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Is oil of oregano safe while breastfeeding Kelly?

Is Oil of Oregano Safe While Breastfeeding?
The safety of oil of oregano during breastfeeding is a topic that has garnered attention among nursing mothers seeking natural remedies. While oregano itself is generally recognized as safe when used in culinary amounts, the concentrated form of oil of oregano presents different considerations.
Understanding Oregano and Its Uses
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a popular herb known for its culinary uses and medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used to address various health issues, including respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, and is sometimes suggested for treating conditions like thrush, a yeast infection that can affect breastfeeding mothers. However, the concentrated oil form is much more potent and can have different effects.
Concerns with Oil of Oregano
Experts caution against the use of oil of oregano while breastfeeding. The primary concern is its potential to decrease milk production. Some studies suggest that oregano may affect prolactin levels, a hormone crucial for milk supply. Additionally, the high concentration of active compounds in oregano oil could lead to gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in both mothers and infants.
While some sources advocate for topical applications of oil of oregano for conditions like thrush, there is a lack of clinical studies confirming its safety and efficacy in breastfeeding mothers . The consensus among lactation experts is that while small amounts of oregano as a culinary herb are safe, the concentrated oil should be avoided.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
For breastfeeding mothers considering the use of oil of oregano, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. The general recommendation is to avoid concentrated essential oils during this period due to their high potency and the potential risks they pose to both mother and child. Instead, mothers can safely incorporate oregano as a spice in their diet, limiting intake to moderate amounts, typically one to two teaspoons per day.
In summary, while oregano in its herb form is safe for breastfeeding mothers, oil of oregano should be approached with caution. The potential risks to milk supply and the lack of definitive safety data make it prudent for nursing mothers to seek alternative remedies or consult healthcare professionals before using this potent oil.

Which of the following herbs should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation?

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?

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding

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

What happens to your body when you take oregano oil?

Oregano essential oil may benefit gut health in several ways due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties ( 9 ). Notably, research shows that the compounds carvacrol and thymol can help to treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth ( 10 ).

Is oregano safe for babies?

Is oregano safe for babies? Yes, oregano is generally recognized as safe in amounts typically used in cooking. Oregano essential oil, on the other hand, should be avoided for babies, as its safety and potency has not been sufficiently studied in children.

Why is oil of oregano bad for pregnancy?

Special precautions & warnings: Pregnancy: Oregano is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. There is concern that taking oregano in amounts larger than food amounts might cause miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Can breastfeeding moms take oil of oregano?

Peppermint and Oregano Essential Oils are not recommended for post-pregnancy or breastfeeding — it may affect your milk supply so it’s best to avoid using it if you are a nursing mama.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

What essential oil stops breastfeeding?

Peppermint It is recommended to avoid Peppermint whilst breastfeeding as it can reduce your supply. So if you’ve missed your peppermint teat an essential oil then you can safely welcome it back now. Enjoy peppermint tea for gentle support or an ingestible peppermint oil for stronger support.

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.

Who cannot take oregano oil?

Pregnant women should not take oregano in medicinal amounts because the oils they contain could reach the baby and harm it or may cause miscarriages. And people taking lithium should avoid oregano. You should also be very careful of using oregano oil if you are on blood thinners or medicines for diabetes.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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