EYS M2B

TCM Herbal Remedies

Dang gui is a popular TCM herb for postpartum recovery. In TCM, qi (vital life force) and blood are considered to be the material basis for breast milk. Blood qi sufficiency and smooth blood qi circulation are the two main conditions necessary to ensure a healthy milk supply according to TCM physician Ho Li Ying.

Angelica sinensis or dang gui (当归) is often included in formulations to improve breast milk production. Recent studies indicate that its active compounds positively affect the vasodilation of blood vessels. This matches its TCM action of invigorating and enriching the blood. It’s a widely used herb in TCM, especially for improving women’s health, such as regulating the menstrual cycle and treating other gynaecological conditions.

Astragalus helps restore stamina and improve immune function. Also known as huang qi (黄芪), astragalus is another TCM herb prescribed to help with milk supply. It tonifies qi and nourishes blood, supplementing blood and supporting milk synthesis.

Studies on the pharmacological effects of astragalus suggest that it can prime the body’s immune response. This is through its impact on blood flow and wound healing and can help explain its positive effect on breast milk production.

Research using animal models suggests that consuming edible bird’s nest during lactation and breastfeeding can potentially improve your baby’s intelligence.

Edible bird’s nest (yan wo, 燕窝) is a well-known delicacy in TCM for overall health improvement and maintenance, specifically in improving immune response. Made by male swiftlets using their saliva, the sialic acid in bird’s nest is believed to be the active ingredient.

Fenugreek seeds are abundant in dietary fibre. You’d have come across fenugreek (hu lu ba, 葫芦巴) if you’ve ever had Indian or Mediterranean food.

The International Journal of Pediatrics reported that fenugreek significantly increased milk production and improved infant weight gain within the first week after birth. In the same year, a mechanistic study suggested that fenugreek extends the duration of milk synthesis by modulating the effects of insulin and oxytocin. Oxytocin activity in mammary glands pushes milk to the milk ducts.

Fennel is a common spice in your kitchen cabinet that is also a widely used galactagogue or breast milk booster. Often used together with fenugreek, fennel (xiao hui xiang, 小茴香) is also well-known as a natural milk booster. Like fenugreek, it is also a common spice found in Malaysian kitchens.

The herb blessed thistle (shui fei ji, 水飞蓟) has been used extensively in European herbalism and Ayurvedic medicine. The herb is known for its antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. A bitter tonic when brewed as a tea, it’s also used for wound healing and increasing bile secretion to help with digestive issues.

This herb is well-known across many cultures in Europe and the Near East as a galactagogue as it increases flow and enriches breast milk.

3 common problems and the relevant treatment options:

Engorged Breasts

It’s normal for breasts to feel heavier and larger as milk is being produced and extra blood is flowing through the tissues. However, not relieving the milk supply can lead to painful engorgement of the breasts. The noticeable swelling may also come with an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the breasts, tautness, and increased tenderness.

“There are two types of engorgement—physiological and pathological,” explains Wong Boh Boi, Senior Lactation Consultant and Assistant Director (Clinical) at Thomson ParentCraft Centre. “Pathological engorgement occurs when the amount of tissue retention is extreme.” Initiation of breastfeeding in the early stages and frequent feeding helps to prevent pathological engorgement.

On the other hand, physiological engorgement is known as the ‘coming in’ of milk supply, and congestion and vascularity increases. Be at ease in feeding your baby as it provides the best relief.

Motherhood hacks: A popular home remedy recommends tucking clean cold cabbage
leaves in the bra in between feedings to reduce the swelling. And it’s not just another piece of Granny’s outdated advice. “In 1999, cabbage leaf treatment for breast engorgement and length of breastfeeding was actually reviewed by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group,” reveals Dr. Tseng. “It concluded that the use of cabbage leaves may help women to keep breastfeeding after birth.” He can’t be sure why cabbage leaves work, but Dr. Tseng suggests that the high sulphur content in the vegetable could bring down swelling and inflammation.

Cabbage also appears to help reduce milk supply and decrease the discomfort of breast engorgement when applied. But be cautious with prolonged use, because it may decrease milk supply. The best way to reduce engorgement is breastfeeding itself,” explains Dr. Tseng. He recommends that the leaves be changed as soon as they start wilting, which takes about two to three hours.

Motherhood hacks: A popular
home remedy recommends
tucking clean cold cabbage
leaves in the bra in between feedings to reduce the swelling. And it’s not just another piece of Granny’s outdated advice. “In 1999, cabbage leaf treatment for breast engorgement and length of breastfeeding was actually reviewed by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group,” reveals Dr. Tseng. “It concluded that the use of cabbage leaves may help women to keep breastfeeding after birth.” He can’t be sure why cabbage leaves work, but Dr. Tseng suggests that the high sulphur content in the vegetable could bring down swelling and inflammation.

Cabbage also appears to help reduce milk supply and decrease the discomfort of breast engorgement when applied. But be cautious with prolonged use, because it may decrease milk supply. The best way to reduce engorgement is breastfeeding itself,” explains Dr. Tseng. He recommends that the leaves be changed as soon as they start wilting, which takes about two to three hours.

Motherhood hacks: A popular home remedy recommends tucking
clean cold cabbage leaves in the bra in between feedings to reduce
the swelling. And it’s not just another piece of Granny’s outdated advice.
“In 1999, cabbage leaf treatment for breast engorgement and length of breastfeeding was actually reviewed by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group,” reveals Dr. Tseng. “It concluded that the use of cabbage leaves may help women to keep breastfeeding after birth.” He can’t be sure why cabbage leaves work, but Dr. Tseng suggests that the high sulphur content in the vegetable could bring down swelling and inflammation.

Cabbage also appears to help reduce milk supply and decrease the discomfort of breast engorgement when applied. But be cautious with prolonged use, because it may decrease milk supply. The best way to reduce engorgement is breastfeeding itself,” explains Dr. Tseng. He recommends that the leaves be changed as soon as they start wilting, which takes about two to three hours.

Sore & Cracked Nipples

This problem is primarily due to the baby not latching well. Changing your breastfeeding technique can help resolve this problem.

Improper use of a breast pump can also damage the nipples such as: setting the suction levels too high, flanges or breast shields that are a misfit. It is important that you get a good fit, do check out the available nipple rulers that most brands of breast pumps would have to help you determine the flange size that best fits you.

Your sore or cracked nipple(s) may be painful, but breastfeeding should continue. Wong recommends dabbing or smearing some breast milk on the sore nipple, which can actually help them to heal. “Breastfeeding cream may also be used to aid healing, but remember to use edible cream to avoid too much cleaning of the breasts, which can lead to more soreness. In addition, breast shells are useful in preventing your clothing from causing friction against your sore nipples,” she recommends.

Mastitis

This condition refers to the inflammation of breast tissue, which can be caused by milk stasis, engorgement, and bacteria entering via cracked nipples. Breasts may have a harder texture, feel unusually warm, and have red and painful patches of skin. The infection may present itself with a fever of 38.5°C or higher, or flu-like symptoms, such as chills, body aches and fatigue.

Mastitis should be diagnosed early as in some cases, a course of antibiotics may be required. “If mastitis is not treated well with the right antibiotics, it may lead to a breast abscess, which needs to be removed by a breast surgeon via a needle aspiration or incision to drain the pus,” warns Kang Phaik Gaik, Senior Nurse Manager and Senior Lactation Consultant at the Alvernia Parentcraft Centre of Mount Alvernia Hospital in Singapore.

The risks of mastitis can be lowered by nursing or expressing milk frequently to avoid letting the breasts become engorged. “Gently but firmly massage the lump towards your nipple before and during each feed. Change feeding positions to let gravity help empty the breast. For example, if the blockage is on the armpit area of the left breast, lie on the right side, and lean over to feed the baby from the left breast,” instructs Wong. Complement the continued breastfeeding by getting plenty of rest, sufficient fluid intake, and wearing bras that fit appropriately and provide sufficient support.

TCM Takeaways:

According to Physician Qi Xiao Yan from the Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic at Tiong Bahru, TCM encourages mothers to breastfeed because it believes that breast milk contains nutrients babies need.

Physician Qi shares that when mothers breastfeed, they should take note to properly clean their nipples. “Breast milk is already at the perfect temperature, and it is not tainted,” she assures. “On top of that, breast milk can boost the immunity of the baby, encourage brain development, and lower the risk of allergic reactions in the baby.”

It’s normal for new mothers to experience a weakening of the body after childbirth. That’s why TCM health supplements are so important, especially the ones meant to replenish your qi-blood. “Confinement / Postpartum / Postnatal food—Eight Treasures Soup (Ba Zhen tang), Energising Tonic Soup (Shi Quan Da Bu Tang) and Mutton Soup with Angelica Roots—are all good for replenishing qi-blood,” she advises.

If the problem is caused by plugged milk ducts, it can be treated via medication. However, how much medication one should consume is based on one’s health condition. “Massages have also shown great results when it comes to plugged milk ducts,” she helpfully adds.

Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants and TCM practitioners, can make a significant difference. Let TCM be your guide on this beautiful journey of motherhood and breastfeeding.