Is lavender tea safe during breastfeeding?

Is Lavender Tea Safe During Breastfeeding?
The question of whether lavender tea is safe for breastfeeding mothers is a nuanced one, with varying opinions among health professionals and researchers. As many new mothers seek natural remedies to aid relaxation and improve sleep quality, lavender tea often comes up as a popular option. However, the safety of this herbal infusion during lactation warrants careful consideration.
General Consensus on Lavender Safety
Lavender, particularly in its various forms such as tea, aromatherapy, and topical applications, is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used in moderation. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials has indicated that lavender can positively impact sleep quality in postpartum mothers, suggesting potential benefits for those experiencing sleep disturbances after childbirth.
However, the safety of lavender tea specifically during breastfeeding is less clear-cut. Some sources caution against its use, highlighting that certain herbs, including lavender, may not be advisable for nursing mothers. For instance, BabyCenter lists lavender among herbs that should be avoided while breastfeeding, citing concerns about potential effects on milk supply and infant health.
Potential Risks and Considerations
The primary concern with lavender, particularly in larger amounts, is its potential estrogenic effects. Some studies suggest that lavender may have neurotoxic properties when consumed in significant quantities, which raises alarms about its use during lactation. While the amounts typically found in culinary uses or herbal teas are generally considered safe, the lack of extensive research on high doses means that caution is warranted.
Moreover, while lavender tea may be soothing and beneficial for some mothers, it is essential to consider individual reactions. Some women may experience adverse effects, and the overall impact on milk supply and infant behavior is not fully understood.
Expert Recommendations
Experts often recommend that breastfeeding mothers consult with healthcare providers before introducing any herbal teas into their diets. This is particularly important for those who may have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications that could interact with herbal ingredients.
In summary, while lavender tea may offer relaxation benefits and is generally considered safe in small amounts, the potential risks associated with its consumption during breastfeeding cannot be overlooked. Mothers should weigh the benefits against the possible concerns and seek personalized advice from healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their infants.

Who should not use lavender?

Lavender applied to skin may cause irritation in some people. Oral use of Lavender may cause constipation, headache, and increased appetite. Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender.

What drinks should you stay away from while breastfeeding?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:
Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc. Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

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 lavender tea safe?

There’s no need to worry if you’ve added a few drops of lavender oil to your tea – it’s perfectly safe to do so. In fact, lavender oil is known for its calming and relaxation properties, so it might even help you to wind down before bedtime.

What teas promote breast milk?

Some of the common herbs found in lactation teas are fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, stinging nettle, goat’s rue, moringa, and milk thistle. Fenugreek is an herb with a taste similar to maple syrup.

Does lavender increase milk supply?

Research in 2016 that can be used as an intervention states that lavender oil can increase breast milk production, has a calming effect with a fairly good sedative effect and can reduce motor activity by up to 78%, so it can be used in stress management. Lavender oil can have a psychological effect on mothers.

Can I drink lavender tea while breastfeeding?

[1] Lavender is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In general, lavender is well tolerated, but no data exist on the safety and efficacy of lavender in nursing mothers or infants.

How does lavender affect babies?

The cortisol levels of this group of mothers and infants significantly decreased, confirming the behavioral data showing increased relaxation of the mothers and their infants. These findings support a body of research showing the relaxing and sleep-inducing properties of lavender aroma.

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.

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.