Does milk thistle affect breast milk?

Understanding Milk Thistle and Its Effects on Breast Milk
Milk thistle, scientifically known as *Silybum marianum*, is a plant that has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in relation to liver health and lactation. The active component of milk thistle, silymarin, is a complex of flavonolignans, primarily including silibinin, which is believed to contribute to its medicinal properties.
Lactation and Milk Thistle
One of the traditional uses of milk thistle is to promote breast milk production. Many nursing mothers turn to herbal remedies when they experience low milk supply, and milk thistle is often recommended in these cases. The herb is thought to stimulate lactation, although scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited .
While some anecdotal reports suggest that milk thistle may help increase breast milk volume, the mechanism behind this effect is not well understood. The herb’s purported benefits in lactation may stem from its overall health-promoting properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Safety Considerations
Despite its traditional use, the safety of milk thistle during breastfeeding remains a topic of debate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved milk thistle for any medical condition, and its effects on breast milk composition and infant health are not thoroughly studied. Some sources caution that while milk thistle has been used by breastfeeding women, its safety profile is not well established, particularly for those with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer.
Conclusion
In summary, while milk thistle is commonly believed to aid in increasing breast milk production, the scientific backing for this claim is not robust. Nursing mothers considering milk thistle should approach its use with caution, weighing the potential benefits against the lack of comprehensive safety data. Consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable to ensure that any herbal supplement aligns with individual health needs and circumstances.

Does milk thistle interfere with birth control?

Milk thistle might increase how fast the body breaks down estrogen pills to get rid of them. Taking milk thistle along with estrogens might decrease the effectiveness of estrogen pills.

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.

Does milk thistle dry up breast milk?

It can boost breast milk production
One reported effect of milk thistle is that it can boost breast milk production in lactating mothers. It’s thought to work by making more of the milk-producing hormone prolactin.

Is there a downside to taking milk thistle?

Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Does milk thistle mess with hormones?

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Milk thistle extracts might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use these extracts.

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.

Can milk thistle be taken while breastfeeding?

Avoid using milk thistle because there is no information on the safety of this traditional medicine when used by breastfeeding mothers.

What to drink to increase breast milk?

You can also buy or make lactation tea. These herbal teas feature galactagogues like fenugreek, ginger, fennel, and other herbs thought to boost milk supply. Lactation teas are safe but check with your doctor to ensure the ingredients don’t interact with any medications or supplements you’re already taking.

When should I avoid milk thistle?

If you have diabetes, use milk thistle with caution, since the supplement might lower blood sugar. There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. If you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding milk thistle.

How much milk thistle to induce lactation?

Some of the herbs that may induce lactation include Blessed Thistle herb (recommended 390 mg per capsule) and Fenugreek seed (recommended 610 mg per capsule). The dose used is 3 capsules of each, 3 times a day with meals.