Can I drink adaptogens while breastfeeding?

Understanding Adaptogens and Breastfeeding
As the popularity of adaptogens—natural substances believed to help the body adapt to stress—grows, many new mothers are left wondering whether these herbal remedies are safe to consume while breastfeeding. The answer is nuanced, as it involves both the potential benefits and the need for caution.
The Benefits of Adaptogens
Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and maca, have been used for centuries in various cultures, including among pregnant and breastfeeding women. For instance, maca is a staple in the diets of Peruvian women during pregnancy and lactation, where it is thought to support both maternal health and the well-being of infants. These herbs are believed to help manage stress and balance hormones, which can be particularly beneficial for new mothers facing the challenges of postpartum life.
Safety Considerations
Despite the historical use of adaptogens, the safety of these herbs during breastfeeding is not universally agreed upon. Some adaptogens are considered safe and may even be beneficial, but others come with warnings. For example, certain products containing adaptogens may advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient research on their effects in these populations.
Healthcare professionals often recommend that nursing mothers consult with their doctors before introducing any new supplements, including adaptogens, into their routine. This is crucial because while many adaptogens are generally regarded as safe, individual responses can vary, and some may have contraindications or side effects that could affect both mother and baby.
The Role of Individual Adaptogens
Specific adaptogens may have different safety profiles. For instance, ashwagandha is often highlighted for its calming effects and potential benefits for anxiety and fatigue, which can be appealing to new mothers. However, the lack of extensive clinical studies on its effects during breastfeeding means that caution is warranted.
Moreover, as hormones stabilize post-delivery, many adaptogens are thought to be safe and even beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. This suggests that while some adaptogens may be suitable, others should be approached with care.
Conclusion
In summary, while adaptogens can offer potential benefits for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to approach their use with caution. Consulting a healthcare provider is the best course of action to ensure that any adaptogen chosen is safe and appropriate for both mother and child. As with any supplement, informed decisions are key to maintaining health during this critical period.

Can I drink ashwagandha 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.

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.

Who should not take adaptogens?

Certain populations that should avoid adaptogen use include: Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Diabetics. People with high or low blood pressure.

Are adaptogen drinks safe during pregnancy?

Aviva does recommend adaptogens for women who are not pregnant, but she recommends against their use during pregnancy (excluding exceptional situations), especially during the first trimester.

Do adaptogens increase estrogen?

When you take adaptogens, your endocrine system is freed from having to make cortisol and can instead produce more progesterone, estrogen, testosterone and human growth hormone.

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.

Are adaptogens safe while breastfeeding?

Adaptogens typically state on the packaging that they are not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding as they haven’t been sufficiently tested.

Which of the following herbs should not be used during pregnancy?

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Scientific Name	Common Name(s)	Form of Use
Nicotiana tabacum	Tabaco, Tobacco	Smoked, chewed
Ocimum basilicum	Basil, Albahaca, Albacar	Tea, essential oil
Origanum spp	Oregano	Tea, essential oil
Panax ginseng	Ginseng coreano, Korean ginseng	Tea, capsules

Can you drink ashwagandha while pregnant?

In some individuals, ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

Do adaptogen drinks give you a buzz?

Yes, some adaptogens can give you a buzz. These include green tea, holy basil, ginseng, cordyceps mushrooms, Schisandra berries and maca root. Medicinal mushrooms and maca root are well known for giving you an energy buzz without the anxiety or accelerated heart rate that caffeine often entails.