Spontaneous flow of breast milk 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.
breast milk leaking, galactorrhea, galactorrhoea, lactorrhea and trickling breast milk redirect here
Spontaneous flow of breast milk can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like spontaneous flow of breast milk here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here spontaneous flow of breast milk is often associated with breast distention, irritability and dense milk in the pattern “Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of spontaneous flow of breast milk we’ve identified two herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat spontaneous flow of breast milk.
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause spontaneous flow of breast milk
In Chinese Medicine spontaneous flow of breast milk is a symptom for the pattern "Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Red points on the sides
This pattern develops from Liver Qi Stagnation, which creates excessive amount of Heat and then turn into Liver Fire. The Heat is more intense here.
In addition to spontaneous flow of breast milk, other symptoms associated with Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire include breast distention, irritability and dense milk.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire is associated with health issues such as Menstrual Cramps or Spontaneous Flow Of Breast Milk.
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire is often treated with Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula made of 8 herbs (including Mudan Peony Bark - Mu Dan Pi - as a key herb). Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San belongs to the category of "formulas that clear liver-heat", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi".
Two herbal formulas that might help with spontaneous flow of breast milk
Milk Boost Tea
Number of ingredients: 13 herbs
Key actions: Promotes healthy breast milk production*
Rating: from 127 customer reviews
Why might Milk Boost Tea help with spontaneous flow of breast milk?
Designed by Me & Qi's expert practitioners to tackle some of the patterns that can cause spontaneous flow of breast milk, Milk Boost Tea is a 100% natural and vegan product composed solely of the 13 herbs listed in its ingredients.
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Source date: 2002 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi.
Why might Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San help with spontaneous flow of breast milk?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire' of which spontaneous flow of breast milk is a symptom.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat spontaneous flow of breast milk
Why might Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi) help with spontaneous flow of breast milk?
Because it is a key herb in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire' (a pattern with spontaneous flow of breast milk as a symptom)
Mudan Peony Bark is a Cool herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Cools the Blood, activates Blood circulation and resolves Blood stasis.
Why might Cape Jasmine Fruit (Zhi Zi) help with spontaneous flow of breast milk?
Because it is a key herb in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire' (a pattern with spontaneous flow of breast milk as a symptom)
Cape Jasmine Fruits is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Gallbladder, the Heart, the Lung and the Sanjiao.
Its main actions are: Clears Heat and calms spirit. Drains Damp-Heat affecting the Liver and Gallbladder. Clears Heat in the Blood and stops bleeding. Anti-inflammatory.
Why might Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) help with spontaneous flow of breast milk?
Because it is a key herb in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire' (a pattern with spontaneous flow of breast milk as a symptom)
Bupleurum Roots is a Cool herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Gallbladder and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Harmonizes exterior and interior. Smoothes the Liver and upraises the Yang.
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with spontaneous flow of breast milk?
Because it is a key herb in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire' (a pattern with spontaneous flow of breast milk as a symptom)
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 spontaneous flow of breast milk?
Because it is a key herb in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire' (a pattern with spontaneous flow of breast milk as a symptom)
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.
Me & Qi product associated with spontaneous flow of breast milk
Other symptoms often associated with spontaneous flow of breast milk
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 Dense milk