Fabaceae
Galega Herb
Galega officinalis
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Southern Europe, Western Asia
Also known as: French Lilac, Italian Fitch, Professor Weed, Goat's Rue Herb
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Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Insufficient breast milk (galactagogue — traditional), type 2 diabetes (galegine led to metformin development), fever. Monitor closely with antidiabetics.
Herbal Actions
Galactagogue, antidiabetic (galegine — weak biguanide), diuretic
Active Constituents
Galegine (guanidine derivative — metformin precursor), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin), alkaloids, tannins
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Historical importance: galegine isolated 1923 → led directly to metformin. Low galactagogue doses safe; high doses hypoglycaemic risk. Monitor glucose. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (toxic). Significant hypoglycaemia with antidiabetics. Professional guidance.
Side Effects: Hypoglycaemia. GI upset. Very cautious use.