How much milk thistle to induce lactation?

Understanding Milk Thistle and Lactation
Milk thistle, a plant known for its medicinal properties, has been traditionally used to support various health issues, including liver function and, more recently, as a potential aid for increasing breast milk supply in nursing mothers. While many women seek natural remedies to enhance lactation, the effectiveness and appropriate dosage of milk thistle for this purpose remain subjects of interest and debate.
Dosage Insights
Current research on the specific dosage of milk thistle to induce lactation is limited. However, a study involving gilts (female domestic pigs) indicated that administering 4 grams of silymarin—the active component of milk thistle—twice daily during pregnancy and lactation resulted in increased serum prolactin levels compared to a placebo group. Prolactin is a hormone crucial for milk production, suggesting that similar effects might be observed in humans, although direct human data is lacking.
Efficacy and Safety
While anecdotal evidence and some herbalists advocate for the use of milk thistle to boost milk supply, scientific backing is still sparse. The Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation notes that various herbal treatments, including milk thistle, may help increase milk supply, but emphasizes that more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these claims. Additionally, the safety of milk thistle during breastfeeding has been discussed, with some sources indicating that it is generally considered safe, but caution is advised due to the lack of comprehensive human studies.
Conclusion
In summary, while milk thistle may hold promise as a natural remedy for enhancing lactation, the recommended dosage based on existing studies suggests 4 grams of silymarin twice daily could be effective, though this is primarily derived from animal studies. Nursing mothers interested in using milk thistle should consult healthcare professionals to ensure safety and appropriateness for their individual circumstances. As always, a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition, hydration, and breastfeeding techniques is essential for supporting milk production.

What not to mix with milk thistle?

Possible interactions include:

• Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates. Taking milk thistle might affect this enzyme and drugs it processes, such as diazepam (Valium), warfarin (Jantoven) and others.
• Diabetes medications.
• Raloxifene (Evista).
• Simeprevir.
• Sirolimus (Rapamune).

How long does it take for blessed thistle to increase milk supply?

Fenugreek and blessed thistle work quickly. If they do work, you will usually notice a difference within 12- 24 hours of starting taking them. If not, they probably won’t work.

What happens when you first start taking milk thistle?

Taken in appropriate doses, oral use of milk thistle appears to be safe. Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Itchiness.

How much milk thistle should I take to induce lactation?

Some of the herbs that may induce lactation include Blessed Thistle herb (recommended 390 mg per capsule) and Fenugreek seed (recommended 610 mg per capsule). The dose used is 3 capsules of each, 3 times a day with meals.

Is it OK to take 1000 mg of milk thistle?

Researchers say milk thistle is well tolerated by most people. And they suggest taking up to 700 mg of milk thistle three times per day for 24 weeks has been shown to be safe. Side effects are usually mild and may include symptoms like headaches, nausea and other stomach discomforts.

Can I take 1000mg of milk thistle a day?

Researchers say milk thistle is well tolerated by most people. And they suggest taking up to 700 mg of milk thistle three times per day for 24 weeks has been shown to be safe. Side effects are usually mild and may include symptoms like headaches, nausea and other stomach discomforts.

Is 300 mg of milk thistle too much?

The European Medicines Agency recommends taking 300mg-600mg of milk thistle, two or three times a day. These people should avoid taking milk thistle extract: pregnant or breastfeeding women – there is no data on its safety people with diabetes – it may reduce blood glucose levels in.

How many mg of fenugreek per day to increase milk supply?

The dose is 2-3 capsules (580-610 mg each), taken by mouth 3 times/day. Taking a lesser dose may not increase supply. Results are often noticed in 1-3 days, although some mothers report no improve- ment.

How can I breastfeed my boyfriend but not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

Will milk thistle increase milk supply?

Milk Thistle Milk Thistle is also another herbal remedy — while it mainly serves to help with gallbladder and liver disorders, it also works much like Fenugreek in that it increases milk production in nursing mothers.