Vitex stimulates prolactin production and is used by nursing mothers to increase milk suupply. A controlled study found that women who took vitex had an increase in milk production over women who took a placebo. It is not recommended for use after the third month of pregnancy as it may bring on the milk production too early. Fennel is a bitter. Bitter seeds and herbs are important for stimulating the release of digestive juices.
Hops are also a sedative useful for insomnia and a digestive bitter.
It is best used fresh for its hormonal actions and dried for its sedative actions. It is an abundant source of trace minerals and vitamins and will help to enrich and promote milk production. One of the best sources for digestible iron. Large amounts of sage and parsley may decrease flow of milk. Usual doseage is about 1 ounce of herb per pint of water.