Torbangun

It is a semi-succulent perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. It grows in tropical and warm regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It contains phenols, terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavones, and tannins. It is used in cooking in soups and as a spice (it has a flavour and smell similar to oregano), and as an ornamental plant. Traditional medicine attributes multiple medicinal properties to it ^{(Paul 2024)} with little scientific confirmation, including that of galactagogue: in Indonesia, it is used to increase breast milk production in the form of soups called torbangun or bangun-bangun. ^{(Nasution 2022, Damanik 2009)}

One study showed an increase in milk production ^{(Damanik 2006)} and another showed a shorter time to milk let-down. ^{(Nasution 2022)}

Breast milk volume and baby weight increased and serum prolactin levels decreased with the consumption of an herbal mixture containing torbangun, but the changes were not statistically significant. ^{(Zulkarnain 2024)}

No changes in the nutritional composition of breast milk were observed with the use of torbangun. ^{(Damanik 2006)}

Some of these studies have methodological problems ^{(Mortel 2013)}: lack of a control group, lack of blinding, lack of randomisation, small number of participants, or administration of a mixture of products... ^{(Zulkarnain 2024, Nasution 2022)}

Do not use galactagogues without first assessing breastfeeding technique and other maternal and infant factors that can be modified or improved to increase milk production. The best galactagogue is effective support and advice during pregnancy and after childbirth to achieve frequent on-demand breastfeeding with correct technique in a mother who retains her self-confidence. ^{(ACOG 2021, Brodribb 2018, Anderson 2013, Mannion 2012, Forinash 2012, Committee 2012, ABM 2011)}