Is dong quai safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Dong Quai and Breastfeeding Safety
Dong quai, scientifically known as *Angelica sinensis*, is a traditional herbal remedy often used in Chinese medicine, particularly for women’s health issues. However, its safety during breastfeeding remains a topic of debate among healthcare professionals.
Current Perspectives on Safety
The consensus among various health sources indicates that dong quai is best avoided while breastfeeding. The primary concern stems from the lack of comprehensive studies confirming its safety for nursing mothers and their infants. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database, while some midwives have used dong quai for postpartum issues like depression, it does not have any recognized lactation-related uses, and its effects on breast milk and nursing infants are not well understood.
Moreover, a report from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center explicitly advises that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid dong quai due to potential risks. This caution is echoed by other sources, which highlight the uncertainty surrounding the herb’s effects on infants.
Potential Benefits and Risks
Some proponents of dong quai argue that it can be beneficial for nursing mothers, suggesting it may help with postpartum recovery. However, these claims are not universally accepted, and the potential benefits do not outweigh the risks associated with its use during breastfeeding. The lack of rigorous safety data means that any potential side effects on infants remain largely speculative.
Conclusion
In summary, while some anecdotal evidence suggests that dong quai might be helpful for certain postpartum conditions, the prevailing medical advice is to exercise caution and avoid its use while breastfeeding. Nursing mothers should consult healthcare professionals before considering any herbal supplements, including dong quai, to ensure the safety of both themselves and their infants.

Is spearmint safe while breastfeeding?

Peppermint oil and tea can be dangerous if given directly to babies. Large amounts of peppermint or spearmint are known to decrease milk supply, and mint tea is traditionally used for decreasing milk supply — breastfeeding mothers should avoid drinking mint tea regularly or in large amounts.

Are there any herbs you shouldn’t take while breastfeeding?

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding

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

What herbs cause lactation?

Fenugreek. Traditionally, fenugreek is used to increase milk supply. The transfer of fenugreek into breast milk is unknown and unusual side effects such as allergy, colic, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea have been reported in babies. Also, there is the potential for fenugreek to interact with other medicines.

What teas are unsafe for 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 Chinese herbs should you avoid while breastfeeding?

“However, you do need to avoid some herbs while breastfeeding. For example, Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf), Da Huang (Rhubarb), and Huang Qin (Chinese Skullcap), as these herbs contain high levels of alkaloids that may lead to difficulty in breathing, low body temperature, and a loss in appetite for the mother.

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.

Why avoid ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

Who should not take dong quai?

Bleeding disorders: Dong Quai may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in people with bleeding disorders. Estrogen-sensitive conditions: People with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, should avoid dong quai.

Is dong quai bad for pregnancy?

Do not use dong quai if you are pregnant. Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if dong quai is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Bleeding disorders.

Does dong quai affect birth control?

Although there is little research on the use of dong quai with hormone medications — such as estrogens, progesterones, oral contraceptives, tamoxifen or raloxifene — health care providers advise against using them together, due to the possibility of adverse effects, unless you are under the supervision of a doctor.