Rice Water: A Traditional Galactagogue of the Muthuvan Tribe in Kerala, India

Abstract

In regions where breast milk insufficiency poses a challenge, traditional practices among communities, such as the Muthuvans of Kerala, highlight the use of rice water with salt as a natural galactagogue. While widely practiced in households across southern India, this cultural phenomenon remains underexplored in scientific literature. We studied the maternal perceptions and practices regarding galactagogues from 11 Muthuvan settlements in the Adimali panchayath of Idukki district of Kerala, India, through explorative field trips and interviews conducted from January to July 2019. Out of 92 respondents, opinions on lactation practices varied: 27% adhered to a traditional diet, 31% included supplementary foods, and 42% used rice water as galactagogues. The Muthuvans emphasize the efficacy of rice water in increasing milk production, based on their personal experiences. This remedy is particularly significant in contexts where access to other nutritive foods is limited. Future studies should delve into the nutritional and health implications of using rice water as a galactagogue, balancing its benefits with potential risks associated with environmental contaminants like arsenic.