Herbs to Dry Milk Production After Weaning

Milk overproduction, or continued production after weaning, can lead to engorgement similar to what occurs in the early days of nursing. A large body of evidence, and tradition, suggests that using herbs slows and eventually stops milk production. These herbs, even as cooking spices, should be avoided by actively nursing mothers because of their negative effect on milk production.

Sage

• Sage is typically used in its dehydrated form to reduce milk production, and there are several effective dosage methods. Many mothers add 1/4 teaspoon of dried, ground sage to their diet, three times per day, for a few days. The sage can be added to vegetable juice or to a food dish to camouflage its flavor, or it can be put inside caplets and swallowed. Sage also can be brewed into a tea by infusing one tablespoon into a cup of boiling water. The sage tea should steep for five to 15 minutes before drinking, and can be taken up to six times a day. Sage contains chemical components known to cause seizures and should never be used by epileptic patients. Sage extract also can be taken, 30 to 60 drops at a time, three to six times per day. Sage can cause certain complications in infants so mothers should never use it while still nursing.

Cabbage

• Green cabbage leaves, placed into the bra as a compress against the breast, is one of the most common treatments for engorgement prescribed by lactation consultants. The leaves should be replaced when they wilt, and can be used continuously. Women have reported that engorgement is relieved within hours, and continuous use will reduce the amount of milk produced. Women with sulfa allergies should avoid this treatment since cabbage is known to contain sulfas and can cause serious allergic reaction and skin irritation.

Peppermint

• Peppermint essential oil can reduce milk production if taken directly as a tincture. Using other forms of peppermint such as candies, or drinking peppermint tea, are too weak. It would be almost impossible to take enough peppermint extract from either of these sources to affect lactation. But it can be used with other anti-lactation herbs, including sage, spearmint, lemon balm, oregano and cabbage to create a compress or massage oil.