Galactagogues that which induce and stimulate the production of breastmilk has a pivotal role, especially during the postpartum/puerperal period, since ancient times. Sthanya, also known as Jeevan itself implies that it nourishes the body and sustains good health along with longevity if administered in proper quantity and quality. Hence, being the only nutritional source of the infants, it has to be monitored both quantitatively as well as qualitatively, to ensure the well-being of the newborn.
Ayurveda has emphasised the importance of sthanya (breast milk), by explaining its pareeksha (examination of milk), sthanya pravritti (formation of breast milk), stanya gunas (quality of breast milk) and sthanya dushti (vitiated breastmilk) along with its treatment. Acharyas have the common opinion that sthanya is laghu(easily digestible), jeevana (life giver), poshana (nourishing) and is free from discolouration. When the doshas vitiate sthanya, it becomes impure and is not conducive to the infants. The sedentary lifestyle and inappropriate food habits of the mother can adversely affect the sthanya leading to many health issues for the baby.
Ayurveda has highlighted that the formation of the sthanya begins during the antenatal period as a result of parinama (transformation)of the Rasadhathu (formed from the ahara of the garbhini). Hence the agni or digestion power of the mother plays a vital role in the formation of sthanya. Altered diet and activities of the mother can cause a negative impact on sthanya guna and pravritti. Among the various sthanya rogas, sthanya kshaya (lactational deficiency) is of high prevalence in society. Insufficient breast milk supply can occur due to various reasons like mental stress, physical inabilities like emaciation or underlying diseases or by the consumption of non-conducive foods etc. Keeping all these possibilities in mind, Ayurveda has explained in detail about the sootika charyas (do’s and don’ts of puerperal women) and aharas giving importance for recouping the strength of the mother, which when followed by the sootika, has less chance of being affected with ill health.
As the foremost line of treatment, agni deepana pachana drugs are to be administered along with sthanyavardhaka dravyas(galactagogues). Sthanyajanana gana by Acharya Charaka may be correlated as the galactagogues of ayurveda and has its explicit role in treating sthanyakshaya. Along with these drugs, it’s very easy to incorporate some easily available dravyas in the diet of sootika for enhanced results. Out of ignorance, we may miss most of them which are readily available in our kitchen.
Most commonly used galactagogue is Shathavari, a strong phytoestrogen packed with plenty of antioxidants. Its ability to stimulate prolactin helps to sustain sufficient milk production. Another quintessential galactagogue used in ayurveda is Sathapushpa, commonly known as dill. It is an overall female health enhancer and aids in boosting breast milk supply if administered in the proper dose and form. Other than these single drugs, many polyherbal formulations are also available in the market in a ready-touse form.
Now let’s see how we can make use of some magical drugs hidden in our kitchen for happy and healthy breastfeeding:
- Methi (Fenugreek seeds)- has high lactating properties due to the presence of the bioactive components, diosgenin and phytoestrogen. It can be taken in the form of methi dosa, methi porridge, methi chutney or methi curry or by simply in a decoction form.
- Fennel seeds- help to increase the sthanya, by inducing prolactin thereby triggering the mammary glands to secrete enough milk. By entering the child’s gut it helps to soothe the baby’s colic symptoms. It can be taken directly by chewing the seeds or by brewing it in the form of tea.
- Moringa leaves- stimulate the breast milk and act as a fibre-rich diet aiding in easy digestion of both mother and the baby. It can be taken in the form of a side dish.
- Cinnamon- enhance the sthanya pravritti, hence it can be added to your cuisines as a flavour enhancer. Cinnamon tea is also a good option to give a try.
- Coconut- more than providing hydration, nutrition, immunity and digestion, coconut water, coconut milk or coconut itself act as a galactagogue and is being used traditionally for better milk supply. Grated coconut mixed with porridge or adding coconut milk to the gravies can be tried.
- Almonds- promote milk secretion as it is rich in fatty acids, protein, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and linolenic acids. The amino acids in almonds are the key factor for the neurotransmitter serotonin, which in turn is essential for lactation. It can be taken as a handful of raw almonds daily or in the form of almond milk.
- Sesame seeds- rich in calcium and phytoestrogens can be used as galactagogues. It can be used as salad toppings or by combining with other foods or snacks.
- Garlic- even though there is no scientific data to point out it as a galactagogue, garlic is being used during the soothikakala and has evidenced the increased sucking time of feeding. Garlic can be added as a spice to the foods taken by the mother.
- Ginger- is another promising galactagogue which stimulates breast milk during the immediate postpartum period. Spicing up the cuisines with ginger or taking as chutney will do the needful.
- Milk-being a balanced diet, it can be used by nursing mothers for the nourishment and enhancement of lactation. Ayurveda supports the view “samanyam vriddhi kaaranam” in which the cow’s milk with identical properties can act as a galactagogue. Drinking 2 cups of boiled milk by the mother is very much conducive during sootika kala.
Along with these easily available foods, sootika has to follow a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, animal and plant proteins and high-quality fats. Leafy vegetables, oatmeal, chickpeas, lentils, nuts etc are also found to be rich in nutrition aiding breastmilk supply.
Galactagogues can cause miraculous effects if combined with the stimulation of breasts with frequent breastfeeding and also by decreasing stress levels both physically and mentally by following routine yoga and meditation.
