A promising traditional remedy enters the spotlight of modern science
For new mothers struggling with breast milk supply, the pursuit of solutions can feel urgent and emotionally charged. While pharmaceutical options exist, many women are increasingly looking toward traditional, natural remedies. Among these, the banana blossom—a beautiful, dark purple flower that grows at the end of banana fruit clusters—has been a cherished postpartum food in various Asian cultures for generations. Now, scientific research is putting this traditional wisdom to the test.
The banana blossom, also known as a banana flower or banana heart, is more than just a precursor to fruit. It's a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, flavonoids, and saponins 7 . More importantly for nursing mothers, it's believed to contain lactagogum, a substance thought to stimulate milk production 7 .
Certain compounds in the banana blossom may help stimulate the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which are master regulators of milk production and let-down reflex 7 .
Its antioxidant properties may contribute to overall maternal health, creating better conditions for successful lactation 1 .
Banana blossoms are not only used for lactation support but are also a culinary ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes, valued for their texture and nutritional benefits.
In 2024, researchers at the Cahaya Clinic in Lubuk Pakam Regency conducted a study to scientifically evaluate the effect of banana blossoms on breast milk production 4 . This investigation adds a valuable data point to our understanding of this traditional remedy.
The study followed a straightforward design to assess any changes in milk production 4 :
The results were striking. Statistical analysis of the data showed a probability value of 0.000, which is far below the standard significance threshold of 0.05 4 . This strong mathematical result led the researchers to a clear conclusion: there was a significant difference in breast milk production before and after the mothers consumed the banana blossom 4 . In simple terms, the improvement was unlikely to be due to chance, suggesting the banana blossom was an effective intervention for these women.
| Measurement | Before Banana Blossom (Pretest) | After Banana Blossom (Posttest) | Statistical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoothness of Breast Milk | Low/Insufficient | Significantly Improved | p-value = 0.000 |
Visual representation of milk production improvement after banana blossom consumption
Research into natural galactagogues like banana blossom relies on specific materials and methods. The table below outlines key components used in such studies.
| Research Component | Description & Function |
|---|---|
| Banana Blossom Preparation | Typically prepared as a cooked vegetable, beverage, or extract to be consumed by participants. |
| Milk Volume Assessment | Methods can include infant weight checks before/after feeding, pumped milk volume measurement, or maternal self-report of "smoothness." |
| Study Design Models | Pretest-posttest design (as in the Cahaya study) or Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing a treatment group to a control group. |
| Statistical Analysis | Software and statistical tests (like the Wilcoxon test used in earlier studies) to determine if results are scientifically significant and not due to chance 7 . |
of lactation studies use maternal self-reporting as a measurement method
of traditional remedies lack robust clinical trials
of mothers try natural galactagogues before pharmaceutical options
While the findings from the Cahaya Clinic and earlier studies are promising, they do not represent the full scientific picture. A 2024 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial—often considered the gold standard in clinical research—yielded a very different result 2 .
In this robust study, mothers of preterm newborns were given either banana blossom extract pills or a placebo. The study found no significant difference in breast milk volume between the two groups on either the seventh or fourteenth day postpartum 2 . This major contradiction highlights that the scientific investigation is far from settled.
| Study Feature | Cahaya Clinic Study (2024) | Randomized Controlled Trial (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Study Design | One-group pretest-posttest 4 | Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled 2 |
| Participants | Post-partum mothers | Mothers of preterm newborns |
| Banana Blossom Form | Food form (likely cooked or as beverage) | Standardized extract pills (36 mg/day) 2 |
| Key Finding | Significant improvement in milk "smoothness" 4 | No significant increase in milk volume 2 |
Several factors could explain these conflicting results. The form of banana blossom used (traditional food vs. standardized extract) and the different participant profiles (general post-partum mothers vs. mothers of preterm infants, who often face greater lactation challenges) may influence outcomes 1 2 . This underscores the need for more research that carefully controls for these variables.
The age-old practice of using banana blossom to support breastfeeding has a compelling mix of traditional endorsement and emerging, though conflicting, scientific support. The recent study from Cahaya Clinic adds weight to the anecdotal experiences of countless mothers, suggesting that this accessible and natural food may indeed be a helpful tool for those experiencing low milk supply.
However, the contradictory high-quality study reminds us that no remedy is a universal solution. The effectiveness of a banana blossom may depend on the individual, the form it's consumed in, and the specific breastfeeding challenges being faced.
For new mothers interested in trying banana blossom, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant first. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that any approach to increasing milk supply is safe and appropriate for both mother and baby.
As science continues to investigate, the banana blossom remains a fascinating subject where tradition and modern research are intertwined in the shared goal of supporting maternal and infant health.