Can women drink Luohan guo (monk fruit) steeped in water during lactation?

Apr 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, lactating women can consume loquat fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) steeped in water. As a traditional Chinese herb, loquat fruit has a sweet taste and cold nature, entering the lung and large intestine meridians. It has functions of clearing heat, benefiting the throat, nourishing yin, and removing heat. It can help alleviate symptoms of excessive internal heat, such as sore throat and mouth ulcers, which may occur in lactating women due to external contraction of cold or heat pathogens or internal intake of nourishing foods or medications.

Generally speaking, women who are breastfeeding can drink water infused with Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo Han Guo), but they should consume it in moderation. The specific analysis is as follows:

As a traditional Chinese herb, Siraitia grosvenorii is sweet in taste and cool in nature, acting on the lung and large intestine meridians. It has the effects of clearing heat, relieving sore throat, nourishing yin, and reducing fire symptoms. These properties can help alleviate symptoms such as sore throat and oral ulcers caused by external pathogens like cold or heat, or internal consumption of nourishing foods or medications during lactation. At the same time, its function of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements can help improve and prevent constipation.

However, excessive consumption of Siraitia grosvenorii-infused water may cause an excess internal cold condition in lactating women, thereby affecting milk secretion. Reduced milk production may impact the baby's feeding and consequently be detrimental to the infant's growth and development. Moreover, if mothers consume excessive amounts of Siraitia grosvenorii water, excessive cold components entering the breast milk might cause gastrointestinal discomfort in the baby, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Therefore, it is recommended that breastfeeding women consume Siraitia grosvenorii water in moderation.

In daily life, it is recommended that lactating women drink moderate amounts of Siraitia grosvenorii-infused water and avoid excessive intake to minimize potential risks.