Herbal & Flower Teas
Hawthorn, Roasted Malt & Radish Seed Tea
Traditionally used to help reduce breast milk production during the weaning process
Why people make this tea
Every breastfeeding journey eventually comes to an end — sometimes by choice, sometimes because it is time to return to work, sometimes because the body has other needs. The process of weaning can be uncomfortable: engorgement, leaking, and lingering milk supply can make those first few days hard. This classic three-herb tea has been used in Cantonese households for generations to help the body gradually reduce milk production. Roasted malt is the most well-known “milk-reducing” herb in Chinese food therapy; hawthorn moves circulation and supports digestion; and radish seeds help regulate the flow of qi downward to discourage milk from continuing to accumulate.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for breastfeeding mothers who have decided to wean or stop nursing
- NOT suitable for mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding — these herbs will reduce milk supply
- Mothers who have had a caesarean section may start this tea from day 1 postpartum if they choose not to nurse
- If you are weaning, avoid milk-promoting foods at the same time: papaya, peanuts, figs, pig trotters, crucian carp (ji yu), Chinese yam (huai shan), lotus seeds, dong quai, and tong cao — these will counteract the tea’s effect
- If breast lumps or severe pain develop during weaning, see a doctor to rule out mastitis
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Roasted barley malt (chao mai ya): The most commonly used herb in Chinese food therapy for reducing milk production; roasting intensifies its regulating effect on the qi in the stomach and liver channels, which in turn reduces milk secretion
- Hawthorn (shan zha): Moves blood stagnation and food accumulation; helps prevent discomfort from engorgement; note that hawthorn alone is not sufficient for weaning — roasted malt must be included
- Radish seeds (lai fu zi): Descend qi and reduce accumulation; traditionally help the body stop forcing fluids upward (which includes milk production); also aid digestion and break up phlegm
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried hawthorn slices | 19 g (5 qian) | |
| Roasted barley malt (chao mai ya) | 38 g (1 liang) | Must be the roasted (chao) version |
| Radish seeds (lai fu zi) | 19 g (5 qian) | |
| Water | 5 bowls |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients.
- Place everything in a pot with 5 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 40 minutes until reduced to 2 bowls.
- Divide into two portions and drink in the morning and evening of the same day.
- Prepare a fresh batch each day. Continue for 3 consecutive days (3 doses total).
Bro Niu’s tips
During the weaning period, reduce the number of times you let the baby nurse as gradually as possible. Mothers with a naturally strong milk supply may need to repeat the 3-day course or try an alternative formula (see below). Avoid pumping to “relieve” engorgement if possible — pumping signals the body to keep making milk. If the breasts feel uncomfortably full, hand-express just a small amount to take the edge off the pressure, but do not empty them fully. Cold compresses (not hot!) can help ease swelling. Also avoid drinking a large volume of soups and liquids during this period.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (joeysze): I have taken 3 doses but still have plenty of milk. What else can I do? Bro Niu: Try drinking roasted malt 75 g (2 liang) and one piece of dried tangerine peel, simmered in 5 bowls of water for 30 minutes to make 3 bowls. Drink in three portions across the day, for 3 consecutive days.
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Q (JC): I am using 2 bowls of water and only cooking it down to 1 bowl — could that be why it is not working? Also, my breasts are blocked. Can I add anything? Bro Niu: Using only 2 bowls of water is too little. Use 5 bowls and simmer for 40 minutes to get 2 bowls — divide this between morning and evening. If there is a blocked duct, add 4 qian of silk gourd vine (si gua luo) and 2 qian of fresh tangerine peel (qing pi) to the formula. Continue for 3 days. If the blockage is causing significant pain, see a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
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Q (Mrs. Wu, post-caesarean): Can this tea be taken right after a C-section? Will it affect healing? Bro Niu: Hawthorn and malt both have milk-reducing effects. If you do not plan to breastfeed at all, you can begin this tea from the first day postpartum. Radish seeds (lai fu zi) are the seed of white radish — they descend qi and reduce accumulation, and are fine after a C-section. For wound healing and blood recovery, try a small red date and millet porridge with yi mu cao (motherwort) on day 2.
Published May 6, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
