Responding to posts about fenugreek interactions with other substances.
My book states fenugreek has significant mucilage and should not be  
taken at same time as other drugs as the mucilage may interfere with  
GI absorption. Same precaution as with marshmallow or psyllium  
(Metamucil for e.g.)

The book that contraindicates fenugreek for lactation is of the sort  
that blanket contraindicates all herbs for lactation.  Many of these  
"handbooks" and "drug reference"  books are additionally riddled with  
inaccuracies, incorrect information, and facts of no possible  
significance to humans.  They tend to be loaded with speculations  
presented as facts, just to further mislead the reader.  Expert plant  
scientists bemoan their existence. The 2nd or 3rd edition of the  
Herbal PDR is a big step up from these others (but no book is perfect  
or complete).

Sticking to reliable sources of herb information is as vital as  
sticking to reliable sources of breastfeeding information.

Peppermint on nipples - why? The whole idea of a preventative remedy  
for sore nipples sends the wrong message to new moms.
And, strong scents are best avoided in the early post-partum - babies  
have keen noses for their mother's milk.
And thus, I just dislike this idea - as 3rd or 4th hand information,  
a mom might not get the suggestion right. She might hear: peppermint  
oil is good for sore nipples. Undiluted peppermint oil on the nipple  
would present a known hazard to a young infant - menthol can cause  
breathing problems in proximity to young infants nose.
Regards,

Sheila Humphrey
BSc RN IBCLC
Bit grouchy as is my birthday and now I go out to the garden to play,  
at long last.

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