Does luffa promote lactation?
Jun 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Lactation usually refers to promoting milk secretion. Under normal circumstances, luffa (sponge gourd) may help promote milk production; however, when using it for medicinal purposes, one should consult a professional physician. Luffa is cool in nature, and postpartum mothers with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach or those prone to diarrhea should avoid excessive consumption to prevent additional burden on the gastrointestinal system. Furthermore, luffa serves only as an auxiliary method to promote lactation; if milk supply is seriously insufficient, timely medical attention should be sought.
Lactation usually refers to promoting milk secretion. Under normal circumstances, luffa can promote milk secretion, but when used medicinally, professional medical advice should be consulted. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Luffa is rich in protein, B vitamins, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which can provide postpartum mothers with essential nutrients and enhance bodily functions. From the perspective of traditional medicine, luffa is cool in nature and sweet in taste, with functions of promoting blood circulation, relieving obstruction in the channels, cooling the blood, and detoxification. The luffa network (silk gourd venation), in particular, is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for promoting lactation. It helps clear mammary ducts, stimulate milk secretion, and alleviate postpartum problems such as insufficient milk flow and breast pain.
As luffa is cool in nature, postpartum mothers with cold deficiency in the spleen and stomach or prone to diarrhea should avoid excessive consumption to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, while luffa may assist in promoting milk secretion, it is only a complementary method. If milk production is severely insufficient, timely medical consultation is recommended for comprehensive management under a physician's guidance. Maintaining a positive mood, adequate sleep, and proper breastfeeding techniques also contribute to enhanced milk production.
