Is ashwagandha safe to take during breastfeeding?

Is Ashwagandha Safe to Take During Breastfeeding?
Ashwagandha, a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine, is often touted for its potential benefits in reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. However, for breastfeeding mothers, the question of safety is paramount. As the body undergoes significant changes postpartum, many women seek natural remedies to help manage stress and fatigue. But is ashwagandha a safe option during this sensitive period?
General Safety Considerations
Experts generally agree that while ashwagandha is considered safe for most adults when taken in recommended doses, its use during breastfeeding is less clear. The lack of extensive research specifically addressing the effects of ashwagandha on breastfeeding mothers and their infants raises concerns. Some sources suggest that due to insufficient data, it is advisable for breastfeeding women to avoid ashwagandha, particularly when nursing newborns or preterm infants.
Potential Benefits and Risks
Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, which may help the body manage stress. For breastfeeding mothers dealing with postpartum stress, the herb could seem appealing. However, the potential risks cannot be overlooked. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal issues such as stomach upset or diarrhea, especially when consuming larger amounts.
Moreover, while ashwagandha contains beneficial nutrients like iron, which is vital for breastfeeding mothers, the overall impact of the herb on breast milk composition and infant health remains largely unstudied. This uncertainty is a significant factor for mothers considering its use.
Expert Recommendations
Healthcare professionals typically recommend that breastfeeding mothers consult with a healthcare provider before introducing any new supplements, including ashwagandha. This is particularly important as each individual’s health circumstances can vary widely. A healthcare provider can offer personalized advice based on a mother’s health history and specific needs.
Conclusion
In summary, while ashwagandha may offer benefits for stress relief, its safety during breastfeeding is not well-established. The consensus leans towards caution, advising mothers to prioritize consultation with healthcare professionals before incorporating this herb into their regimen. As always, the health and safety of both mother and child should remain the top priority.

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.

What supplements should I avoid when 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.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

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.

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.

Can a breastfeeding mother 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.

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding

• Periwinkle Herb (Vinca minor)
• Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
• Spearmint
• Thyme
• Yarrow

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.

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.