Why We're Fenugreek Free
While fenugreek has been the go-to galactagogue in the US for many years and works well for some women, others may experience some undesirable side effects while taking it. In one survey of nursing mothers in the United States, 85 had used fenugreek as a galactagogue and 45% of those mothers reported having experienced an adverse reaction from the supplement.(1)
(1) Lactmed
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OF FENUGREEK INCLUDE:
- Gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea and gas that may occur for both mom and baby.
- Those with sensitivities to peanuts, chickpeas or other legumes may experience a cross reaction to fenugreek
- Fenugreek may be problematic for women with thyroid conditions
- Using fenugreek may exacerbate existing asthma
- Large doses of fenugreek may cause lowering of cholesterol and blood sugar
- Excretion of a maple syrup odor from the urine, sweat and possibly breastmilk after taking fenugreek