Can I eat perilla leaves during breastfeeding?

Generally speaking, lactating women can consume perilla leaves, but excessive consumption is not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Perilla leaf is an ingredient considered both food and medicine, rich in proteins, vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients. Lactating women can benefit from moderate consumption of perilla leaves, as it helps supplement essential nutrients, promote lactation, and improve breast milk quality. Moreover, perilla leaves have effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm, and benefiting the lungs. If a lactating woman experiences mild symptoms such as fever or cough, she may consume perilla leaves in appropriate amounts under a doctor's guidance to help alleviate these symptoms.

However, caution should be exercised when consuming perilla leaves, as they contain large amounts of oxalic acid. Excessive consumption may interfere with the absorption of calcium and zinc, and excessive accumulation in the body can damage the digestive system, nervous system, and hematopoietic function. Therefore, intake should be controlled to avoid increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain. Additionally, during lactation, the diet should be light and easily digestible, ensuring balanced nutrition while avoiding spicy and irritating foods. While consuming perilla leaves, it is best to avoid eating overly spicy foods simultaneously.