Can fennel promote lactation?
Aug 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, fennel can to some extent promote lactation, and moderate consumption may provide certain benefits for breastfeeding women. The effectiveness of fennel in promoting milk production varies from person to person and should be combined with a balanced diet. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to its stimulating properties, affecting nutrient absorption. Breastfeeding women should ensure adequate intake of protein, fluids, and other nutrients, with fennel serving only as a supplementary ingredient.
In general, fennel can to some extent promote lactation, and moderate consumption can be beneficial for women during lactation. The specific analysis is as follows:
Fennel contains active components such as volatile oil, which can stimulate breast blood circulation, providing a favorable metabolic environment for breast secretion and helping promote milk production. From the perspective of traditional food therapy, fennel has a warm nature and can regulate qi and harmonize the stomach, improving poor nutrient absorption caused by gastrointestinal discomfort in lactating women, thereby indirectly providing an adequate nutritional basis for milk secretion. Its unique aroma can also regulate mood and relieve tension and anxiety in lactating women, avoiding the inhibitory effects of negative emotions on milk production.
The effect of fennel in promoting lactation varies from person to person and must be combined with a balanced diet. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to its irritant properties, affecting nutrient absorption. Lactating women should ensure sufficient intake of protein, fluids, and other nutrients, with fennel serving only as a supplementary ingredient. If milk production is severely insufficient, timely consultation with a healthcare professional is advised; one should not rely solely on fennel.
