Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is widely used in traditional medicine and as a dietary supplement in many cultures, especially in Africa and South Asia, to support lactation in nursing mothers. The leaves of moringa are rich in nutrients, particularly protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C, which are important for both maternal health and the nutritional quality of breast milk. Traditionally, moringa is consumed as a leaf powder, in teas, or as a vegetable in soups and stews.

The traditional use of moringa as a galactagogue (a substance that promotes or increases the flow of a mother's milk) is well-documented in ethnobotanical literature and local healthcare practices. Mothers in countries such as the Philippines, India, and parts of Africa have used moringa leaves to enhance milk production for generations. Anecdotal reports and small-scale observational studies suggest an increase in milk output and improved nutritional status in nursing mothers who consume moringa.

However, scientific evidence for its efficacy is limited but promising. A few small clinical trials have examined the effects of moringa supplementation on breast milk volume and composition, with some studies reporting modest increases in milk production compared to controls. The mechanism is thought to be related to moringa’s high nutrient content and possible phytoestrogenic effects, although more rigorous research is needed. In summary, the use of moringa to support nursing is primarily justified by traditional use, with some emerging but not yet robust scientific support.