Fenugreek's Possible Side Effects

Fenugreek is considered safe for nursing moms when used in moderation and is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's GRAS list (Generally Recognized As Safe). As with most medications and herbs, various side effects have been noted:

Sweat and urine smells like maple syrup; milk and/or breastfed baby may smell like maple syrup.
Occasionally causes loose stools, which go away when fenugreek is discontinued.
Use of more than 100 grams of fenugreek seeds daily can cause intestinal distress and nausea (recommended dose is less than 8 grams per day).
Repeated external applications can result in undesirable skin reactions.
Ingestion of fenugreek seeds or tea in infants or late-term pregnant women can lead to false diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease in the infant due to presence of sotolone in the urine.

Here are some suggestions for nursing moms when considering herbal remedies, from Ruth A. Lawrence, MD:

Avoid the pharmacologically active herbal teas. Drink any herbal teas only in moderation.
Limit intake of any herbal preparation that combines several active ingredients.
Always check the label. Even vitamins and simple echinacea may contain herbs that should not be used by breastfeeding mothers.
Use only reliable brands that have ingredients and concentrations clearly marked on the label, as well as the expiration date and the name of the manufacturer and distributor.
Be sure to check with your physician before taking any natural remedy, since it could interact with other medications you take or need.