Natural Remedies

Declaimer: The following information has been complied by myself from speaking to midwives, researching written material, as well as using my own experiences. I shall no way be held responsible for any events. The user takes full responsibility for his/or her own actions.

To Increase Milk Flow

Fennel Seeds	These make a delicious licorice flavored tea, well-loved for its relaxing effects on a baby's digestive system and its ability to establish a plentiful milk supply.
Hops	The same hops flowers used in beer-making can help relax a mother and stimulate milk production. Drink hops tea or a good quality nonalcoholic beer.
Vitex (Chaste Berry)	These make a delicious licorice flavored tea, well-loved for its relaxing effects on a baby's digestive system and its ability to establish a plentiful milk supply.
Also	Blessed thistle, aniseeds, nettles, raspberry leaves, fenugreek.

For Colic

Catnip

Taken in a tea form by a breastfeeding mother, catnip gently encourages the cramps in a baby's intestines to subside. Avoid eating onions, garlic, broccoli, beans, chile, and perhaps dairy products for one week.

For Mastitis

Dandelion	Drink plenty of liquids, including dandelion teas. Also try chamomile and/or echinacea root. Increase your intake of vitamin C.
Raw Cabbage	Externally leaves chilled in the refrigerator then tucked inside your nursing bra will take the edge of engorged breasts. Note: this method of relief will reduce a nursing mother's milk supply.
Potatoes	Thinly sliced raw potatoes can provide blessed relief. Be wise and ask friends for help so you can rest. You may need antibiotics, so be in touch with your health care practitioner.

For Tension

Chamomile	Chamomile tea can be gently relaxing during tense times.
Rescue Remedy	4 drops of Bach's flower remedy into a non-carbonated drink also calms frazzled nerves. It is also safe to give to a small child when they have injured themselves or if they have become very upset.

For Sore Cracked Nipples

Externally	Calendula, or comfrey salve, and St. John's wort ointment can be soothing to irritated skin. Applying lanolin after bathing will help reduce further drying and cracking.
Internally	Try dandelion or chamomile tea.