How fast fenugreek work

Fenugreek capsules work fast, so lucky moms will probably see an increase in milk production in as little as 24 to 72 hours. Check with your doctor or lactation consultant before taking any herbal remedy, and stick to trusted brands.

Remember the study with 25 breastfeeding moms? The good news is that no adverse effects were recorded. But LactMed — a database of drug info as it relates to lactation — does report some concerns. Fenugreek is also likely safe for your baby. Study participants kept detailed diaries.

There are no reported interactions with other drugs for those taking fenugreek to increase milk production. It may also interact with blood thinners like warfarin. Check with your doctor before taking fenugreek or other herbal supplements, especially if you take prescription drugs or have diabetes. Breastfeeding is an art. Do we have you thinking of those dreamy paintings of suckling infants? Fenugreek may help, especially if you have concerns about supply. Breastfeeding and alcohol consumption bring up a lot of questions for many new parents.

We'll tell you how you can breastfeed safely. Breastfeeding will make you lose the baby weight fast, they said. Just when you thought this was a win for womanhood, one dietitian explains why it…. Here's what you need to know about your legal right to breastfeed in public spoiler alert: all 50 states protect your right to nurse your baby. Between your dancing hormones and breastfeeding, your girls will never be the same.

In fact, fenugreek has been used for centuries to induce labor. Fenugreek may act like estrogen in the body, so it should not be taken by women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers.

And it may negatively interact with the blood thinner warfarin to cause internal bleeding. In most cases fenugreek is considered safe, but remember that there is no scientific evidence that it actually boosts breast milk production and it hasn't been approved by the FDA as being a remedy for low milk supply.

What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M.

Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Learn more about fenugreek benefits and side effects. Back to Top. In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Women have taken fenugreek for increasing breast milk in the Middle East, India and North Africa since ancient times.

But does it really work? Will fenugreek increase breast milk? This article looks at how to increase milk supply, whether fenugreek can help, potential side effects of taking fenugreek and the suggested doses recommended by lactation professionals. How much breast milk a mother makes depends on efficient removal of milk from her breasts by a baby or a pump. The more milk that is taken from the breast, the more milk will be made in the breast to replace it.

If breastfeeding is going well, this will generate the perfect volume of milk for a baby or even for twins. If a baby is not getting enough milk , it can be helpful to identify the reasons for your low milk supply with a breastfeeding specialist or IBCLC lactation consultant before reaching for a galactagogue a food, herb or medication that increases milk supply. Bear in mind if you do use a galactagogue such as fenugreek, frequent breast drainage will still be needed.

Fenugreek is regarded anecdotally as an effective galactagogue. Two recent studies found taking fenugreek increased milk supply compared to not taking it or taking a placebo an inert substance that has no effect other than the belief that it will bring positive results 1 2. And one small study looked at the effects of a mixed supplement of fenugreek, ginger and turmeric and found an increase in breast milk volume for the participants 3.

More than one commentary queries whether a psychological or placebo factor could be causing increased milk. Mortal and Mehta explain how fenugreek might influence milk production although the exact mechanism is not known:. It is thought that fenugreek stimulates sweat production, and since the breast is a modified sweat gland, fenugreek may affect breast milk production in this manner. It has also been suggested that fenugreek may have oestrogenic activity. Always check with your health professional before taking fenugreek in medicinal amounts so they can discuss all the harms and benefits 7.

All drugs and herbs can have side effects and potential interactions with other drugs or herbs you may be taking—including fenugreek 8. Potential side effects and cautions include:.