Which herb should be stopped as soon as lactation occurs?

Which herb should be stopped as soon as lactation occurs?

• A. Dong Kui Zi
• B. Mai Ya
• C. Mu Tong
• D. Mang Xiao - stop as soon as lactating

Answer: (D)

When a mother is lactating, herbs with strong purgative or drastic fluid-effects are avoided because their components can pass into breast milk and upset the infant’s digestion or fluid balance. Mang Xiao is a powerful saline laxative that can induce pronounced bowel movements and dehydration. Using it during lactation raises the risk of diarrhea in the nursing baby and potential changes in the mother's milk supply or quality, so it should be stopped as soon as lactation occurs. The other herbs named have effects that don’t carry the same immediate risk to a breastfeeding infant, so they aren’t singled out for stopping solely because lactation has begun.

When a mother is lactating, herbs with strong purgative or drastic fluid-effects are avoided because their components can pass into breast milk and upset the infant’s digestion or fluid balance. Mang Xiao is a powerful saline laxative that can induce pronounced bowel movements and dehydration. Using it during lactation raises the risk of diarrhea in the nursing baby and potential changes in the mother's milk supply or quality, so it should be stopped as soon as lactation occurs. The other herbs named have effects that don’t carry the same immediate risk to a breastfeeding infant, so they aren’t singled out for stopping solely because lactation has begun.