Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A substance that induces
lactation .
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
From Ancient Greek γάλακτος (galaktos, "milk") + ἀγωγός (agogos, "guide").
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Examples
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The seeds are used in North America in dysentery and as a galactagogue, and the juice of the leaves as an emollient in diarrhoea and mild dysentery.
The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines Jerome Beers Thomas 1891
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Goats rue is known as a potent galactagogue that is thought to actually build breast tissue.
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I don’t know how I missed this post – I was a galactagogue junkie during the year that I was working and pumping.
palooka commented on the word galactagogue
Wow, what a word! I thought it might refer to a demagogue on a galactic scale. Wikipedia defines it thus: "A galactagogue is a substance, typically a herb, that increases lactation. The most commonly used herbal galactagogues are fenugreek, blessed thistle, and alfalfa; others include anise, astragalus root, burdock, nettle, fennel, and vervain."
September 21, 2007
reesetee commented on the word galactagogue
Sheesh. File under "Words Whose Meanings You'll Never Guess." :-)
September 21, 2007
chained_bear commented on the word galactagogue
I'll throw another usage out there:
"Galactagogues: These are substances that increase milk supply. Chemical galactogogues (found in prescription medications, such as domperidone) can increase prolactin levels (and milk supply) by blocking dopamine. Many people have had success with these drugs, although they are not effective in all situations, and may have side effects. Fennel, oatmeal, blessed thistle, and fenugreek are also used...."
—Rebecca Odes and Ceridwen Morris, From the Hips, 304
April 20, 2009
ruzuzu commented on the word galactagogue
See fenugreek.
November 16, 2010
Dan337 commented on the word galactagogue
I was about to ask whether the action of a galactagogue is “galactagogy” or “galactagoguery”, but it appears Time beat me to the punch.
January 25, 2011