breast botanicals

Question 1

herbs for mastitis

Answer 1

antimicrobials:
−Allium sativa
−Berberis aquifolium
−Hydrastis canadensis 
−Echinacea spp (immune stimulating)
−Lomatium dissectum

synergists:
−Aconite
−Gelsemium sempervirens 
−*Phytolacca decandra – due to lymphatic nature of breast
−Allium sativa

Question 2

aconite

Answer 2

for sudden onset, fever but pt feels cold

Sig: 5 gtt q 1 hr x 3 doses maximum

Question 3

gelsemium

Answer 3

nervous excitement, delirium

Sig: 5-30 gtt q 2hrs

Question 4

phytolacca

Answer 4

increases WBC, indicated if marked lymphadenopathy, breast lumps, hardness
Sig: 2-5 gtt q 1hr x 4 doses

Question 5

hamamelis virginia

Answer 5

Indications: astringent that decreases soreness, soothes and increases healing
Apply hot, moistened herb as poultice.

Question 6

sore nipple poultices

Answer 6

1)Achillea millefolium
Indications: Moist, cracked painful nipples. Make poultice or ointment

2)Aloe
Indications: Cracked, sore nipples
Apply the clear gel from fresh plant to nipple. Wash off before nursing

3)Althea
Indications: Sore, raw, infected nipples. Clogged ducts.
1 oz of root to 1 quart of water. Bring to boiling for 20 minutes. Cool to safe temperature and lower breast into container. Keep breast submersed until decoction cools.

4)Calendula - For both fungal or bacterially infected nipples.
Make wash out of flowers and saline

5)Symphytum
Indications: Fissured, cracked or sore nipples. Use fresh poultice if possible. If not, gel or ointment. Contains PA so make sure you have it washed off before baby gets there.

Question 7

anenome pulsatilla

Answer 7

Indications: No or low milk in nervous anxious and fear depressed women. Breasts painful and swollen, chilly, weak with headache.
Sig: 10 gtt tid OR use it homeopathically due to potential for toxicity

Question 8

anisum pimpinella

Answer 8

Indications: Similar to fennel, increases milk flow. Use if have gassy baby
Sig: 30 gtt tid, OR 1 tsp bruised/crushed seeds/ cup of water - 1 cup bid

Question 9

borago officinale

Answer 9

Indications: Low milk supply with constipation and anxiety. Safe to do in high quantities.
Sig: 1 TBSP leaves to 8 oz. water. Steep for 10 minutes. 1 cup at each nursing

Question 10

chondrus crispus (irish moss)

Answer 10

ndications: Mucilaginous, nourishing algae for decreased milk supply in a yin depleted mom i.e. loss of body fluids, constipation, sore throat; for weak, deficient types of moms.
Dose: 3-9 grams of powder or 1 tsp to 8 oz water made as cold decoction; can mix it into something like oatmeal

Question 11

cnicus benedictus

Answer 11

Increases milk supply and helps with pp depression, suicidal feelings. Can use milk thistle too.
Sig: 20 gtt bid up to qid, can also be given as tea or in capsule

Question 12

foeniculum vulgare

Answer 12

Rarely used as primary in formula, but gives great flavor as supplemental
Sig: 30 gtt tid, OR 1 tsp bruised/crushed seeds/ cup of water - 1 cup bid

Question 13

galega officinale

Answer 13

ndications: Decreased milk flow in a mom with fluid retention and / or high blood sugar. PCOS moms, edema
Sig: 30 gtt tid

Question 14

humulus lupulus

Answer 14

Indications: For mom’s who need copious milk (i.e. tandem nursing, multiple births), has sedative qualities.
Sig: EtOH free beer or limited amounts (2-4 oz bid x 1 week) of “good” beer (e.g. microbrewed IPA) OR 1 TBSP flowers to 8 oz water. Simmer 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup before bed

Question 15

medicago sativa

Answer 15

Indications: Improves milk supply especially in depleted or malnourished mothers.
Dose: 60 gtt tid
god in combo with chondrus crispus

Question 16

shatavari

Answer 16

Good for decreased milk due to hormonal reasons.
Can also be used when cycle returns. Also increases her fertility.
500mg caps - 2 bid

Question 17

mitchella repens (squaw vine)

Answer 17

Indications: For decreased milk supply in a mom with uterine weakness i.e subinvolution or prolapse

Question 18

trigonella goenugraecum

Answer 18

Indications: For decreased milk supply in a woman with digestive or blood sugar disorders. Tastes like cumin more than fennel.
Dose: 20-30 gtt tid; 3 capsules tid

Question 19

vitex agnus-castus

Answer 19

Indications: Decreased milk flow with pp depression
Dose: 30 -60 gtt tid

Question 20

foods to increase milk supply

Answer 20

Apricots, Asparagus, Green beans, Carrots, Sweet potatoes, Peas, Pecans, Beet greens, Watercress, Parsley, Dandelion greens

Question 21

herbs to wean

Answer 21

salvia
Indications: An astringent for weaning, promotes estrogen. No toxicity issues. Can also use it for overabundance of supply.
Dose: 10-30 gtt qid

vinca major or minor
Indications: Astringent for weaning with depression, contains small amounts of reserpine. Also used to control overabundant milk or in the case of loss, when do not want milk coming in.
Dose: 10 gtt tid