Goat's Rue and Estrogen Levels

Goat’s Rue is an herb with pea-like buds, commonly used by women who wish to stimulate breast growth and mammary (milk) production. More recently it has been discovered that Goat’s Rue may have a direct effect on estrogen levels in women who take it as a dietary supplement.

Description

• Goat’s Rue, whose botanical name is Galega, comes from a plant that grows in a two- to three-foot stalk and produces light-pink to purple flowers. The flower, leaf, stem and seed are all used medicinally.

Common Uses

• Goat’s Rue is commonly used to increase breast-milk production, increase breast size and lower blood sugar. Currently, research suggests it may have strong anticancer properties. It has also, historically, been used to treat snakebites, the plague and intestinal parasites.

Dosage

• As a tea, it can be used twice a day. Use one teaspoon of dried Goat’s Rue leaf per cup of boiling water. It should be allowed to steep for about 15 minutes before it is used. It can also be taken in one to two ml caplets three times a day.

Estrogen Link

• Cancer research has revealed that one of Goat’s Rue's primary chemical components directly affects estrogen receptors. This may be why it acts as an estrogen enhancer, without containing any known phyto-estrogens. Studies suggest that it actually encourages ovaries to produce their own estrogen.

Warnings

• Diabetic patients should consult their doctor before taking Goat's Rue for any reason. It can interact with other hypoglycemic drugs. It may also interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron and other vitamins and minerals