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Dietary supplement

Mother's Lactation Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Mother's Lactation label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Mother's Lactation against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Mother's Lactation is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and bloating, infant colic, menstrual cramps.Based on those ingredients, 1,140 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Fennel Seed Extract, Caraway seed extract, Fenugreek Seed Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Extract Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (637 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Mother's Lactation contains five active ingredients: fennel seed extract, anise seed extract, caraway seed extract, fenugreek seed extract, and goat's rue aerial parts extract. These are traditional botanicals used to support lactation and milk production.

The product is formulated as a liquid extract using cane alcohol and distilled water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Insufficient evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Support healthy lactation and breast milk supply.
  • We looked for evidence on: Lactation, Milk production, Breastfeeding support, Galactagogue.
  • The closest evidence on file: Goat's Rue is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Lactation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Fennel is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Lactation.
  • Also on file: Anise is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Lactation.

The evidence for lactation support is mixed across these ingredients. Fenugreek seed is possibly effective for sexual dysfunction and dysmenorrhea, and possibly effective for diabetes—all supported by clinical research—but evidence for lactation itself is insufficient.

Caraway seed is possibly effective for indigestion (dyspepsia), while fennel seed is possibly effective for painful periods (dysmenorrhea). For most other traditional uses—migraine relief, menopausal symptoms, asthma, and bronchitis—the data we hold show insufficient evidence to rate them.

Goat's rue is traditionally used for milk supply, but we have insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Fennel Anise Caraway Fenugreek Goat's Rue

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Fennel seed and anise seed both stress caution during pregnancy—medicinal amounts should be avoided due to limited safety data and hormone-like effects, though food amounts are likely fine. Anise seed in particular is rated Likely Safe while breastfeeding, but fennel seed is not well studied at medicinal doses.

Caraway seed is rated Possibly Unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided at medicinal doses, though food amounts are probably okay. Fenugreek seed is rated Likely Unsafe in pregnancy but Possibly Safe while breastfeeding—it's commonly used to support milk supply, though evidence is limited and you should discuss it with your provider first.

Goat's rue has insufficient safety data and is best avoided in pregnancy; the fresh plant can be toxic, and supplements lack well-controlled human safety studies. Common side effects from fenugreek include stomach upset, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.

Fennel and anise can rarely trigger allergic reactions including asthma or anaphylaxis in sensitive people. Caraway oil combined with peppermint oil has caused chest burning, belching, and nausea.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Fennel Anise Caraway Fenugreek Goat's Rue

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Goat's Rue, Caraway, Fennel, Anise, Fenugreek.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,141 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Mother's Lactation, double-check the following medication types with your pharmacist: blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (anticoagulants and antiplatelets), diabetes medications, hormone therapy and contraceptive drugs, antidepressants, sedatives and CNS depressants, the beta-blocker metoprolol, seizure drugs, blood pressure medications, theophylline, and tuberculosis drugs. Altogether, these interactions span 1,128 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines several traditional lactation-support herbs, but the evidence for milk production is weak. If you're breastfeeding and considering it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first—especially if you take any blood thinners, diabetes medications, antidepressants, birth control, or hormone therapy.

The interactions are mostly theoretical (animal or lab research) rather than confirmed in humans, but the sheer number of affected medications means you need to check your specific drugs before you start.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Mother's Lactation, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 090700003579
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 307804
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Girls: (All), Organic, Adult Female (18 - 50 Years), Lactating
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Servings per container
42
UPC/BARCODE
090700003579
IngredientAmount% DV
Fennel Seed Extract0 NP--
Extract Blend637 mg--
Anise Seed Extract0 NP--
Caraway seed extract0 NP--
Fenugreek Seed Extract0 NP--
Goat's Rue Aerial Parts Extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Cane Alcohol, Water, Distilled

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Shake well before using Adults: Add 1 squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz. of water or juice, 3 or 4 times per day. Best taken between meals.

Precautions

Caution: Seek expert medical advice before taking during pregnancy.

Keep out of the reach of children

Storage

Store away from heat & light

Formulation

System restoration Reproductive

Gluten-free

Certified organic by Organic Certifiers

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Mother's Lactation label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container42 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cane Alcohol, Water, Distilled. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Mother's Lactation?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,140Drugs
1,051 Moderate 89 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Fennel Seed Extract 740
Caraway seed extract 413
Fenugreek Seed Extract 389
Anise Seed Extract 245
Goat's Rue Aerial Parts Extract 122

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Mother's Lactation interact with 1,140 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in Mother's Lactation interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Fennel Seed Extract Caraway seed extract Fenugreek Seed Extract Anise Seed Extract Goat's Rue Aerial Parts Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Mother's Lactation with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Fennel Seed Extract6 drug types · 740 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fennel might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Animal research suggests that fennel oil has antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, fennel might decrease the levels and clinical effects of ciprofloxacin.

Animal research shows that fennel reduces ciprofloxacin bioavailability by nearly 50%, possibly due to the metal cations such as calcium, iron, and magnesium contained in fennel. This study also found that fennel increased tissue distribution and slowed elimination of ciprofloxacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the effects of contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, fennel might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

In vitro research suggests that fennel inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the antiestrogenic effect of tamoxifen.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity, which may interfere with the antiestrogenic activity of tamoxifen.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fennel Seed Extract full monograph & interactions

Caraway seed extract7 drug types · 413 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, caraway might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that caraway can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Medication dose adjustments may be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, caraway might increase the effects and adverse effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that (S)-(+)-carvone, a major constituent of caraway seed extract, has sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, caraway might increase the risk of hypokalemia when used with diuretics that deplete potassium.
Animal research suggests that a single dose of caraway fruit extract can promote diuresis and increase the urinary excretion of sodium and potassium. However, sub-chronic use of caraway fruit extract does not seem to significantly increase potassium excretion, although urine output continues to be increased for up to 6 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, caraway might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium due to diuretic effects.
Animal research suggests that caraway fruit extract has diuretic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Isoniazid

Theoretically, caraway might increase the effects and adverse effects of isoniazid.
Animal research suggests that a specific fraction of caraway seed extract (CC-1a) can increase plasma levels of isoniazid when administered concomitantly. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pyrazinamide

Theoretically, caraway might increase the effects and adverse effects of pyrazinamide.
Animal research suggests that a specific fraction of caraway seed extract (CC-1a) can increase plasma levels of pyrazinamide when administered concomitantly. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Theoretically, caraway might increase the effects and adverse effects of rifampin.
Animal research suggests that a specific fraction of caraway seed extract (CC-1a) can increase plasma levels of rifampin when administered concomitantly. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Caraway seed extract full monograph & interactions

Fenugreek Seed Extract9 drug types · 389 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Some of the constituents in fenugreek have antiplatelet effects in animal and in vitro research. However, common fenugreek products might not contain sufficient concentrations of these constituents for clinical effects. A clinical study in patients with coronary artery disease or diabetes shows that taking fenugreek seed powder 2.5 grams twice daily for 3 months does not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity, or fibrinogen levels .

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypoglycemic effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that fenugreek seed can reduce fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might alter the clinical effects of clopidogrel by inhibiting its conversion to the active form.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days increases the maximum serum concentration of clopidogrel by 21%. It is unclear how this affects the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel; however, this study found that concomitant use of fenugreek seed and clopidogrel prolonged bleeding time by an additional 11%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metoprolol (Toprol)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypotensive effects when used with metoprolol.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 300 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9% and 11%, respectively, when administered alone, and by 15% and 22%, respectively, when given with metoprolol 10 mg/kg.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might decrease plasma levels of phenytoin.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week decreases maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of phenytoin by 44% and 72%, respectively. This seems to be related to increased clearance. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and fenugreek might reduce levels and therapeutic effects of sildenafil.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week reduces maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of sildenafil by 27% and 48%, respectively. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, fenugreek may reduce the levels and clinical effects of theophylline.
Animal research shows that fenugreek 50 grams daily for 7 days reduces the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of theophylline by 28% and the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) by 22%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects with warfarin and increase the international normalized ratio (INR).
Some fenugreek constituents have antiplatelet effects, although these might not be present in concentrations that are clinically significant. In one case report, a patient taking warfarin experienced an increased INR when starting to take fenugreek in combination with boldo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Fenugreek may also have an additive effect on blood pressure-lowering medications. Studies on animals have shown that fenugreek seed can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by up to 22% when combined with metoprolol. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly if you are taking fenugreek and metoprolol together or any other antihypertensive drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Fenugreek Seed Extract full monograph & interactions

Anise Seed Extract11 drug types · 245 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, anise seed might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
A small clinical study shows that anise seed powder decreases fasting blood glucose levels by 36% when compared to baseline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Caffeine

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of caffeine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with caffeine decreases the bioavailability of caffeine. Whether this interaction will occur in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Codeine

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of codeine.
Animal research shows that anise oil increases the analgesic effects of codeine, possibly by inducing its phase I metabolism and increasing conversion to morphine. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, anise might interfere with contraceptive drug therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diazepam (Valium)

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of diazepam.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with diazepam increases the motor impairment associated with diazepam, possibly by inhibiting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 3A4. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, anise might interfere with estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of fluoxetine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with fluoxetine reduces the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine, possibly by promoting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 2D6. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Imipramine (Tofranil)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of imipramine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with imipramine reduces the antidepressant effects of imipramine, possibly by promoting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 2D6. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of midazolam.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with midazolam increases the motor impairment associated with midazolam, possibly by inhibiting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 3A4. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, anise might interfere with tamoxifen therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the levels and clinical effects of acetaminophen.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with acetaminophen decreases peak plasma levels of acetaminophen but does not reduce overall bioavailability. Whether this interaction will occur in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anise Seed Extract full monograph & interactions

Goat's Rue Aerial Parts Extract1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Laboratory research suggests that goat's rue extract can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, goat's rue might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Goat's Rue Aerial Parts Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Mother's Lactation, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
Herb Pharm
City
Williams
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Phone Number
800-348-4372
Web Address
www.herb-pharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Mother's Lactation by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Mother's Lactation has a known interaction with 1,140 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Mother's Lactation contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is it safe to take this while breastfeeding?
Anise seed is rated Likely Safe while breastfeeding, but fennel seed and caraway seed are not well studied at medicinal doses. Fenugreek is often used to support milk supply and is Possibly Safe while breastfeeding, though the evidence for milk boost is limited. Goat's rue lacks well-controlled safety data. Talk with your doctor or midwife before starting—especially about dosing and how long to use it.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Both fennel and anise contain compounds with hormone-like activity that could theoretically interfere with contraceptives. Large amounts of fennel may decrease birth control effectiveness. Check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you're on hormone-based contraception.
Will this interact with my blood thinner?
Yes—fennel, fenugreek, and goat's rue all carry Moderate risks with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin. They may increase bleeding risk. You absolutely need to talk with your pharmacist or doctor before adding this product if you take any blood thinner.
Does this actually help with milk supply?
Fenugreek and goat's rue are traditionally used to support lactation, but the evidence we hold shows insufficient data to rate whether they actually work. Fenugreek is more studied than the others, but robust proof of milk-boosting benefit is limited. Talk with your lactation consultant or provider for personalized advice.
Are there any common side effects?
Fenugreek commonly causes stomach upset, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. Fennel and anise are generally well tolerated but can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and, rarely, allergic reactions like asthma in sensitive people. If you have a history of seed or spice allergies, mention it to your pharmacist.
Can I take this with my diabetes medication?
Anise, caraway, and fenugreek all carry Moderate interactions with diabetes drugs—they may lower blood sugar and increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication dose. Check with your pharmacist before starting.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Mother's Lactation label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Mother's Lactation’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Fennel

Interacts with 740 drugs

Fennel is a Mediterranean herb widely used as a food and spice, and traditionally taken for digestive complaints, colic, and menstrual cramps. Some small studies suggest possible benefit for...

Read the full Fennel monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Anise

Interacts with 245 drugs

Anise is a fragrant, licorice-flavored seed used for centuries to ease digestion and soothe coughs. Most of its health claims are based on tradition and small or laboratory studies rather th...

Read the full Anise monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Caraway

Interacts with 413 drugs

Caraway is a common cooking spice that has long been used to ease gas, bloating, and indigestion. Some evidence suggests caraway oil—often combined with peppermint oil—may help with indigest...

Read the full Caraway monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Fenugreek

Interacts with 389 drugs

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. Some early research is encouraging for blo...

Read the full Fenugreek monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Goat's Rue

Interacts with 122 drugs

Goat's rue is a traditional herb most often used by nursing parents to try to increase milk supply, and it has a historical link to diabetes research. Solid human evidence for either use is...

Read the full Goat's Rue monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Mother's Lactation's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 76 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Fennel 17 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Zhu M, Wong PY, Li RC. Effect of oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on ciprofloxacin absorption and disposition in the rat. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:1391-6.
  4. Gral N, Beani JC, Bonnot D, et al. [Plasma levels of psoralens after celery ingestion]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1993;120:599-603.
  5. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  6. Rosti L, Nardini A, Bettinelli ME, Rosti D. Toxic effects of a herbal tea mixture in two newborns. Acta Paediatrica 1994;83:683. PubMed
  7. Cuzzolin L, Zaffani S, and Benoni G. Safety implications regarding use of phytomedicines. Eur.J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;62:37-42. PubMed
  8. Tognolini, M., Ballabeni, V., Bertoni, S., Bruni, R., Impicciatore, M., and Barocelli, E. Protective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil and anethole in an experimental model of thrombosis. Pharmacol.Res 2007;56(3):254-260. PubMed
  9. Subehan, Usia, T., Iwata, H., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 by Indonesian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-24-2006;105(3):449-455. PubMed
  10. Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. PubMed
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Anise 12 references
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Caraway 11 references
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Fenugreek 30 references
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Goat's Rue 6 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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