The Enteromammary Pathway: A Baby's Secret Weapon

While for several decades breastfeeding and the importance of breast milk fell out of favor across much of the world with the advent of baby formula, few have ever denied the many health benefits mothers’ own milk provides.  Recognized as the biological and sociological norm for humans, experts today emphasize that breastfeeding is the superior, species-specific nourishment for infants; one that cannot be artificially replicated or replaced.  And no sooner would we expect an elephant to feed its offspring horses’ milk, nothing–not cows’ milk nor prepared formula–can do what a human mother’s own breast milk can do for her baby.   Read more . . .

The Health Benefits of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a deep-rooted annual herb resembling hay and alfalfa whose seeds have been used both as a curative and as a spice (called methia) for at least 6000 years.  Charred fenugreek seeds have been recovered from ancient sites both in Iraq and Israel (radiocarbon dated to 4000 BCE), and dried fenugreek seeds were even discovered in the tomb of the Egyptian boy-Pharaoh Tutankhamen.  Grown in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, and China since before recorded history, fenugreek is perhaps best known today as a common ingredient in curry powder and chutney.  A dull yellow powder produced from the roasted seeds, fenugreek is readily available fresh and dried, whole and pulverized.  Read more . . .

The Health Benefits of Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family, a perennial plant native to North America.  Also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys, it has been used for centuries by Native Americans who first discovered its many health benefits.  Traditionally considered a female herb, it is commonly used to ease labor pains, treat menstrual cramps, hot flashes, infertility, threatened miscarriage, and to induce lactation.  Black cohosh first appeared in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia in 1830 under the name “black snakeroot.”  In 1844 it gained new popularity when Dr. John King, an eclectic physician of the era, prescribed it to treat a number of illnesses including rheumatism and nervous disorders.  By the early twentieth century, many doctors across the US were routinely advocating black cohosh for most female-related maladies including endometritis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, sterility, severe after-birth pains, and for increased breast milk production.  Read more . . .

Breastfeeding: Health and Practical Benefits for Moms

As most everyone is aware today, breastfeeding is the most natural and beneficial act a mother can do for her child.  Proven beyond a doubt, dramatic health benefits pass from mother to child through breast milk–from antibodies which protect an infant at birth, to the exclusive nutrients in mother’s milk which have been shown to prevent a number of childhood diseases–the benefits are incalculable.  In fact, it is said that there is no other single act by which a mother can so greatly impact the present and future health of her baby than breastfeeding.  But what many mothers are unaware of is the many health and practical benefits they themselves enjoy from the breastfeeding experience.  Read more . . .

La Leche League International: Mothers Supporting Breastfeeding

La Leche League International (LLLI) (la leche, Spanish for "the milk") is an international nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that promotes breastfeeding throughout the world.  Founded in 1956 in Franklin Park, Illinois, by seven mothers (including Mary Ann Cahill, Edwina Froehlich, Mary Ann Kerwin, Viola Lennon, and Betty Wagner) who had breastfed their own children and were motivated to help mothers who had difficulties with breastfeeding, La Leche League is now a presence in sixty-eight countries, dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.  All women, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, are welcome to attend their meetings.  The name, La Leche League, was inspired by a shrine in St. Augustine, Florida, dedicated to “Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen Parto,” meaning “Our Lady of Happy Delivery and Plentiful Milk.”  Read more . . .