Does peppermint tea affect breast milk?

The Impact of Peppermint Tea on Breast Milk Production
As new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding, many find themselves questioning the safety and effects of various foods and beverages, including peppermint tea. The concern often centers around whether this popular herbal tea might influence breast milk supply.
The Concerns Surrounding Peppermint Tea
Historically, there has been a belief among some breastfeeding mothers that peppermint tea could reduce milk supply. This notion has led many to avoid it altogether during lactation. However, a closer examination reveals a lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim. According to sources, including the NHS, there are no definitive studies that demonstrate peppermint tea negatively impacts milk production.
Scientific Insights
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is generally recognized as safe for consumption, including during breastfeeding. While some anecdotal reports suggest that excessive consumption of peppermint might lead to a decrease in milk supply, these claims are not universally supported by research. For instance, a review of the available literature indicates that while peppermint contains compounds that could theoretically have a drying effect, the actual impact on prolactin levels—the hormone responsible for milk production—remains unclear.
Moreover, the Lactation Database (LactMed) notes that peppermint has been studied for its topical applications, such as alleviating pain and discomfort in nursing women, rather than its effects on milk supply. This suggests that while peppermint may have some benefits for breastfeeding mothers, its role in milk production is not well understood.
Recommendations for Consumption
Most health professionals suggest that moderate consumption of peppermint tea—typically one to two cups per day—should not adversely affect breast milk production. In fact, many mothers continue to enjoy peppermint tea without any reported issues regarding their milk supply. However, it is advisable for lactating women to be mindful of their overall intake of peppermint, as excessive amounts could potentially lead to side effects, including allergies or interactions with other medications.
Conclusion
In summary, while concerns about peppermint tea and its effects on breast milk supply persist among some breastfeeding mothers, current evidence does not substantiate these fears. Moderate consumption appears to be safe, and many women can enjoy peppermint tea without impacting their lactation. As always, individual responses can vary, so mothers should listen to their bodies and consult healthcare providers if they have specific concerns about their diet during breastfeeding.

How long does it take for peppermint tea to dry up breast milk?

To help dry up your milk supply: Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

What tea increases milk supply?

The Moringa Blend loose leaf tea is caffeine-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and made in the United States. It uses moringa instead of fenugreek to help boost milk supply, so it doesn’t have the strong licorice-like taste some people associate with fenugreek.

Who should not drink peppermint tea?

However, if your symptoms of indigestion are related to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, you should not use peppermint (see “Precautions” section).

Is it okay to drink peppermint tea while breastfeeding?

It’s considered generally safe for those who are pregnant or lactating to consume regularly in normal doses. If you’re concerned about any adverse effects, wait until after your first trimester to indulge in a cup of peppermint tea.

What teas help dry up breast milk?

You should start with a small amount of sage and see how your body reacts. Herbal teas containing sage are available.

What teas promote breast milk?

Some of the common herbs found in lactation teas are fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, stinging nettle, goat’s rue, moringa, and milk thistle. Fenugreek is an herb with a taste similar to maple syrup.

What drinks to avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

What teas should I avoid when breastfeeding?

Some types of tea can affect breastmilk production and cause side effects in the baby. Teas that should be avoided include lemongrass, oregano, parsley, peppermint, ginseng, kava andillicium verum. They should be avoided whenever possible, or consumed only under the supervision of a doctor.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

Is peppermint bad for breastmilk supply?

Peppermint, Parsley, and Sage
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.