I recently gave birth to a baby, but my breast milk has been insufficient. My family suggested that I drink some soup made with Chinese medicine called Tongcao. I'm wondering if it's safe to consume Tongcao while breastfeeding since it is a traditional Chinese medicine.
Can I Breastfeed While Consuming Tongcao?
Yes, you can.
Tongcao is a type of Chinese herbal medicine that has a sweet taste and a slightly cold nature. It has the effects of clearing heat, promoting urination, and facilitating lactation. It can be used to treat symptoms such as painful urination, edema, and postpartum low milk supply. Tongcao does not have any significant toxic side effects. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers can rest assured that they can consume Tongcao and continue breastfeeding.
What Are the Benefits of Consuming Tongcao During the Lactation Period?
Promotes Blood Circulation
Many breastfeeding women experience blocked milk ducts, which can lead to mastitis. Tongcao has a light nature and can help promote blood circulation in the chest area, relieving symptoms such as breast nodules and mastitis.
Increases Milk Production
Some women may have decreased milk production after childbirth or during the lactation period. Tongcao has the effect of promoting lactation by facilitating blood circulation. It can be used to treat insufficient milk production and milk stasis caused by poor milk flow in the breasts.
How to Consume Tongcao During the Lactation Period?
Tongcao and Crucian Carp Soup
Ingredients: 500g crucian carp, 5g Tongcao, cooking wine, ginger slices, and salt as needed.
1. Remove the scales and internal organs of the crucian carp and wash them.
2. Pan-fry the prepared crucian carp in a little oil for a moment.
3. Add an appropriate amount of salt, cooking wine, ginger slices, and water to the pan and bring it to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the soup turns milky white.
Tongcao, Astragalus, and Pig Trotter Stew
Ingredients: 1 pig trotter, 5g Tongcao, 30g peanuts, 5 red dates, ginger slices, scallion segments, cooking wine, and a little salt.
1. Wash the pig trotter and chop it into pieces.
2. Wash the Tongcao and peanuts, and remove the pits from the red dates.
3. Blanch the pig trotter in boiling water to remove impurities, then remove and rinse off any foam.
4. Put all the above ingredients into a stew pot.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours until the pig trotter is tender.
6. Add a little salt for seasoning.
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Consuming Tongcao During the Lactation Period?
1. Do Not Consume for a Prolonged Period
Tongcao is a diuretic and can burden the kidneys if consumed for a long time, affecting their normal function. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stop consuming Tongcao once the symptoms disappear.
2. Pay Attention to the Dosage
When taking Tongcao, it is important to pay attention to the dosage. The recommended dosage is usually 3-5g. Taking too little may not achieve the desired therapeutic effect, while taking too much may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and cause discomfort such as abdominal discomfort and loose stools.
3. Use with Caution during Pregnancy
Tongcao has a slightly cold nature and promotes blood circulation. Consuming large amounts of Tongcao during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage and the active ingredients in Tongcao may affect fetal growth and development.
4. Use with Caution for Those with Deficiency of Qi and Yin
Tongcao should be used cautiously by individuals with deficiency of both Qi and Yin. Taking Tongcao may further deplete Qi and body fluids, worsening symptoms such as thirst, shortness of breath, epigastric distension, pale complexion, fatigue, and dry mouth and throat.
5. Use with Caution for Those with Coldness in the Body
Tongcao should be used cautiously by individuals with coldness in the body, which refers to the invasion of external cold and its presence in the internal organs. Symptoms include weakness in the limbs, cold limbs, abdominal pain, etc. Tongcao has a sweet taste and a slightly cold nature, so consuming it may aggravate the accumulation of coldness in the body and worsen discomfort.
What Dietary Considerations Should Be Taken During the Lactation Period?
1. Ensure Comprehensive Nutrition
Breastfeeding women should pay attention to comprehensive nutrition and consume foods rich in protein, such as fish, eggs, and lean meat. These foods can promote milk production, provide nutrition to the baby, and help the mother's body recover quickly.
2. Eat Light and Moderate Meals
During the lactation period, avoid excessive salt intake as it can burden the kidneys and may lead to high blood pressure.
3. Avoid Spicy and Stimulating Foods
Avoid consuming alcohol, tobacco, coffee, garlic, fried foods, etc. These foods can irritate the mother's gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. They may also affect the baby's gastrointestinal health through breast milk.
4. Limit Cold Foods
Avoid excessive consumption of cold foods such as watermelon, grapefruit, pear, and chilled beverages. Overconsumption of cold foods can stimulate the mother's gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort and potentially causing diarrhea in the baby.
5. Avoid Foods that May Affect Milk Production
Avoid consuming foods such as malt and Chinese chives that may affect milk production, as they can impact the quantity and quality of breast milk, affecting the baby's nutrition and growth.
