>One of the LCs at our hospital recently had a couple who were from India. >Mom's milk supply low -- long story -- the LC recommended, among other things, >fenugreek. When mom came back in for a recheck, she asked about the >fenugreek. Dad said they hadn't done it, but had done an old Indian remedy >for low milk supply instead. To wit: > >1/2 cup dill seeds >Steep in water overnight >boil until very dark in color >strain >drink one cup of this dill tea a day. > >Mom's milk supply was way up. Anyone heard of this or know what the possible >mode of action might be? > >Jan Barger Yes, I have heard of this, and quite a few others. A pharmacist here in Perth, Bob Longmore, gave a presentation at a seminar last July when Ruth Lawrence was here. He has studied galactagogues in traditional writings and tried to work out the mode of action of these from the chemicals they contain. He included in his list aniseed & star anise, dill, vervain, holy thistle, milk thistle, fennel, fenugreek and nigella. Also at the end of the list, goats rue, chaste berry and raspberry leaf. I have seen or heard of several of these on Lactnet and from other people in the last few years. Some of the characteristics in common with some of these were calming effects (? like oxytocin) and mild oestrogenic effects, although this is not the case with all of them. Some seem to be still a mystery. A write-up of his talk is in 'ALCA Galaxy' (newsletter of Australian Lactation Consultants Association) Aug 1998, p 24-25. It is all very 'chemical'. But fascinating, and great that a 'conventional' pharmacist and scientist is taking an interest in finding out more about these herbal galactagogues. Jan, I *loved* your post about Vegemite! I laughed out loud when I read it! Now if this accounts for lots of milk in our mums, shouldn't it also contribute to thrush (as it is a yeast extract)? We usually recommend that it is one of the foods to avoid when suffering thrush. Many Aussies do seem to be addicted to it - I have heard stories of Australian tourists smuggling it into their luggage when they travel overseas! And you mentioned small jars of it in restaurants, it has always been available in Australia in those little plastic single-serve squares like you get for jam (ie 'jelly' in US) and marmalade, when served with a continental breakfast in hotels and restaurants. BTW, you're welcome to come 'home' to Australia anytime you want! ****************************************************************** Joy Anderson B.Sc. Dip.Ed. Grad.Dip.Med.Tech. IBCLC Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia Breastfeeding Counsellor Perth, Western Australia. mailto:[log in to unmask] ******************************************************************