How much ashwagandha can I take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Ashwagandha Use While Breastfeeding
Ashwagandha, a popular adaptogenic herb known for its stress-relieving properties, raises important questions for breastfeeding mothers considering its use. While the herb has gained traction for its potential health benefits, the safety and appropriate dosage during breastfeeding remain critical concerns.
Safety Considerations
The scientific research specifically addressing the effects of ashwagandha during breastfeeding is limited. However, current insights suggest that no significant harmful effects have been widely reported among breastfeeding mothers who use it. This lack of adverse reports is encouraging, but it does not equate to a blanket endorsement of its use.
Experts generally advise caution. Some sources explicitly recommend against using ashwagandha while breastfeeding, citing potential risks. Therefore, it is crucial for nursing mothers to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating ashwagandha into their regimen.
Recommended Dosage
For those who decide to proceed with ashwagandha while breastfeeding, dosage recommendations vary. Commonly suggested dosages range from 250 mg to 500 mg per day, with some sources indicating that adults can take up to 1000 mg per day for short periods, such as 12 weeks. Anecdotal evidence from breastfeeding mothers suggests that doses of 1-2 teaspoons of dried ashwagandha root added to tea have been beneficial for mood and energy levels.
However, it is essential to note that individual responses to herbal supplements can vary significantly. Therefore, starting with a lower dose and monitoring for any adverse effects is advisable.
Conclusion
In summary, while ashwagandha may offer benefits for stress management and overall well-being, breastfeeding mothers should approach its use with caution. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure safety for both mother and child. If approved, starting with a lower dosage and observing any changes can help in making informed decisions about its continued use.

What is the safe limit of ashwagandha per day?

Dosing. Ashwagandha has most often been used by adults in doses up to 1000 mg daily, for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Why can’t you take ashwagandha for more than 3 months?

However, the efficacy and safety of long-term ashwagandha use over months or years for stress, anxiety, or sleep is not known. In addition, ashwagandha may have potential adverse effects on the liver and thyroid and might not be safe for people with prostate cancer or those who are pregnant or nursing.

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.

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.

Why can’t you take ashwagandha every day?

Ashwagandha may be safe when taken in the short term (up to 3 months). There is not enough information to allow conclusions about its long-term safety to be reached. In some individuals, ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

How much ashwagandha is safe 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 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.

How quickly does ashwagandha lower cortisol?

A healthy person experiences a natural rhythm of higher cortisol levels in the mornings as the hormone helps them wake up, and lower cortisol levels in the evenings as the hormone helps them relax and prepare for sleep. The stress-reducing effects of ashwagandha are not immediate, but can be felt within a couple hours.

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 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.