Horchata is a sweetened, plant-based beverage with regional variations, most commonly recognized in Mexico as a refreshing drink made from rice, water, cinnamon, and sugar. The idea that horchata can act as a galactagogue—a substance believed to increase breast milk production—is a popular belief, particularly within Hispanic communities. This article examines horchata’s components and the current scientific understanding of its effect on lactation.
Traditional Beliefs and Horchata’s Components
The folklore surrounding horchata’s ability to promote milk supply likely stems from its composition and role in traditional postpartum care. The Mexican version, horchata de arroz, is primarily a blend of rice, cinnamon, and water, often with added vanilla and milk. In Spain, the original horchata de chufa is made from tiger nuts, a small tuber, rather than rice, highlighting the variability of the base ingredient.
Consuming grains, like the rice used in the Mexican variety, provides sustaining energy, which is important for nursing parents who have higher caloric demands. The use of nutrient-dense grains and seeds to support lactation is common across many cultures. While horchata is a soothing, carbohydrate-rich beverage tied to feelings of nourishment, this traditional association with general wellness does not translate into a direct, measurable impact on the hormones that regulate milk production.
The Scientific Verdict on Milk Production
Currently, there is no specific clinical evidence to support the claim that horchata, as a complete beverage, functions as an effective galactagogue. Galactagogues are defined as foods, herbs, or drugs that influence hormones, like prolactin, responsible for lactation. Horchata itself has not been the subject of dedicated scientific trials to prove its efficacy in increasing milk volume.
The primary mechanism by which horchata may offer perceived benefits is through simple hydration, which is necessary for maintaining an adequate milk supply and overall fluid balance. However, this benefit is not unique to horchata; any fluid provides the same level of hydration required for milk synthesis.
The limited research available on other common herbal galactagogues, such as fenugreek, often shows low-certainty evidence and mixed results regarding increased milk volume. Pharmaceutical galactagogues, like domperidone, are prescription medications that work on hormonal pathways. The lack of specific studies on horchata, combined with the low level of evidence for most herbal alternatives, places the drink firmly in the category of a traditional remedy without scientific backing.
Establishing and Maintaining Adequate Milk Supply
Since horchata is not scientifically proven to increase milk production, evidence-based practices are the most reliable strategy for maintaining a sufficient milk supply. The most critical factor is the principle of supply and demand: frequent and effective milk removal from the breast. Nursing or pumping at least eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period is often recommended, particularly in the early weeks, to signal the body to produce more milk.
Ensuring the infant has a proper latch and positioning during feeding is paramount, as inefficient milk removal is a common cause of low supply. A lactation consultant can help assess and correct a poor latch, allowing the baby to effectively empty the breast and stimulate production. Techniques such as breast massage and compression during feeding can further assist in draining the breast, signaling the body to increase its output.
Maternal Well-being
Maternal well-being is a significant contributor to maintaining a healthy supply. Lactating parents require an additional caloric intake, often around 500 extra kilocalories per day, to support milk production. Adequate hydration is also necessary, with total fluid intake generally advised to be around 2.7 liters daily. Managing stress and prioritizing rest are fundamental, as high stress levels can potentially interfere with the hormones responsible for the milk ejection reflex, or “let-down.”