possible remedy for
lactation, although more often for engorgement and over-production than low
supply. Pulsatilla, like most homeopathic remedies does not act on the body
in the way that allopathic drugs or even herbs do. Because remedies do
restore balance, they may be seen as acting similarly to an adaptogenic herb
in the body. In other words, adaptogens and homeopathic remedies will bring
the body into a state of balance, thus if the mother has the right remedy,
she will make more or less milk as is needed. But, getting the right remedy
is key. There are certainly remedies that often have similar results in
different people, but most need to fit the constitution of the person taking
it to have healing take place. In my experience lactusa virosa is the remedy
most often suggested for increasing milk production.
    Pulsatilla tends to be for people who are weepy, (children who are
clingy), changeable disposition, contradictory feelings or moods and also
contradictory physical symptoms, those who are sensitive, highly emotional,
easily discouraged. There are many more traits that describe pulsatilla
conditions, but it is often given on these emotional characteristics,
especially when combined w/ the physical changeability.
    It is not listed in the homeopathic Materia Medica for lactation, but is
listed in books written by practitioners, probably b/c so many mothers w/ low
supply fit the rest of the emotional picture.
    The bottom line is that it cannot hurt her to try it, but unless she has
the typical symptoms, there would likely be a more effective remedy.
Personally, as much as I love herbs, if I had a milk supply problem, the very
first thing I would do (besides nurse, nurse, nurse) is see a really
competent homeopath and get a constitutional remedy. The other things I would
do is get bodywork (ie cranial-sacral), see my acupuncturist and take herbal
galactogogues and nourishing, living foods, (esp juiced greens). I personally
would not bother with Mother's Milk tea, (unless it was prepared fresh by an
herbalist, which is what I make available to my clients), but would drink
fenugreek, fennel, blessed thistle, etc as a tea.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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