Use of Herbal Galactogouges by mother, aids in future Brain
development of baby.
Dr M.S Veena (MD Ayu)
HOD and Professor , Dept of Dravya Guna, Govt Ayurveda medical college,
Bengaluru.
Abstract : Galactogogues are substances used to induce, maintain, and increase milk
production. The milk production and secretion is influenced by different physical and
psychological status of mother. Now herbal Galactogouges took its prime postion in postnatal
care treatments .This is a fact already proved that, modern drugs like Metoclopramide,
Domperidone,Chlorpromazine which now using as Galactogouge having its adverse effects
on both mother and baby .But when coming to the scenario of Herbal drugs, results are
excellent with rare adverse effects. Despite of its action on milk production, such Ayurvedic
single drugs yields good digestion in baby, maintain the immunity, physical and mental
health etc . This article aims to substantiate the effect of some herbal galactogouges in brain
development of baby .
Introduction :
Literally Breast milk ‘The liquid Gold’- is the only source of nutrition in infant which is
having its direct impact on health and development.There are several factors which
influence the milk production and secretion in mother. As per the statistics mentioned in IBJ
journal regarding breast feeding, In India, only 56% of Indian mothers practice exclusive
breastfeeding (EBF) for the recommended six months.Several Factors like stress, job strain,
nutritional factors, post partum depression will do its worst in inhibiting the production and
secretion of breast milk.
It is sure that the esscence of medications used by the lactating mother will definitely get
transfer to baby through the feeding breast milk. That’s why Acharyas told to administer
medicines to mother only if a neonate get affected by any diseases.The possible transfer of
medicines to baby through breast milk are by high maternal plasma concentration, ability of
drug to bind with maternal plasma proteins, and small size of molecular drugs . Depends on
the degree of ionization and lipid solubility , drug will passes from mother to breastmilk and
hence to baby through feeding.
Single herbal Galactogouge drugs aiming in babies brain function
development :
1. Satavari.
L.N Asparagus racemosus family – Asparagaceae.
In the Fresh tuber-water soluble ingredient is 52.5% ,fiber -33.3% ,water 5%. Water soluble
ingredient contains sugar 7%. It is one of the best Galactogouge using in present era. It is a
brain tonic gives energy to brain and nerves. Shatavari is used in ayurveda to treat depression.
Study found the antioxidants in shatavari have strong antidepressant abilities. They also
impacted neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters communicate information
throughout our brain. Shatavari is high in saponins. Saponins are compounds with
antioxidant abilities. The antioxidant which scavenges free radicals will makes the smooth
function of brain and associated activities in baby.
2.Vacha.
L.N -Acorus Calamus , Family –Araceae , Sweet flag
Vacha the name itself indicates its ability to increase vocabulatory power. Rhizome has 1.5%
to 3.5% volatile oil contains asaryaldehyde. Vacha is using with saffron and long pepper as a
galactogouge.It is acting as a rejuvenator in baby brain and nervous system. In Traditional
folklore practices also Vacha is giving directly to baby for the development of mental
functions properly.
3.Methika
L.N -Trigonella foenum-graecum family - Fabaceae
Methika /Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium, and thiamine . Its seeds
contain 50% fiber (30% soluble fiber and 20% insoluble fiber), One hundred grams of
fenugreek contains 26.2 g of protein, 5.8 g of fat, 44.1 g of carbohydrate, and 333 kcal. The
exact mechanism of fenugreek in milk induction is still not known. But there is a hypothesis
that fenugreek increases sweat as it is having better action in sweat glands, Breasts are
modified sweat glands so it is getting influenced. The trigonelline etc enzyme proved with its
glycolytic activities also allows for enhanced function of the brain neurotransmitter. It will
induce the brain development and makes baby active.
4.Brahmi
L.N -Bacopa monnieri, Family - plantaginaceae
An herbal nutraceutical is recognized for its role as a Medhya Rasayana or a nootropic agent
in Ayurveda. Saponins like Bacoside A Bacoside B D mannitol A monnierin
Various indications for use of Brahmi described in Ayurvedic medicine are memory
improvement, epilepsy, insomnia, and anxiolytic . With regards to improvement of memory
function it acts as galactogouge in mother probably due to its oxidising activity which
reduces mental stress level. The active ingredients of Saponins passes through breastmilk to
baby which will influence in stimulation of mental activities of baby to achieve the proper
milestones .
Conclusion :
Acharyas knowing the prime importance of sthanya, mentioned different mahakashaya of 10
drugs which is having action like sthanya janana, sthanya shodhana etc. Stanyajanana drugs
is used to increase breast milk production and treat stanya dusti (dooshita stanya or vitiated
milk). Galactogouges helps to prevent several diseases in breastfeeding babies and boosts
their intelligence. It has stress relieving action, which helps to calm mother from postpartum
depression etc and increase the breast milk supply. It also has detoxifying action on the milk,
which improves the quality of the breast milk and enhances its digestibility for baby. In
addition to these benefits, it also increases the immunity of both lactating mother and
breastfeeding baby. In the present era there is need to protect both mother and baby with
medicines having less adverse effects. The above single drugs of Ayurveda showing the light
for a good bloom to maintain the nutrition and brain development of baby too.
References :
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