Herbs

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an annual that grows 12-18" high with branched, trifoliate leaves. Fenugreek is in the legume family as are peanuts and garden peas. It produces "pea pods" that contain yellow-brown seeds. These seeds are mucilaginous when cooked and smell like maple syrup. Fenugreek is used to flavor imitation maple syrup. Externally, they can be used as a poultice on wounds and sores. Drinking tea made with the seeds aids digestion, and gargling with the tea relieves a sore throat. The seeds are also known for increasing breast milk. Fenugreek is a popular spice in East Indian cooking. Not for use during pregnancy; can reduce blood sugar levels.

 

Blessed Thistle

Blessed Thistle has fuzzy leaves and stems with yellow flowers. It is a "bitter" that aids digestion and works on a congested liver. It increases breast milk and is an emotional ally to uplift spirits. Not for use during pregnancy.

 

Nettle

Nettle has dark green serrated leaves and short hairs that cause burning and blistering when touched. It grows in moist soil usually near streams and ditches. Even though it may sting when gathered without gloves, it is an excellent spring green in teas and meals, but don't eat it uncooked. It makes a wonderful substitute for spinach in any dish and an excellent lasagna filling. Nettle is an herb worth using on a regular basis. This spring tonic is loaded with nutrition and strengthens many body systems. Nettle is a rich source of iron, calcium and folic acid, and supports the kidney and adrenals. It helps clear up anemia, skin problems, and increases breast milk. A nettle hair rinse stimulates growth and removes dandruff.

 

Fennel

Fennel is a licorice flavored, feathery, aromatic herb. It grows to be several feet tall with umbels of small, yellow flowers that look very similar to a dill plant. This digestive herb relieves heartburn, gas, colic, and an upset stomach. The seeds can be chewed to sweeten breath and help a toothache, and a gargle will relieve a sore throat. Fennel also increases breast milk. To use as a compress, put crushed seeds in hot water for relief of swollen, tender, nursing breasts.

 

Goats Rue

Goat's Rue grows 2-3 feet tall with branching stems and oval, opposite leaves. The long flower stalk produces many light purple to pink flowers similar to those in the pea family. The leaves stimulate development of mammary tissue, and it is one of the most potent herbs to increase breast milk. Goat's Rue is also used to increase breast size in non-lactating women. It also increases sweating to bring down a fever. Because it can lower blood sugar levels, it can be useful for diabetics who are not on insulin, or have an effect on the amount of insulin needed.

 

Raspberry

Raspberry is a prickly shrub with sharply toothed leaflets. The white, cup-shaped flowers turn into red berries that are delicious fresh or made into jam or syrup. The leaves contain calcium, magnesium, and iron, and relieve diarrhea and nausea. This is one of the best herbs for women to take -- often used during pregnancy to relieve morning sickness, to strengthen uterine muscles for labor, and to slow bleeding after birth. Raspberry also increases breast milk.

 

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a many-branched plant with square stems and leaves composed of 3 leafets. Blue to purple flowers turn into spiral coiled seedpods. The deep taproot brings up many minerals, including trace minerals, from the soil. Alfalfa is rich in chlorophyll and vitamin K, which promotes clotting. The leaves and flowers make a mild tasting, nutritious tea that stimulates the appetite, aids digestion, and increases breast milk. The seeds can be sprouted to add to salads and sandwiches.