Beyond Fenugreek and Guinness: An Ancient Herb Mothers Should Know About

By Dustin Strong, CHN, ACN

One of the questions I get asked surprisingly often is:

"Dustin, what can help increase breast milk production?"

Over the years, I've shared a variety of answers.

Some come from clinical experience.

Some come from traditional wisdom.

Some come from stories passed down through generations.

I've discussed options such as:

• Fenugreek

• Mammary PMG

• Nutritional support

• Hydration

• Mineral balance

And yes...

I've even mentioned Guinness beer.

Not necessarily because I'm recommending every new mother run out and buy a six-pack, but because it serves as a reminder that throughout history people have always searched for ways to support healthy milk production.

The desire to nourish a child is one of the most powerful instincts a mother can experience.

Today, however, we have something previous generations didn't always have:

Research.

And one herb that continues to impress me is Shatavari.

The Herb Called "She Who Possesses One Hundred Husbands"

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as one of the premier herbs for women's health.

Traditionally, it has been used to support:

• fertility

• reproductive health

• hormonal balance

• resilience during life's transitions

• and healthy lactation

While many traditional herbs have long histories, what excites me most is when modern science begins validating those historical observations.

That appears to be happening with Shatavari.

What The Research Found

One of the most studied applications of Shatavari is lactation support.

In a recent randomized, placebo-controlled study, women who supplemented with 300 mg of Shatavari root extract experienced:

✔ Faster time to breast fullness

✔ Greater milk volume at 72 hours

✔ Higher maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding

Interestingly, maternal satisfaction was notably higher in the Shatavari group compared to placebo...

52.63% versus 25%.

For a new mother navigating the emotional and physical demands of breastfeeding, those differences are meaningful.

Why This Matters

When most people think about milk production, they often think only about the breasts.

But the body rarely works in isolated systems.

Milk production is influenced by:

• hormones

• nutrition

• hydration

• stress levels

• sleep

• mineral status

• nervous system balance

• and overall vitality

This is one reason I continue to emphasize that symptoms and functions are rarely about a single nutrient or a single herb.

The body operates as an orchestra.

Every section matters.

The Bigger Hormone Conversation

One of the reasons I have become increasingly interested in Shatavari is that it appears to do more than support lactation.

Research is now exploring its potential role in:

• perimenopause

• menopause

• sexual wellness

• hormonal balance

• stress resilience

• and PCOS-related outcomes

Researchers have even described Shatavari as functioning more like a hormonal adaptogen, helping support balance rather than simply forcing hormones in one direction.

That distinction matters.

Because the goal is rarely to push the body harder.

The goal is to help the body adapt better.

Why I Continue To Use FemCo

For years, one of my favorite ways to introduce Shatavari has been through FemCo by MediHerb.

It contains Shatavari alongside complementary botanicals and has consistently been one of my preferred tools when supporting women through various hormonal transitions.

But I always remind people:

No herb works in a vacuum.

The best outcomes occur when we combine herbal support with:

• nutrient-dense foods

• adequate protein

• healthy fats

• minerals

• hydration

• sleep

• digestive support

• stress reduction

• and individualized guidance

The Power Of Having A Guide

One of the challenges facing mothers today is the overwhelming amount of information available online.

One article says one thing.

One influencer says another.

One social media post promises a miracle.

Another warns against everything.

This is why having a guide can be so valuable.

Not because a guide has all the answers.

But because a guide helps identify which variables matter most for you.

Sometimes the answer is Shatavari.

Sometimes it's nutrition.

Sometimes it's sleep.

Sometimes it's stress reduction or strategies to bring a little balance.

And often, it's a combination of several things working together.

Because the goal is never simply to increase milk production.

The goal is to support the health, resilience, and vitality of the mother.

When we support the whole woman, amazing things often become possible.

And sometimes, an herb that has quietly served women for centuries still has something important to teach us today.