Are there any herbal teas to avoid while breastfeeding?

Herbal Teas to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and many new mothers turn to herbal teas for their perceived health benefits. However, not all herbal teas are safe during this period. Understanding which teas to avoid can help ensure the well-being of both mother and child.
Potential Risks of Certain Herbal Teas
1. Sage Tea: Sage is often recommended for various health benefits, but it can have a negative impact on milk supply. High amounts of sage, particularly in tea form, may lead to a decrease in breast milk production, making it a tea to avoid for breastfeeding mothers.
2. Peppermint Tea: Similar to sage, peppermint has been noted to potentially reduce milk supply. While moderate consumption may not pose a significant risk, excessive intake—especially through strong peppermint candies or menthol products—should be approached with caution.
3. Green Tea: While green tea is popular for its antioxidant properties, it contains caffeine, which can affect babies. Exposure to caffeine through breast milk may lead to increased irritability and sleep disturbances in infants.
4. Milk Thistle: This herbal remedy lacks sufficient safety data regarding its use during breastfeeding. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid milk thistle tea until more information is available.
5. Herbs with Unknown Effects: Many herbal teas are made from plants that have not been thoroughly studied for their effects on breastfeeding. It is crucial to avoid making homemade herbal teas from wild plants, as their safety is often unverified.
General Guidelines for Herbal Tea Consumption
While some herbal teas can be beneficial, such as nettle and moringa, which are rich in essential nutrients, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before introducing any new herbal tea into your diet. Always opt for commercially prepared teas with clear labeling to ensure safety and avoid pharmacologically active ingredients.
In conclusion, while herbal teas can offer various health benefits, breastfeeding mothers should be cautious and informed about which ones to avoid. Prioritizing safety during this critical time will help support both maternal health and the well-being of the baby.

What teas are unsafe for breastfeeding?

Some types of tea can affect breastmilk production and cause side effects in the baby. Teas that should be avoided include lemongrass, oregano, parsley, peppermint, ginseng, kava andillicium verum. They should be avoided whenever possible, or consumed only under the supervision of a doctor.

What herbal teas decrease milk supply?

Mint teas, and related herbs like lemon balm, can reduce breastmilk production so they aren’t recommended when you are your baby’s sole source of nutrition. Even then, one cup every now and then wouldn’t likely affect supply, it’s more of an issue when drinking multiple cups day after day.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

What herb dries up milk?

Consume herbs and teas

• Sage: Many anecdotal sources recommend using sage teas to reduce or eliminate breast milk supply.
• Jasmine: Jasmine may lower levels of prolactin, a hormone that helps produce breast milk.
• Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil may reduce milk supply when a person applies it directly to the breasts.

Is peppermint tea safe while breastfeeding?

Studies have shown it doesn’t harm you or your baby. You should avoid very large amounts of peppermint tea.

What drinks dry up breast milk?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

• Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days.
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

What herbs are not safe while breastfeeding?

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding

• Periwinkle Herb (Vinca minor)
• Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
• Spearmint
• Thyme
• Yarrow

Is chamomile tea ok when breastfeeding?

Yes, you can drink chamomile tea while breastfeeding. Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion that’s often used for its calming properties and ability to soothe an upset stomach. The American Pregnancy Association 1 states that chamomile is generally safe while breastfeeding when consumed in moderation.

What drinks to avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.