Can breastfeeding moms take ashwagandha?

Can Breastfeeding Moms Take Ashwagandha?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take ashwagandha, a popular adaptogenic herb known for its stress-relieving properties, is a topic of considerable debate among health professionals and researchers. As of now, the consensus is not entirely clear, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive studies specifically addressing the effects of ashwagandha on breastfeeding.
Current Understanding and Recommendations
Health care professionals often express caution regarding the use of ashwagandha during breastfeeding. The herb is generally categorized as “unsafe due to lack of evidence” when it comes to its effects on nursing mothers. This caution stems from the absence of rigorous scientific research that definitively establishes its safety profile in this context.
However, some sources provide a more nuanced view. For instance, researchers Simon Mills and Kerry Bones classify ashwagandha as a Lactation category C herb, suggesting that it may be compatible with breastfeeding, albeit with the caveat that more research is needed. This classification indicates that while there is no strong evidence of harm, the lack of data means that mothers should proceed with caution.
Potential Benefits and Nutritional Considerations
Despite the uncertainties, some proponents of ashwagandha argue for its potential benefits, particularly for breastfeeding mothers who may be dealing with stress, fatigue, or mood fluctuations. Ashwagandha is known to contain iron, a vital nutrient for breastfeeding mothers, which could theoretically support overall health during this demanding period. Additionally, some anecdotal evidence suggests that ashwagandha may help improve energy levels and reduce anxiety, which can be particularly beneficial for new mothers.
Expert Advice and Caution
Given the mixed messages surrounding ashwagandha’s safety during breastfeeding, experts generally recommend that mothers consult with their healthcare providers before incorporating this herb into their regimen. This is especially important for those who are experiencing specific health issues or are on other medications. The prevailing advice is to err on the side of caution, as the effects of many herbs on lactation and infant health are not well understood.
In conclusion, while ashwagandha may offer potential benefits for breastfeeding mothers, the lack of definitive research means that its use should be approached with care. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to ensure both maternal and infant health are prioritized.

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.

Is ashwagandha okay while breastfeeding?

Given the risk of miscarriage, pregnant women should not use ashwagandha. Women who are breastfeeding should also not use the herb.

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.

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.

What not to mix with ashwagandha?

You shouldn’t combine ashwagandha with other medications that make you sleepy, such as benzodiazepines and sleep medications. The combination could raise the risk of excessive drowsiness and other dangerous side effects.

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.

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.

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 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.