Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and the Use of Prescription Medication: A Pilot Study

Table 2

Herbs commonly associated with galactogogue properties and known interactions.

Herbals	Intended use (main effect)	Potential side effects	Potential interactions	Contraindications
Alfalfa* (Medicago sativa)	Tonic; Rejuvenative; Diuretic	Diarrhea; Reversible pancytopenia; Reactivates-systemic Lupus	Immune modulators	Pregnancy; Allergies
Anise* (Pimpinella anisum)	Expectorant; Antispasmodic; Antiseptic; Antiflatulence	Seizures	Anticoagulants; MAO inhibitors oral; contraceptives	Pregnancy: abortifacient
Black seed caraway (Carum carvi)	Dyspepsia,; antinausea,; antiflatulent; incontinence; galactogogue	Contact dermatitis; Weak antispasmodic activity	Disulfiram	Pregnant, breastfeeding due to antispasmodic effects
Blessed thistle* (Cnicus benedictus)	Stimulates menstruation,; antidiarrheal,; antibacterial,; expectorant; galactogogue	Nausea, vomiting diarrhea, contact dermatitis	Antacids, H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, sucralfate, insulin	Pregnant and breastfeeding
Fennel* (Foeniculum vulgare)	Expectorant; Antispasmodic; URTI	Seizures; Nausea, pulmonary edema	Anticonvulsant; Sun exposure	Unknown
Fenugreek* (Trigonella foenum-graecum)	GI complaints; URT congestion; Antidiarrheal	Uterine stimulant; Hepatotoxicity; Maple-syrup Urine diarrhea	Anticoagulants; Antidiabetics	Pregnancy (uterine stimulant) breastfeeding
Goat’s rue (Galega officinalis)	Diuretic; Galactogogue; Antihyperglycemic	Headache weakness nervousness	None reported	Caution for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding patients
Milk thistle* (Silybum marianum)	Dyspepsia, liver damage from chemicals	Nausea, vomiting diarrhea	Aspirin, cisplatin, disulfiram, hepatotoxic drugs	Pregnant or breastfeeding patients

Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook, Nursing Drug Handbook Series, Springhouse Pennsylvania.
*Often herbs are used in combination, such as mother’s milk tea, various combinations of fenugreek, blessed thistle, anise, coriander, fennel, marshmallow and other herbs.