Is hibiscus safe during lactation?

Is Hibiscus Safe During Lactation?
Hibiscus, particularly Hibiscus sabdariffa, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, including claims of enhancing milk production in breastfeeding mothers. However, the safety of hibiscus during lactation remains a topic of debate among health professionals and researchers.
General Safety Profile
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hibiscus is classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) when consumed as a food. This designation suggests that hibiscus flowers are typically well tolerated by most individuals, including breastfeeding mothers. However, it is important to note that allergic reactions can occur, particularly in individuals who may have sensitivities to other plants in the Malvaceae family, such as ambrette and marshmallow.
Claims of Lactogenic Properties
In various cultures, hibiscus is reputed to possess galactagogue properties, meaning it is believed to help increase breast milk supply. Despite these claims, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of hibiscus for this purpose is lacking. Studies have not validated the use of hibiscus as a reliable method to enhance lactation, and no rigorous clinical trials have been conducted to substantiate these assertions.
Potential Risks and Concerns
While moderate consumption of hibiscus tea is generally considered safe, there are some concerns regarding its effects on lactation. Research indicates that high doses of hibiscus may lead to adverse outcomes, such as increased risk of miscarriage in animal studies. Furthermore, a study involving lactating rats suggested that maternal consumption of hibiscus could delay puberty in female offspring and potentially affect their growth. These findings raise questions about the long-term implications of hibiscus consumption during breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while hibiscus is generally recognized as safe for consumption, its purported benefits for increasing milk supply lack scientific backing. Breastfeeding mothers should approach hibiscus with caution, particularly regarding high doses. Moderation is key, and it is advisable for nursing mothers to consult healthcare providers before incorporating hibiscus into their diets, especially if they have concerns about allergies or potential effects on their infants. As always, individual responses can vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Can you have hibiscus when breastfeeding?

Therefore, to be safe, no more than about two quarts a day for adults, or one quart a day for kids or pregnant women. Hibiscus tea should be completely avoided by infants under six months–who should only be getting breast milk–as well as kids with kidney failure, who can’t efficiently excrete it.

Is it safe to take hibiscus while pregnant?

And it turned out she was right! Hibiscus tea can cause fluctuations in hormone levels which isn’t safe — especially in the first trimester. Hibiscus tea can also have “emmenagogue effects” which stimulate menstruation or blood flow to the uterus. This could cause bleeding, cramping, or even early labor!

Why do I feel weird after drinking hibiscus tea?

Drinking hibiscus tea can be enjoyed on a frequent basis, but like with most things, it can be overdone. Side effects of consuming too much hibiscus tea include transient dizziness and fatigue due to how it may affect blood pressure.

What teas should I avoid while 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.

Does hibiscus tea raise estrogen?

Research reveals that hibiscus tea has high concentrations of polyphenols, including significant amounts of flavonoids. As such, hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure by blocking estrogen receptors in the body, which may cause an increase in circulating estrogen levels.

What kind of tea dries up breast milk?

To help dry up your milk supply: Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

Who should avoid hibiscus?

Avoid hibiscus if you are allergic or sensitive to it or members of the Malvaceae plant family. Use with caution if you have low or high blood pressure. Interactions.

What herbs are not safe while breastfeeding?

Among the other milk-drying suspects: Aloe, alder buckthorn, barberry, cascara sagrada, ginseng, ephedra, ginger, goldenseal, green tea, guarana, kola nut, ma huang, male fern, parsley, purging buckthorn, rhubarb, sage, senna, wormwood, and yerba mate.

What drinks to avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

Does hibiscus increase fertility?

Traditionally this drug is attributed to antifertility activity in Ayurvedic literature (7). The flowers have been reported to posses anti-implantation and antispermatogenic activities (8,9). The petroleum ether extracts of the leaves and flowers have been shown to potentiate hair growth in vivo and in vitro (10).