Goats Rue During Pregnancy

Goat's rue is a perennial herb which grows wild in western Asia and southern Europe. It has been cultivated throughout Europe and in the United States, and is a traditional remedy for poor lactation in new mothers. Goat's rue may also be called French lilac, French honeysuckle, Italian fitch or galega. Unfortunately, little scientific evidence exists about goat's rue and its use for promoting lactation, especially during the last part of pregnancy.

Significance

• Nursing or adoptive mothers may have low milk output, making it difficult to provide appropriate food for their babies. A galactagogue, or substance that increases milk supply, may be used to encourage lactation. Goat's rue is a traditional herbal galactagogue, which may appeal to people concerned about transmitting prescription medication residue to their babies through the milk.

Dosage

• According to Kelly Mom Breastfeeding & Parenting, goat's rue may be taken as one to two milliliters of tincture three times per day, or as an infusion of one teaspoon dried leaves in one cup of boiling water twice per day. RxList notes that dosage of natural products may depend on the user's health, age and weight, and on the concentration of the herb. Few studies have been done to determine the correct dosage of goat's rue.

Safety

• As of 2010, little scientific information is available regarding the safety of goat's rue. According to Rx List, no adverse effects have been reported in humans using the herb as a galactagogue or for other purposes. However, grazing animals which eat large quantities of goat's rue have suffered from fatal poisoning. Rx List warns against use of goat's rue while pregnant or breastfeeding, but this warning is common on remedies for which there is no safety information. Mothers Overcoming Breastfeeding Issues recommends avoiding goat's rue during pregnancy.

Side Effects

• Goat's rue is also used to treat diabetic conditions and as a diuretic. Side effects for women using this herb as a galactagogue include increased sweating, a drop in blood sugar and nausea. Taking too much goat's rue may also result in bowel and stomach inflammation and vomiting. Both digestive problems and reduced blood sugar may be dangerous in pregnancy, especially in the late stages, when gestational diabetes is already a risk.

Considerations

• Herbal galactagogues should be used only under the supervision of a qualified medical professional, such as a doctor. Diabetics or women who have a history of blood sugar problems should discuss the use of this herb with their doctors before starting treatment. The herb should be used with caution, especially if used during pregnancy, and treatment discontinued if any negative effects appear.