Our Ingredients

Black seed

Black seed is a rich source of fatty acids and protein and has amazing insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies, it has been shown to stimulate the release of prolactin (the major milk-making hormone), promote mammary gland growth and increase milk production.⁵

Fun Fact: It’s been dubbed the “remedy for all diseases except death.”

The Science: One study in lactating rats showed that the black seed extract group produced 37% more milk than the placebo group.⁶

Caution: Not safe for use in pregnancy. It can lower blood sugar – if you’re diabetic or hypoglycemic, consult your doctor.

Used in Pump Princess.

Goat’s Rue

Goat’s rue has been widely used in France since the late 1800s when it was discovered to increase milk production in cows. It has been shown to stimulate mammary gland growth so it may be helpful for mothers with insufficient glandular tissue. It may also have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity, and is thought to be the precursor for the popular diabetes drug metformin.

Fun Fact: Its botanical name is derived from the Greek words “gala” = milk and “agein”= to drive.

The Science: In a randomized, double blind study, a placebo or galactagogue containing 5 grams of a mixture of silymarin-phosphatidylserine (milk thistle) and galega (goat's rue) was given once daily to mothers of preterm infants. The galactagogue or placebo was given from day 3 to day 28 postpartum. The total amount of milk produced during the study period and the proportion of women producing more than 200 mL daily was greater in the treated group than placebo group on days 7 and 28.¹⁰

Caution: It can lower blood sugar – if you’re diabetic or hypoglycemic, consult your doctor.

Used in Liquid Gold.

Milk Thistle

While it’s best known for its liver-protecting effects, in recent years milk thistle has been reported to have a milk-boosting benefit. It may work by promoting the release of prolactin (the major milk-making hormone).¹¹

Fun Fact: Early Christian lore holds that the white leaf veins of the plant are a symbolic representation of the Virgin Mary’s breastmilk, hence the common names of milk thistle or St. Mary’s thistle.

The Science: In lactating women treated for 63 days with milk thistle, milk production increased by 85%.¹²

Caution: Don’t use it if you’re allergic to the Compositea or Asteraceae families (daisies, artichokes, kiwi, ragweed).

Used in Liquid Gold.

Moringa

Moringa is a nutritional powerhouse native to Asia that has been shown to increase milk production within just a few days of taking it. It’s believed to work by boosting prolactin levels (the major milk-making hormone).¹³

Fun Fact: 100 grams of dried moringa has 9x the protein in yogurt, 17x the calcium in cow’s milk and 24x the iron in spinach.

The Science: In a double-blind, randomized trial of near term pregnant women, the moringa group produced 152%-176% more breastmilk compared to the placebo group just 2 days after delivery.¹³

Caution: It can lower blood sugar – if you’re diabetic or hypoglycemic, consult your doctor.

Used in Milkapalooza.

Shatavari

Shatavari has its origins in India and is popular as a restorative tonic for various female health issues. Its role as a galactagogue has been mentioned in several ancient Ayurvedic texts. It has been known to stimulate mammary gland growth and increase milk production.¹⁴ It has been compared to Reglan for treating gastric problems and it appears to cause a similar increase in prolactin.

Fun Fact: It translates to "she who has a hundred husbands" in Sanskrit due to its beneficial effects on a woman's reproductive function.

The Science: In a double blind, randomized trial of women with lactation inadequacy, the use of powdered shatavari root for 30 days resulted in a 33% increase in prolactin levels and an increase in the weight of the babies in the shatavari group compared to the control group.¹⁴

Caution: Not safe for use during pregnancy.

Used in Liquid Gold and Milkapalooza.