Published Paper Details:

INTRODUCTION: A newborn receives essential nutrition and nourishment from the mother through Breastmilk. Breastfeeding is a natural and nurturing way of providing immunity to the baby. It helps in the strengthening of the bond between mother and baby while promoting adequate growth and development. Breastmilk contains macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins and micronutrients such as Vitamins and minerals. Maternal dietary habits have been reported to influence human milk fatty acids composition. According to Ayurveda, the quantity and quality of Stanya (Breast milk) depends on the Ahara of the mother, as nourishing food leads to healthy Rasa Dhatu, of which Stanya is a Upadhatu. Shigru (Moringa oleifera) is katu-tikta rasa and laghu-ruksha guna which by its virtue does stanyashodhana karma, thus promoting Shuddha and Pravruddha stanya. Lashuna (Allium sativum) is katu-tikta rasa and snigdha-tikshna guna which is Vata-kaphahara and stanyajanana (Galactagogue) in action. Traditionally, a lot of recipes have been in vogue which help in better post-partum care of the mother and the child. Here, two recipes are described here with main ingredients as Shigru (Moringa oleifera) and Lashuna (Allium sativum). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recipes are indigenous recipes which have been traditionally used in postpartum period, passed down orally by elderly women, and prepared using authentic methods. Details of Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and Karma of Stanyajanana drugs were procured from classical texts. RESULTS: The review highlights that the traditional practices of including Shigru (Moringa oleifera) and Lashuna (Allium sativum) in the diet is found to have benefits in enhancing lactation, digestion and maternal recovery in the postpartum phase. The classical texts also consider them as Stanyajanana. DISCUSSION: The integration of Classical Ayurveda concepts with traditional practices highlights the relevance of time-tested dietary formulations in postpartum care. Recipes like Modakas and Ksheerapaka illustrate how food can serve as both medicine and nourishment to enhance maternal health and lactation.