Is ashwagandha safe for breastfeeding?

Is Ashwagandha Safe for Breastfeeding?
Ashwagandha, a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine, is often touted for its potential benefits in reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, and enhancing overall well-being. However, when it comes to breastfeeding, the safety of ashwagandha remains a topic of considerable debate among health professionals.
General Consensus on Safety
The prevailing view among experts is that while ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most adults when taken in recommended doses, its use during breastfeeding is less clear. There is a notable lack of comprehensive studies specifically examining the effects of ashwagandha on breastfeeding mothers and their infants. As a result, many healthcare providers advise caution. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplements, including ashwagandha, into their regimen.
Potential Risks and Considerations
One of the primary concerns regarding ashwagandha during breastfeeding is the absence of published experiences or clinical studies that confirm its safety for nursing mothers, particularly those with newborns or preterm infants. Some sources suggest that due to the potential for unknown effects on breast milk and the infant, it may be prudent to avoid ashwagandha altogether during this sensitive period.
Moreover, while ashwagandha is known to contain beneficial nutrients, such as iron, which is vital for breastfeeding mothers, the overall impact of the herb on both mother and child is still not well understood. There are also reports of gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, which could pose additional challenges for new mothers.
Expert Recommendations
Given the current state of knowledge, many experts recommend that breastfeeding mothers err on the side of caution. The lack of definitive research means that while some may choose to use ashwagandha for its purported benefits, it is essential to weigh these potential benefits against the risks of unknown effects on the infant.
In summary, while ashwagandha may offer various health benefits, its safety during breastfeeding is not well established. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for any breastfeeding mother considering the use of this herb, ensuring that both her health and that of her child are prioritized.

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.

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 mothers take ashwagandha?

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.

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 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.

Does ashwagandha help with PPD?

Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola help your body handle stress. They can also help manage postpartum depression. These herbs aim to balance your body and improve your mood after giving birth.

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.

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.

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.