When it comes to dandelions, many people only think of their white fluffy seeds that can be blown away by the wind. However, dandelions offer more than just visual appeal—they can also help treat various illnesses. Dandelions have the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. Can dandelions be consumed during lactation? What are the benefits of consuming dandelions during lactation?
Can you consume dandelions during lactation?
Yes, you can consume them in moderation.
Dandelions have a bitter taste and a cold nature. They are non-toxic and mainly have the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, reducing swelling, and promoting diuresis. They have a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect and can also stimulate the body's immune function, promoting bile secretion and protecting the liver. Dandelions contain nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, minerals, and amino acids, making them suitable for lactating women to consume in moderation.
Will consuming dandelions during lactation cause lactation suppression?
No, it will not.
Dandelions are rich in nutrients. Consuming them during lactation will not only suppress lactation but also provide various nutrients to lactating women, aiding in postpartum recovery and promoting milk secretion. Common foods that may suppress lactation include malt, hawthorn, bitter melon, leek, onion, Sichuan pepper, and crab. Lactating women with low milk secretion should try to avoid these foods.
What are the benefits of consuming dandelions during lactation?
Nutritional supplementation
Dandelions contain various effective ingredients such as dandelion alcohol, dandelion flavonoids, choline, organic acids, and inulin. They have the effects of relieving diarrhea, reducing inflammation, and clearing heat. They also contain amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients, which can supplement various nutrients for lactating women and promote milk secretion.
Lactogenic effect
Dandelions have a cold nature and a bitter taste. They have the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, and dispersing abscesses. They contain effective ingredients such as inulin, dandelion sterols, and choline, which can unblock lactiferous ducts and promote lactation. For lactating mothers with low milk secretion, dandelions are a good lactogenic food.
Gastrointestinal protection
In addition to clearing heat, detoxification, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain, dandelions also have a laxative effect. Their components, such as inulin, can improve the intestinal environment and have anti-gastric ulcer effects. They can relieve discomfort caused by gastric ulcers and are suitable for lactating mothers with gastric ulcers and heat-induced constipation.
How should dandelions be consumed during lactation?
Dandelion lean meat porridge
Ingredients
100g dandelion (or 30g dried dandelion), 200g glutinous rice, 50g minced lean pork, salt to taste.
Instructions
1. Wash the dandelion and marinate with salt and monosodium glutamate for 10 minutes.
2. Wash the glutinous rice and cook it with 2 cups of water. When it boils, add the minced meat and cook together.
3. When the water boils again, add the dandelion and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Effect: Detoxification and lung moistening.
Honeysuckle and dandelion soup
Ingredients
25g honeysuckle, 50g dandelion, 25g mulberry twigs, 15g white chrysanthemum.
Instructions
1. Wash the above ingredients and put them in a pot with water.
2. Simmer the soup for 40-50 minutes and add rock sugar when drinking.
Effect: Reducing swelling and pain, clearing heat, detoxification, and promoting milk secretion.
Precautions for consuming dandelions during lactation
1. Avoid excessive consumption.
Dandelions are medicinal herbs with a bitter taste and cold nature. Lactating mothers should control the dosage to avoid symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting caused by excessive consumption.
2. Beware of allergies.
Dandelions are also common allergens. Before consuming dandelions during lactation, lactating mothers should try a small amount to test for allergies. If allergic reactions such as urticaria and general itching occur after consuming dandelions, prompt treatment should be sought.
3. Avoid self-medication.
Dandelions have the effects of reducing inflammation, relieving pain, clearing heat, and detoxification. They have good therapeutic effects on lactating women with mastitis. However, it is not advisable for lactating mothers to self-medicate with dandelions when they find lumps in their breasts. They should take them under the guidance of a doctor to avoid harm to the body.
4. Avoid consuming dandelions if you have yang deficiency with external cold or spleen and stomach cold.
Dandelions have a cold nature. They should not be consumed by lactating women with yang deficiency and external cold or spleen and stomach cold. Although dandelions are rich in nutrients and beneficial for postpartum recovery and milk secretion, self-medication should be avoided. Lactating women should take them under the guidance of a doctor to avoid adverse effects.
