Insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth as a symptom, like Xia Ru Yong Quan San or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Dong Quai is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation.
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth as a symptom, like Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang or Si Wu Tang for instance.
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain.
Why might Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong) help with insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth?
Because Szechuan Lovage Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth as a symptom, like Yue Ju Wan or Xia Ru Yong Quan San for instance.
Szechuan Lovage Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Gallbladder, the Liver and the Pericardium.
Its main actions are: Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches.
Why might Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu) help with insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth?
Because Atractylodes Rhizome is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth as a symptom, like Yue Ju Wan or Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang for instance.
Atractylodes Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen Qi. Fortifies the Spleen Yang and dispels Damp through urination. Tonifies Qi and stops sweating. Calms restless fetus when due to Deficiency of Spleen Qi.
Why might Poria-Cocos Mushroom (Fu Ling) help with insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth?
Because Poria-Cocos Mushroom is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Ba Zhen Tang for instance.
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit.
Other symptoms often associated with insufficient or absent lactation after childbirth
Watery milk No feeling of distension of the breasts Fatigue Pale face Pale lips Poor appetite Breast distention Irritability Dry skin Hair loss