Abstract

NATURAL GALACTOGOGUES USED IN INDIA AND ACROSS THE WORLD

Isha Sharma*, Monika Tyagi and Rajesh Sharma

Abstract

Ancient Sanskrit saying “matureva pibyatstanynam”(recommending breast feeding as the first choice) signifies the importance of Brest milk.[1] It contains all the nutrients required to serve the nutritional and developmental needs of the infant for its optimal growth. In Ayurveda, 'kashyapa' define pure breast milk as that which the baby thrives well and beneficial to both mother and baby. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding starting within 1 hr. after birth until a baby is 6 months old.[2] According to ancient text duration of breastfeeding should last until the eruption of teeth, for atleast 6 months.[3] However insufficient milk production is one of the most common reasons given for discontinuing breastfeeding. Ancient literature is a treasure house of knowledge about stanya formation (breast milk), causes of stanya pravarti (milk ejection), stanya-nasha hetu (causes of cessation of milk formation), stanya vridhi dravyas (galactogogues). This dissertation is an effort to share the galactogogues present in India and the world.

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