Can a breastfeeding mother take ashwagandha?

Can a Breastfeeding Mother Take Ashwagandha?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take ashwagandha, a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine, is one that has garnered considerable attention. While ashwagandha is celebrated for its potential health benefits, including stress reduction and improved energy levels, its safety during breastfeeding remains a contentious topic.
Lack of Research and Medical Recommendations
Currently, there is a significant gap in research regarding the effects of ashwagandha on breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Medical experts generally advise caution, primarily due to the insufficient evidence supporting its safety during lactation. Many healthcare professionals recommend avoiding ashwagandha while breastfeeding, as the herb’s compounds may pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the nursing infant .
The compounds found in ashwagandha, such as alkaloids and steroidal lactones, have not been extensively studied in the context of lactation. This lack of data raises concerns about their impact on both milk production and the infant’s health. Specifically, there are worries that ashwagandha could lower prolactin levels, the hormone crucial for milk production, which could lead to a decrease in milk supply.
Perspectives from Experienced Mothers and Herbalists
Despite the caution from medical professionals, some experienced mothers and herbalists advocate for the use of ashwagandha during breastfeeding. They argue that many women have safely incorporated the herb into their postpartum regimen, often citing its benefits for energy and stress relief. These anecdotal accounts suggest that, when sourced from reputable suppliers and consumed in moderation, ashwagandha may be beneficial for some nursing mothers.
However, it is essential to approach this perspective with caution. The experiences of individual mothers do not replace the need for scientific validation, and what works for one person may not be safe for another.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach
In summary, while ashwagandha is revered for its potential health benefits, breastfeeding mothers should exercise caution. The prevailing medical advice is to avoid its use due to the lack of comprehensive research on its safety during lactation. If a mother is considering ashwagandha, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits. Ultimately, the health and safety of both mother and baby should remain the top priority.

Is ashwagandha safe to use while breastfeeding?

Based on the available evidence, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends that especially children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with acute or pre-existing liver disease should not take supplements containing ashwagandha.

Does ashwagandha help with having a baby?

With all these benefits, It is not a surprise that studies have found Ashwagandha to improve female fertility. Ashwagandha’s fertility-boosting powers are not limited to women, thankfully. Based on research, ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels and boost sex drive in men.

Does ashwagandha increase weight in females?

Ashwagandha is unlikely to make you gain weight. There’s some chance it could help you lose weight, but weight loss is a complicated formula. It’s not clear if or how ashwagandha might play a role, but if it does, it likely has something to do with your metabolism.

Who should avoid ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding. Ashwagandha is not recommended for people who are about to have surgery, or for those who have autoimmune or thyroid disorders.

What can I take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

Does ashwagandha block birth control?

While there’s not much research about ashwagandha and birth control specifically, a 2015 study found that ashwagandha doesn’t seem to affect the enzymes that break down hormonal birth control [11], meaning that they can probably be used together.

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

But some herbs may affect how much milk your body makes. For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

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 supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

• Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
• Aloe latex.
• Ashwagandha.
• Berberine/goldenseal.
• Bilberry.
• Black cohosh.
• Butterbur.
• Dong quai.

What does ashwagandha do to breasts?

WS exerts its effect on breast cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death, especially apoptosis, at the molecular level. Ashwagandha has been found to possess a potential for treating breast cancer, especially estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-positive and triple-negative breast cancer.