It's summer time, and our calendar has filled with planned getaways, picnics in the park, or just spending a day at local beaches with friends and family. Of course, since we have young kiddos, this also includes playgrounds, amusement parks and biking.
It's been an exciting summer for us this year! We're hosting our first booth at the Bronxville Farmers Market. We've been hard at work, featuring exclusive summer specials at the market, using local ingredients we get from the farms. Of course, we're enjoying lots of time with our toddlers too. Selvia has been busy with her four year old and Caitlin is just trying to keep up with her two sons, one a preschooler and the other a young toddler. As you can imagine, our days have gone so fast!
How about you? We hope you get to enjoy this summer as much as we do!
Now, here in Hey Mama! Kitchen, we've been making a summer version of our milk booster lactation tea to help our breastfeeding moms while they enjoy outdoor activities. We want them to stay hydrated of course, but also help boost their milk supply. Water is really important for breastfeeding mothers, who have an increased need for fluids. We want to pair this important piece of the puzzle with organic, natural herbs to nourish your body.
So wherever you decide to spend your summer, hydration is the key (along with sunscreen and a good book, of course!). If you are a breastfeeding mom, bringing a "summer" version of milk booster lactation tea in your water bottle will hopefully be on your check list!
Please don't get intimidated by some ingredients in the milk booster tea which may be unfamiliar for you. We've learned a lot of interesting and useful things when we did our research about this tea and found that some ingredients are sitting in our own kitchen pantry!
These are the key ingredients we use in our milk booster tea:
1. Fenugreek, a plant whose seeds and leaves are common ingredients in dishes from South and Central Asia. Fenugreek is used as an herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice, and vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and micro greens). In Herbalism, fenugreek is thought to increase breastmilk supply in nursing mothers.
2. Fennel seed and Raspberry Leaf
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, fennel bulb is a source of energy, vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium and other essential minerals like calcium. It provides small amounts of iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K. It also contains B vitamins, beta carotene,and vitamin A.
Raspberry leaf contains a variety of nutrients that are important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb contains iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese. Red raspberry leaf is also a good source of B vitamins, including thiamin and niacin, as well as vitamins E and C.
3. Lemongrass
Also called fever grass, this thin plant smells like lemon, but it tastes milder and sweeter. Lemongrass is highly beneficial for new mothers who are breastfeeding. It has galactogogue properties that help increase breast milk production. Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties certainly help too. Lactating mothers can drink one to two cups of lemongrass tea daily; although it should be avoided during pregnancy.
4. Lemon verbena
Lemon verbena is a plant originally comes from South America, the plant has a lemon scent when the leaves are bruised or crushed; many people feel that it is the closest aroma to an actual lemon. Lemon verbena is grown around the world and made into a tea because of its great health benefits. This plant has soothing qualities, which is why it is used to relieve indigestion and other stomach issues. Lemon verbena is high in anti-oxidants, and can help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, can be calming to mind and body.
6. Blessed thistle.
If you have never heard of it, since we hadn't until we gave birth, blessed thistle is a medicinal herb found in the Mediterranean region as well as parts of Asia. This herb is often used in teas for nursing mothers to help increase milk supply. It is thought to increase circulation and treat hormone imbalance. Blessed thistle is a natural remedy that has galactagogue properties that help stimulate the production and also the quality of breast milk.
RECIPE "MILK BOOSTER SUMMER TEA"
Ingredients:
- 1 tea bag of Hey Mama! Kitchen milk booster lactation tea
- 1 Cup of boiled water
- Half of citrus fruits, slices. (we recommend oranges, lemons, and green apples)
Directions:
- Steep 1 tea bag in a boiled water for 10 minutes.
- If you want to make iced tea, let the tea completely cool before adding your fruit.
- Put the fruit-infused tea in a fridge, and let it cool for about 6-8 hours. You can add ice cubes for a milder flavor if you wish.
- Enjoy and stay hydrated mamas!
It is important to consult a qualified health practitioner before using this tea or any herb or remedy.
SOURCES:
https://theindianspot.com/benefits-and-uses-for-lemongrass/
https://preparednessmama.com/lemon-verbena/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenugreek
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fennel-and-fennel-seed-benefits