Is ashwagandha safe while breastfeeding?

Is Ashwagandha Safe While Breastfeeding?
Ashwagandha, a popular adaptogenic herb known for its stress-relieving properties, has garnered attention among new mothers seeking relief from postpartum challenges. However, the question of its safety during breastfeeding remains a topic of debate among health professionals.
General Consensus on Safety
While ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most adults when taken in recommended doses, its use during breastfeeding is less clear. Experts advise caution, primarily due to the lack of extensive research on its effects in nursing mothers and their infants. Some sources suggest that because there is no published experience with ashwagandha during breastfeeding, it should be avoided, particularly for those nursing newborns or preterm infants. This caution stems from the potential for the herb to pass into breast milk, which could affect the infant.
Consultation with Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of consulting with a doctor before introducing any new supplements, including ashwagandha, into a breastfeeding regimen. This is particularly crucial for mothers who may have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications that could interact with the herb.
Potential Benefits vs. Risks
Proponents of ashwagandha highlight its benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall well-being, which can be particularly appealing to new mothers facing the demands of motherhood. However, the potential risks, including gastrointestinal issues like stomach upset or diarrhea, must also be considered.
Conclusion
In summary, while ashwagandha may offer benefits for postpartum stress relief, its safety during breastfeeding is not well-established. The prevailing advice is to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare provider before use. This ensures that both the mother and her breastfeeding infant remain safe while navigating the complexities of postpartum health.

What are the downsides of ashwagandha?

The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems, including severe liver failure and a need for liver transplantation, might occur.

Why do I feel weird after taking ashwagandha?

Yes, feeling bad after ashwaganda may indicate that you are taking too large a daily dose, the supplementation has been going on for too long (more than 12 weeks) or it is not the right plant for you. Reduce ashwagandha dosage and if there is no improvement after 2-3 days, discontinue ashwagandha.

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.

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.

Why can’t you take ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

As there is a lack of data on the safety of ashwagandha for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children, these population groups in particular are advised against using such preparations.

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.

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.

Is ashwagandha good for postpartum?

As a nutrient-rich herb, it’s an ingredient that adds an extra nutritional boost. With its calming and restorative properties, Ashwagandha is an ingredient all postpartum moms should consider!