Is hibiscus safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Hibiscus and Breastfeeding Safety
As more mothers seek natural remedies and dietary options during breastfeeding, the question of hibiscus safety has emerged. Hibiscus, often consumed as a tea or supplement, is known for its vibrant color and potential health benefits. However, its use during breastfeeding raises important considerations.
General Safety of Hibiscus
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hibiscus is classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) when used as a food. This designation suggests that hibiscus can be consumed in moderate amounts without significant risk. However, the situation becomes more complex when considering its use in concentrated forms, such as extracts or supplements.
Lack of Comprehensive Research
While hibiscus is sometimes touted as a galactagogue—an agent that promotes milk production—there is a notable absence of scientifically valid clinical trials to support this claim. This lack of evidence raises concerns about the efficacy and safety of hibiscus for breastfeeding mothers. Some sources recommend caution, suggesting that the potential benefits of hibiscus may not outweigh the risks, particularly in the absence of robust research.
Potential Risks
Several studies have indicated that consuming hibiscus extracts in large quantities could lead to adverse effects, including liver damage. This is particularly concerning for breastfeeding mothers, as any harmful substances could potentially affect their infants. Additionally, the regulation of herbal supplements is less stringent than that of pharmaceuticals, meaning that the safety and effectiveness of hibiscus products are not guaranteed before they reach consumers.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Given the current understanding, many experts advise breastfeeding mothers to avoid hibiscus tea and supplements altogether. The consensus is that while moderate consumption of hibiscus as a food may be safe, the uncertainties surrounding concentrated forms and their effects on both mother and child warrant caution.
In summary, while hibiscus is generally recognized as safe in food form, its use during breastfeeding—especially in concentrated forms—remains a topic of debate. Mothers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating hibiscus into their diets during this sensitive period.

Who should not drink 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. Hibiscus tea may interfere with the effectiveness of some anti-malaria drugs.

Is hibiscus drink good for babies?

Because of their antioxidant and anthocyanin content, hibiscus may also boast anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-diabetic properties. Avoid serving hibiscus drinks to babies younger than 12 months of age, as they could displace valuable nutrition from breast/human milk or formula.

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.

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!

What herbs should be avoided during pregnancy?

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Scientific Name	Common Name(s)	Form of Use
Peumus boldus	Boldo	Tea
Piper methysticum	Kava kava	Liquid extracts, capsules
Rhamnus purshiana	Espino cerval, Buckthorn	Tea, capsules
Rheum spp	Ruibarbo, Rhubarb	Tea, capsules

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

But some herbs may affect how much milk your body makes. For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

Is it okay to drink hibiscus tea while 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.

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.

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.

Can hibiscus affect fertility?

In conclusion, the present study suggests that the ethanol extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis root posseses anti-implantation activity, and the estrogenic property of the extract may be responsible, at least partly, for this anticonceptive effect.