Does ashwagandha affect breast milk?

Understanding Ashwagandha and Its Impact on Breast Milk
Ashwagandha, a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, particularly among breastfeeding mothers. However, the question of whether it affects breast milk production or composition remains complex and somewhat controversial.
Traditional Uses and Claims
Traditionally, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used as a galactogogue, a substance believed to promote lactation. This herb contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and steroidal lactones, which are thought to influence multiple body systems, including hormonal balance. Some proponents argue that by managing stress and supporting overall health, ashwagandha may indirectly enhance milk production, as stress is known to negatively impact lactation.
Scientific Evidence and Safety Concerns
Despite its traditional use, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of ashwagandha in increasing breast milk production is limited. A few studies have explored its effects on lactating mothers, but they often involve combinations of multiple Ayurvedic remedies rather than isolating ashwagandha itself. Importantly, there are no robust clinical trials that definitively establish its safety or effectiveness for breastfeeding mothers or their infants.
Health professionals express caution regarding the use of ashwagandha during breastfeeding. The lack of comprehensive research means that the potential excretion of its components into breast milk remains unverified. Consequently, many healthcare providers categorize ashwagandha as “unsafe due to lack of evidence,” advising mothers to approach its use with care.
Potential Benefits and Risks
While ashwagandha is celebrated for its adaptogenic properties—helping the body manage stress and potentially balancing adrenal and thyroid functions—these benefits must be weighed against the uncertainty surrounding its impact on breastfeeding. For postpartum mothers, managing stress is crucial, as high stress levels can hinder milk production. Thus, while ashwagandha may offer indirect benefits by promoting overall well-being, its direct effects on breast milk remain unclear.
Conclusion
In summary, while ashwagandha is traditionally viewed as beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, the scientific community calls for caution due to insufficient evidence regarding its safety and efficacy. Mothers considering ashwagandha should consult healthcare professionals to discuss their individual circumstances and explore safer, evidence-based alternatives for enhancing lactation and managing postpartum health.

Is it safe to take ashwagandha when trying to conceive?

As such, there likely isn’t any harm in taking ashwagandha before pregnancy to possibly help boost fertility — but don’t bank on it helping you conceive. And you should stop using it if you do become pregnant.

Does ashwagandha produce estrogen?

One study did find that ashwagandha use in women with menopause increased estrogen while simultaneously lowering follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels to produce an overall improvement toward menopausal symptom related quality of life.

Does ashwagandha affect prolactin?

Ashwagandha root extract supplementation was also associated with a statistically significant increase in serum testosterone levels compared to placebo, whereas non-significant changes in serum prolactin levels were observed in both groups.

Is ashwagandha safe with milk?

You can mix one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder in a glass of milk and add some honey to it. You can also add cardamom to improve taste, boost metabolism and promote better digestion. This list covered some of the well-known benefits of adding Ashwagandha to your diet and to your daily cosmetics.

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 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.

What supplement decreases prolactin?

Vitamin B6
Consuming Vitamin B6 is considered to naturally decrease the prolactin levels in the body by boosting the dopaminergic effect in the hypothalamus. Obesity is another significant factor contributing to higher prolactin levels. Exercising regularly and eating clean are important for dealing with obesity.

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 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 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.