Fenugreek is a herbal plant that appears with yellow flowers and seed-containing pads. Throughout history, it’s been used to improve health and even treat other illnesses with complications in digestive, respiratory, and even milk production. Fenugreek is proven to be a galactagogue that can help you with your milk supply.
The word Galactagogue comes from two Greek words, “galact” which means milk, and “ogogue” which means promoting. Basically, galactagogues are herbs that help a mother increase her milk supply. Although there are other galactagogues foods such as fennel, chickpeas, and nuts, Fenugreek seed is still considered the best in terms of increasing milk supply.
Also read our article on how to establish and maintain milk supply.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump is recommended by nursing moms magazines, celebrities, doulas, and lactation consultants all over the world!
What are the ways to consume Fenugreek seeds?
Raw Fenugreek seeds taste bitter, however, when it is cooked, it becomes sweet. Here are some methods on how you can consume Fenugreek seeds:
- drinking it as a tea
- drinking it as a capsule
- eating the seed
- eating the sprout
- consuming it as powder
- Tea
You can make your own Fenugreek tea, but making this takes more effort than the ones you usually drink. First, you have to rinse the seeds gently. You may leave it soaked in water overnight before boiling it the next morning. Don’t forget that as you boil your seeds longer, the seeds will become more concentrated, making them bitter. You may add some flavor to your tea such as honey, lemon, or sugar. When the tea becomes thick, just add more water.
- Capsules
There are Fenugreek capsules that are available in medical stores. You are usually required to take 2-3 pills a day. However, it will be best if you consult a doctor first before taking these pills.
- Seeds
You can eat the seeds as it is. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds and swallow with water. It wouldn’t taste good, but this is one of the quickest ways to consume Fenugreek. You can have the seeds heated, cooked, or whichever way you prefer to eat them.
Read everything you need to know about nursing your newborn.
- Powder
There is Fenugreek powder that you can purchase in stores. You can mix this powder into different recipes for your meal. It will be best if you consult a doctor first, to know how much powder you must take daily.
- Sprouts
Aside from eating the seeds, eating the sprouts is easier as well. This is one of the healthiest ways to consume Fenugreek. You can add this to your salad and other meal recipes.
If you’re not a fan of teas, seeds, and veggies, here are some recipes you could make with Fenugreek:
- cookies
- bread
- smoothies
- Cookies
If you’re into baking, then Fenugreek cookies are just for you! Making these cookies are exactly the same as you make the other ones, the only difference is that you add the Fenugreek powder to it. If you’re new to baking, there are videos on the internet that can guide you step by step.
- Bread
Baking can be both healthy and fun when you make Fenugreek bread. If you want to consume Fenugreek in a yummier way, you should consider making it into banana bread and apple pie muffins.
- Smoothies
You may also add Fenugreek to your beverages like in smoothies. This is served best in banana, green monkey, dark chocolate, Nutella, fruit, pumpkin pie, and milk smoothies.
Organic Bamboo Nursing Breast Pads – 14 Washable Pads + Wash Bag
What are the side effects of Fenugreek intake?
Fenugreek has been efficient in treating complications throughout the decades. However, it has side effects that could harm you and your baby. Here are some of Fenugreek’s possible side effects:
- A changed smell in urine
- Diarrhea
- Pregnancy problems
- Lower blood sugar
- Blood-thinning
- Allergic reactions
Urine
As you consume Fenugreek daily, the smell of your urine will smell like maple syrup. Basically, even your baby’s urine would smell differently as she feeds on your milk. This doesn’t seem dangerous but it will be safer if you let your doctor know that you are using Fenugreek.
Find out the latching and breastfeeding positions for you and your baby.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the most reported side effect of Fenugreek intake. This happens when a person starts taking high doses of Fenugreek too soon. This can be avoided by starting on a low dose, and slowly increasing it.
Pregnancy
Fenugreek isn’t recommended when you’re pregnant. Consuming this herb during your pregnancy can cause contractions, induced labor, premature labor, and the worst is miscarriage. And as Fenugreek functions like estrogen, it will be dangerous to women with hormone-sensitive cancers.
Blood Sugar
Taking Fenugreek can lower your blood sugar, especially if you’re in diabetes medications as it can enhance their effects. It will be best if you consult your doctor about this. You may keep up your blood sugar by consuming other food sources that can maintain it, or simply, you can just decrease the doses of your Fenugreek intake.
Blood-thinning
Fenugreek can cause your blood to thin. If you’re using anticoagulant medications, it will be unsafe if you start to use Fenugreek as well. Consider visiting your doctor first before attempting to take it.
Allergies
You may also have allergic reactions when you start to take Fenugreek. Consider visiting your health provider first to be safe. Fenugreek reactions can make your face, mouth, and throat swell. It can also cause you to have difficulty in breathing, leading to severe asthma.
Bearsland Women’s Maternity Nursing Tank Tops Sleeveless
Conclusion
As mothers continue to encounter different challenges, we also continue to find solutions. Although Fenugreek intake has possible side effects, it is safe for your baby. According to a 2019 study of the National Institute of Health, sixty women took galactagogue tea and none of them has reported any adverse effect in their babies inside 30 days. However, Fenugreek is not recommended during pregnancy.
If you choose to take Fenugreek, you must seek medical advice first. Do not take more of this herb than is recommended in the label. It will be best if you keep updating your doctor about your Fenugreek intake.
Need the help of a lactation expert? Find an IBCLC near you.
Lansinoh Postpartum Essentials Recovery Bundle for Baby Showers
Stay Informed!
Join Our Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources.