Can you take ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

The Safety of Ashwagandha During Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
As more mothers seek natural remedies to support their health during breastfeeding, the question of whether ashwagandha—a popular adaptogenic herb—can be safely consumed arises. While ashwagandha is celebrated for its potential benefits, including stress reduction and improved energy levels, the consensus among health experts is cautious.
Limited Research and Caution Advised
Currently, there is a significant lack of scientific research specifically addressing the safety of ashwagandha for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Most sources agree that while no harmful effects have been widely reported, the absence of comprehensive studies means that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn . This uncertainty leads many healthcare professionals to recommend avoiding ashwagandha during breastfeeding until more is known.
Potential Nutritional Benefits
Interestingly, ashwagandha contains iron, a vital nutrient for breastfeeding mothers. Iron is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health during this demanding period. However, the potential benefits of ashwagandha must be weighed against the risks, particularly given the herb’s psychoactive properties, which could potentially pass into breast milk.
Expert Recommendations
Given the current state of knowledge, many experts advise that breastfeeding mothers should refrain from using ashwagandha. The general recommendation is to consult with a healthcare provider before introducing any new herbs or supplements into one’s diet during breastfeeding. This is especially important for mothers nursing newborns or preterm infants, as their systems are particularly vulnerable.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
In summary, while ashwagandha may offer various health benefits, the lack of research on its safety during breastfeeding necessitates a cautious approach. Mothers are encouraged to prioritize their health and that of their infants by seeking professional guidance before making any changes to their dietary or supplement routines. As the body of research grows, clearer guidelines may emerge, but for now, safety should be the foremost consideration.

Does ashwagandha increase chances of pregnancy?

Encouraging conception
There are several ways in which ashwagandha may improve female fertility. This could be accomplished through controlling hormone levels, improving ovarian function, reducing inflammation, and creating a favorable environment for reproduction.

How much ashwagandha for postpartum?

These herbs also work to reduce inflammation and increase your tolerance for stress. Adaptogenic herbs are considered safe while breastfeeding, but you should consult your doctor if you have a health condition or are taking any medications. Ashwagandha: 1-4 grams per day or 60 drops of tincture twice daily.

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.

Does ashwagandha affect birth control effectiveness?

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.

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.

Can breastfeeding moms take ashwagandha?

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

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 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 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.