Benefits of Katuk Leaf for Breastfeeding Mothers in Facilitating Breast Milk

Hermina friends, one of the gubernatorial candidates number 2 Dharma Pongrekun gave advice on guaranteeing exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months for children in DKI Jakarta. One of the suggestions is to consume katuk leaves to accelerate the production of breast milk (ASI), what is katuk leaves? is it true to accelerate breast milk? let's see the article

Katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus) have long been used as an herbal plant to facilitate breast milk production. This green leaf is known in many Asian countries, including Indonesia, for its high nutritional content and positive effects on breastfeeding mothers. Here are some of the recognized benefits of katuk leaves in helping to increase breast milk production.

1. Increases Breast Milk Production
Katuk leaves contain steroid compounds and polyphenols, which play a role in stimulating the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones are important in the production and secretion of breast milk. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, katuk leaves have been shown to be effective in increasing breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers due to the galactagogue effect (a substance that stimulates breast milk) in the content of katuk leaves.

2. Rich in Nutrients
Katuk leaves contain various essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Vitamins A and C are beneficial for boosting the immune system, both for mothers and breastfeeding babies. The iron and calcium content also supports the bone health of mothers and babies. In addition, the iron in katuk leaves helps prevent anemia, which is often experienced by postpartum mothers.

3. Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants in katuk leaves play a role in warding off free radicals in the body, maintaining cell health, and reducing inflammation. For breastfeeding mothers, these antioxidants are important because they can keep the body healthy and strong, which in turn will improve the quality and quantity of breast milk.

4. Relaxing and Anti-Stress Effects
Stress can affect milk production, especially because it can inhibit the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for the release of breast milk. Katuk leaves have a relaxing effect and can help calm the nervous system. The iron content and other nutrients help mothers not to get tired and stressed easily, thus maintaining the quality of breast milk.

5. Various Ways of Consumption
Katuk leaves can be consumed in a variety of ways, whether in the form of stir-fried vegetables, fresh vegetables, or juice. If breastfeeding mothers find it difficult to consume katuk leaves in fresh form, several supplement products made from katuk leaves are also available in the market. However, it is important to consume them as recommended by your doctor or herbalist to ensure a safe dosage.

Warnings on Usage
Although katuk leaves have many benefits, excessive consumption can cause side effects such as respiratory system disorders. Therefore, consumption of cotton leaves needs to be done carefully and according to the dosage.

Conclusion
Katuk leaves have many benefits for breastfeeding mothers, especially in facilitating and increasing breast milk production. With its high nutritional content and relaxing benefits, katuk leaves can be a safe natural choice for consumption during the breastfeeding period. However, breastfeeding mothers should still pay attention to the amount of consumption and consult with medical personnel to get maximum benefits.

Source:

Tan, C. H., Chan, E. W. L., & Tan, P. L. (2018). Sauropus androgynus as a Potential Natural Source of Galactagogue. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Asari, L., & Agusni, E. (2021). Effect of Katuk Leaf Consumption on Prolactin Levels of Breastfeeding Mothers. Journal of Maternal and Child Health.