Here are some main groups of herbs to completely avoid during pregnancy and possibly even while breastfeeding. Certain herbs are generally contraindicated for nursing women. Peanuts and breastfeeding Unless you're allergic to peanuts, there's no evidence to suggest you should avoid them (or any peanut based foods like peanut butter) while breastfeeding. There are other herbs to be avoid during breastfeeding because they are traditional antilactagogues used during weaning and can reduce breast milk production.Herbs That May be Harmful to Mother & Baby Alder Buckthorn berry and bark (Rhamnus Frangula); closely related to cascara sagrada – purative, laxative intestinal irritant, anthroquinones glycosides excreted in breast milk Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria); hepatotoxic phyrrolizidine alkaloilds secreted in breast milk Aloe (Aloe … 1. Should be used only under guidance of an herbalist. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth. Fenugreek seed is considered safe. Best Herbs for Pregnancy + Which Ones to Avoid, What Are Adaptogens? The amounts of these herbs normally used in cooking are unlikely to be of concern; it's mainly the larger amounts that might be used therapeutically that could pose… Which Herbs to Avoid While Breastfeeding | Breastfeeding, Herbs. This herb has not been tested for safety while nursing. Some herbs are unsafe for women that are breastfeeding, others experts are unsure about. Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding Of course this isn’t a complete of herbs to avoid during breastfeeding. Peppermint: Some women report a reduction in breast milk even after eating breath mints or peppermint candies. (This is also not an exhaustive list. Licorice Root: May be toxic to young infants in large quantities. These studies are controversial, but because your baby has such a small body and can’t process PAs well, these compounds should be avoided. In general, it’s referring to an herb that stimulates menstrual flow, which you definitely want to avoid during pregnancy. This can be an uncertain area for many women because there is often conflicting information about whether herbs are safe for pregnancy and lactation or not. Some are herbal galactagogues, which means they help to increase breast milk supply. Kratom (a dangerous and addictive herb classified by the FDA as an opioid) Borage: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (danger of liver damage). Realistically, herbs have been used for thousands of years to benefit new mothers. The herbs listed here are not an exhaustive list by any means. Rhubarb: May cause digestive irritation for infants, possible toxin. Some supplements are considered safe while breastfeeding, with vitamins being chief amongst them. Even vitamins and simple Echinacea may contain herbs that should not be used by breastfeeding mothers, such as ginkgo or ginseng. Cows' milk and breastfeeding Either way, they should be avoided while you are breastfeeding. Avena sativa (oats) —Oats are a great nutritive, acts as a galactagogue, can lower cholesterol and is also useful as a calming Nervine. Other herbs in the mint family: Including oregano, thyme, lemon balm, and spearmint. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)recommend the following fruits as these are all excellent sources of potassium, and some also contain vitamin A: 1. cantaloupe 2. honeydew melon 3. bana… Some herbs are considered to be generally toxic and should not be ingested by anyone. Comfrey: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (danger of liver damage). Look to more than just one or two reputable places for information. Obviously, if an herb stimulates the uterus you want to avoid it during pregnancy. Differences Between Non-Herbal and Herbal. Alkanet is one of the herbs well known for its medicinal properties but during breastfeeding, mothers should avoid this herb due to its ability to reduce the milk supply because of its alkaloids content. I have consumed in cooking quite a bit of those herbs and have had no miscarriages, and no troubled pregnancies. Studies have shown that these compounds have the potential to cause liver damage. Therefore, it’s important to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. To increase your breast milk supply, you still have to stimulate your breasts while you're taking the herb. Whether soy- or sunflower-based, lecithin supplements can be used to help milk flow, and it is “considered safe through pregnancy and postpartum,” Goodman says. Many women even experience a reduction of breast milk when they eat peppermint candies or menthol cough drops. Yarrow: Can be helpful when used externally postpartum but may decrease milk supply when taken internally. For example, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are found in certain plants. (2), It’s important to note that not all of the herbs on this list have been proven as dangerous while breastfeeding. Also, there is no conclusive research on the safety of herbs when breastfeeding (2). High amounts of green tea are not recommended for breastfeeding women. Other can support and nourish your body (and your baby) as you recover from pregnancy. They may also help relieve constipation, which some people experience after giving birth. Herbal Supplements (Botanical) Although most supplements are regarded as best options in improving milk supply, some herbs should be taken with caution because they are toxic. While there are a wide variety of all-natural herbal supplements that provide many health benefits (especially when compared to prescription medication), it’s vital to remember that certain herbs are not safe for you or your newborn at this time, and some herbs decrease breast milk production. Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. This is where the burden for deciding what herbs to take falls squarely on your shoulders, as it does for us all. Home » Herbal » Herbal Plant » List of Herbs Not to Take While Breastfeeding. When in doubt, it’s always best to check with your healthcare practitioner. As always, for your safety and your child’s safety, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding check with your healthcare provider before taking herbs, prescription or over-the-counter medications. Some plants are generally toxic and should not be ingested at all. Dangerous Herbs while Breastfeeding Some herbs that can harm the baby via the breast milk Rhubarb root, Evodia, Star anise, Sophora root, Ginseng, Bladderwrack, Angelica Root, Indian Snakeroot, Wormwood, Coltsfoot, Chaparral, Petasites root, Ginkgo, Kava, Valerian, Coptis, Aloe, Senna, Borrage, Licorice, Basil, Ephedra and Rue. Posted on Published October 11, 2020 by . Required fields are marked *. Parsley, sage, and peppermint can actually reduce your milk production. Of course this is not a complete list of herbs to avoid during breastfeeding. If you are currently or soon to be breastfeeding, check out these safe herbal lactation supplements. While this article addresses the use of herbal teas during pregnancy, there are also teas formulated for use after pregnancy to help promote milk production while breastfeeding. This is not an exhaustive list of all herbs contraindicated during breastfeeding. Sage: Larger amounts that normal culinary use should be avoided. If you're worried about it, or concerned about your baby developing a food allergy, speak to your doctor or health visitor. Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat huge variety of ailments and for health promotion purposes. Herbs and other galactagogues do not often work on their own. Black cohosh is a plant that can be taken as a supplement. This list includes common herbs that you might see in herbal preparations, supplements or foods. + 5 Adaptogenic Herbs to Try, Natural Remedies + Herbs For Better Sleep, Top Herbs and Home Remedies for Sore Muscles, Best Herbs + Natural Treatment For Adrenal Fatigue, visit this post on herbs to naturally increase breast milk supply. Learn more about Farihaven Health’s Nursing Teas here. However, some moms have noticed a decrease in supply after eating things like dressing with lots of sage, sage tea (often recommended when moms are weaning), lots of strong peppermint candies or menthol cough drops, or other foods/teas with large amounts of the particular herb. How to Get the Best Results . Aloe: Used as a laxative, generally contraindicated if used in large quantities. Many women have found herbal supplements, teas, and even skincare products to be very beneficial after pregnancy. Bitter melon is a tropical, fruit-like gourd. May 12, 2016 - Using large amounts of the following herbs and other natural remedies should be avoided while nursing because they have been known to decrease milk supply. This is a list of herbs that can decrease milk supply, but different women will have a different experience with each herb. While for most people, it would take a high dose to have a measurable effect, if you are having a hard time producing enough milk, you should probably be careful. Herbal teas that may reduce milk supply and that you should not drink while breastfeeding are sage tea, menthol, spearmint or peppermint teas. Strong laxative herbs are likely to have chemicals that pass through into breast milk and should be avoided. Too much milk: Sage and other herbs for decreasing milk supply; What is a galactagogue? It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. To help you feel more confident, here’s a list of herbs to avoid while breastfeeding and a few of the best to use. The Art of Facial Reading February 25, 2020. Herbs That Can Decrease Milk Supply. Those that can have an estrogen-like effect (also known as phytoestrogens) should typically be avoided because of their potential to affect the development of your baby. It’s best to consult with a natural practitioner or lactation specialist if you want to use them for either of these reasons. But you’re not likely to ingest random unknown plants, or chomp on the highly toxic Castor Bean in your every day herb excursions. You’ve probably noticed that many of the herbs to avoid while breastfeeding are not everyday herbs. Emmenagogues/uterine stimulants include the follow herbs (This list is not an exhaustive list, so make sure and do your research): Angelica, ashwagandha, basil, bee balm, black cohosh, blessed thistle… Generally speaking, these herbs are fine to use while cooking but may decrease milk supply when taken in large amounts. There are two main types of herbs to avoid while breastfeeding: those that can decrease your milk supply and those that may actually harm your baby. Essential Oils to Avoid While Pregnant and Breastfeeding. They are potentially harmful, and there’s no reason to take the risk. Foods you'll want to limit when you're breastfeeding include certain types of fish. Herbs that are also used for the purpose of improving lactation include nettle, fennel, blessed thistle, red raspberry, red clover, and marshmallow. If you are having trouble with low milk supply or oversupply, reach out to a lactation consultant for help. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The good news is that there are still many herbal options to safely use while breastfeeding. Expectant and new moms are always careful to eat and do the right things to protect the health of their babies. Avoid the pharmacologically active herbal teas. Some of the herbs you’ll see on this list are common kitchen herbs. Eating 8 to 12 ounces of most types of fish and seafood per week is good for you and your baby, but when you're breastfeeding avoid fish with high levels of mercury. The amounts of these herbs normally used in cooking are unlikely to be of concern; it's mainly the larger amounts that might be used therapeutically that could pose… Using large therapeutic amounts of the following herbs should be avoided while nursing because they have been known to decrease milk supply. There are oodles of herbs that are thought to be worthy of caution, but none that have been actually observed to cause problems. My 4 week old baby boy has had constant gas and stomach pains for the last 2 wks. May be toxic to infants. Carum carvi (Caraway) — can help a colicky baby calm down and sleep better. But many women want to know how safe herbs are to use while breastfeeding and which ones to avoid. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. There are two main types of herbs to avoid while breastfeeding: those that can decrease your milk supply and those that may actually harm your baby. Buckthorn: Stimulating laxative that can be excreted in breast milk. Natural Relief for Insomnia February 25, 2020. Herbal supplements and teas are becoming increasingly popular as a way to do this. what herbs to avoid while breastfeeding. (Culinary amounts are fine.). *The information about the use of herbs and essential oils contained in this article is not meant to be a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified health care provider. We often take for granted that the many products we put on our body can affect the fetus and breast milk as well. Limit intake of any herbal preparation that combines several active ingredients. (1). Herbal supplements and teas are becoming increasingly popular as a way to do this. Don’t forget to do your own research.). Other herbs contain strong compounds that are fine for adults but may pose a risk for infants. For a list of herbal galactagogues and what they do, visit this post on herbs to naturally increase breast milk supply. D1; Berberine is a chemical found in some plants that is taken as a supplement. Sometimes these herbs are used to help with oversupply or weaning. Like the foods we eat and the medicines we take, some of the constituents in herbs are excreted in breast milk and are, therefore, ingested by a nursing baby. Herb Safety Categories; Herbal safety for nursing moms; Herbal weight loss products and breastfeeding; Herbs and Breastfeeding: References; Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding; Natural treatments for nursing moms; Oil of Oregano for thrush? Jan 23, 2019 - Using large amounts of the following herbs and other natural remedies should be avoided while nursing because they have been known to decrease milk supply. Several of these are members of the mint family of plants and are recommended to be avoided in larger than culinary amounts during breastfeeding. These herbs and supplements are not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding: Ammi visnaga is a flowering plant that may stimulate the uterus. Always check the label. Designed for Euphoric Herbals | Powered By Wordpress, What You Need To Know About MRSA and Breastfeeding, Best Herbs for Natural Pain Relief & Inflammation, Everything You Need To Know About Breastfeeding With…, Herbs to Increase Breast Milk Supply Naturally. Do your research. You may not be taking any of them on a normal basis, but be sure to check any herbal blends to make sure they aren’t part of the formula. It’s natural to want to feel your best and support your body after pregnancy. Should be used only under guidance of an herbalist. Chaparral (Larrea tridentata): Also known as creosote bush. Parsley: Fine in small amounts. During that 30 minute window, the concentration of herb materials is at its highest in the blood stream and milk. Senna: Stimulating laxative that can be excreted in breast milk. You just need to know which ones to choose. To request permission to reprint the information in this article, please email mama@earthmama.com, Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales, © 2020 Earth Mama Organics | 9866 SE Empire Court There are two different types of teas, non-herbal and herbal. Black Cohosh: May cause digestive irritation for infants, phytoestrogen. As well as teas containing any of the following herbs: black walnut, chickweed, cocoa, herb Robert (geranium robertianum), lemon balm, oregano, parsley (petroselinum crispum), periwinkle herb (vinca minor), sorrel (rumex acetosa), thyme, yarrow. Coltsfoot: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (danger of liver damage). The use of herbs during breastfeeding is not unheard or new. Cascara Sagrada: Stimulating laxative that can be excreted in breast milk. Have an oatmeal breakfast, and both mom and baby will be better nourished and relaxed. Because there is a lot of confusion on supplements to avoid while breastfeeding, I have curated a list of supplements that should be taken with utmost keenness for the comfort and wellbeing of your baby. The safety depends on the herbs you are taking. After all, you’re now supporting your little one through breast milk, and what you consume can be passed on to your baby. Can be used externally. But when you become pregnant, it is essential to know which herbs are safe and which herbs to avoid because whatever we ingest (food-born illness, for example) is shared by the growing baby and that includes herbs.. Butturbur: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (danger of liver damage). Drink any herbal teas only in moderation. You can accomplish this by breastfeeding more frequently, nursing for a longer duration of time at each feeding, or pumping after and in-between each feeding. Fruits are a rich source of many nutrients. Some of the herbs on this list are included because they contain constituents that may be harmful to the mother or baby. One option for breastfeeding mothers is to avoid nursing from 60 to 105 minutes after taking herbs. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Kava Kava: May be toxic to infants. Do I need one? Red Raspberry Leaf – Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Herbs such as fennel and fenugreek may not be harmful if taken in small quantities, while herbs such as sage leaves and parsley may dry up the breastmilk. Photo courtesy of Aaron Stidwell by Flickr . By knowing which herbs to avoid while breastfeeding, you can have much more peace of mind about going herbal. Some of the herbs you’ll see on this list are common kitchen herbs. Fennel tea while breastfeeding: If you are taking the fennel tea to help a gassy baby, small amounts are safe. Clackamas, Oregon 97015 | (503) 607-0607 | ordermama@earthmama.com. There are other herbs to be avoid during breastfeeding because they are traditional antilactagogues used during weaning and can reduce breast milk production. Herbs to avoid during breastfeeding. Always consult your health care provider about the use of herbs and essential oils, especially during pregnancy, when nursing a baby or with children. Generally speaking, these herbs are fine to use while cooking but may decrease milk supply when taken in large amounts. Aim for about 2 cups of fruit per day, which should include a wide variety of different fruits. Your email address will not be published. Cannabis is an herb. These herbs are sometimes used by nursing mothers to treat oversupply, or when weaning. Hibiscus herbal tea, ephedra/ma huang tea, don quai tea and green tea are some of the herbal teas to avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T022800.asp, http://www.firstcandle.org/?s=sleep+and+pacifier, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medlineplus.html. Examples are listed in the Encyclopedia article on ConsumerLab.com entitled Herbs and Supplements to Avoid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding." Indian Snakeroot: Contains alkaloids that may be toxic to infants. Herbs that can reduce breast milk are called antilactagogues. If you love using essential oils in massage, avoid adding those herbs to your carrier oils or lotion. It’s natural to want to feel your best and support your body after pregnancy. The use of herbs and spices like cumin or basil to season food is considered safe during breastfeeding. Large amounts in food or supplements may reduce breast milk. 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