DIY: Ancient Healing Tincture For Breastmilk
The accessibility of herbal remedies like tinctures is probably a major reason why an estimated 80% of the world population relies on these treatments for at least some of their healthcare needs.
First I want to say this…..Tinctures are surprisingly easy to make! All you need is:
Herb or Herbs of choice
Mason jar
Soaking agent: Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerin or Vinegar (Glycerin is my goto since it’s more user-friendly for children and has a sweeter taste making it more desirable for all, but alcohol has a benefit of making the tincture last forever.)
Masking tape for labeling
Cheesecloth used for straining
Doppler for application use
Tinctures are a key component of traditional herbal medicine. I decided to make my own tincture when I realized the tincture I bought had all natural ingredients in it. I thought, Hey! I can make this! I wanted to save money, and tap into my inner herbalist. Using plants for medicine is something our ancestors did for healing. Tinctures usually take longer to make, anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months to fully saturate the liquid with the plant medicine. The wait period is the most challenging part of the process because the longer you allow the plants to soak, the more benefits can be yielded from the plant. Increased potency is best when making your own healing medicine.
Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking the bark, berries, leaves (dried or fresh), or roots from one or more plants in alcohol, glycerin or vinegar. The alcohol, glycerin or vinegar used pulls out the active ingredients in the plant parts, concentrating them as a liquid. Plants have amazing medicinal properties and health benefits. Tinctures make it easy to consume the natural health-boosting chemicals found in some plants. They’re usually inexpensive to make and can be easily prepared at home.
4 Top Herbs For Increasing Breastmilk Benefits:
Fenugreek seed - This herb is great for increasing milk supply in mothers. It has been found that fenugreek can increase a nursing mother's milk supply within 24 to 72 hours after first taking the herb. Once an adequate level of milk production is reached, most women can discontinue the fenugreek and maintain the milksupply with adequate breast stimulation. Fenugreek does pass into the breast milk, but it's safe for both mom and baby when used in moderation. The most common side effect of taking fenugreek is diarrhea. Diarrhea can affect both you and your child if you start high doses of fenugreek too quickly.
Goat’s Rue - If you'd like to boost your breast milk supply, goat's rue is amazing and can be a very effective herb. When used in moderation, the dried leaves are considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies.
Moringa - Moringa is an important nutrient source for nursing mothers and developing children. Its known as the “Divine Tree” because this herb is loaded with essential vitamins and amino acids, and is especially high in iron. Moringa leaves are a natural galactagogue - a substance that promotes or increases the flow of a mother's milk. There have been no known reported side effects of consuming mooring while breastfeeding and most women report only benefits - increased breast milk supply, energy and a stronger immune system. Energy boost is HUGE for new moms so I make sure to add this powerful herb when making my tincture.
Blessed Thistle plant getting love from a beautiful yellow Monarch butterfly.
Blessed Thistle - Blessed thistle has been used for more than 2,000 years! Our ancestors used this beneficial plant to stimulate appetite, provide protection from evil, support bile secretion, support liver health, support circulation, promote hormone balance, and more. Historically, herbalists used blessed thistle as a general stimulant and as a tonic to support the digestive tract. Mothers generally notice an increase in milk production 24 - 72 hours after starting the herb, but it can take two weeks for others to see a change.
How to Make Your Tinctures:
Fill up your glass jar with herb or herbs halfway.
Add soaking agent so that level of the liquid is at least two inches above the herb. I used Vegetable Glycerin.
Seal jar tightly.
Label jar with date, herbs, and method used.
Shake two times per day for one month with intention.
After a month, squeeze out the menstrum (the resulting liquid) using cheesecloth.
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