Is oregano oil safe while breastfeeding?

Is Oregano Oil Safe While Breastfeeding?
The safety of oregano oil during breastfeeding is a topic of considerable interest among nursing mothers, particularly those seeking natural remedies for various ailments. While oregano itself is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when used as a food ingredient, the situation becomes more complex when discussing oregano oil, which is much more concentrated.
General Safety of Oregano and Oregano Oil
Oregano, in its culinary form, is typically safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, the essential oil derived from oregano is a different matter. The concentrated nature of oregano oil means it contains higher levels of active compounds, which may not be prudent for nursing mothers. Some sources suggest that while oregano oil has been used for medicinal purposes, including treating conditions like thrush, there is a lack of clinical studies confirming its safety and efficacy in breastfeeding contexts.
Potential Risks and Recommendations
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential effects of oregano oil on milk production. Some studies indicate that oregano may contain compounds that could decrease prolactin levels, a hormone crucial for milk production. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers are often advised to avoid large quantities of oregano or its oil to prevent any adverse effects on milk supply.
Moreover, while oregano oil is sometimes suggested for treating lactation-related issues, such as Candida infections, experts caution against its use due to insufficient evidence supporting its safety. The potential for gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions, although rare, has also been noted.
Conclusion
In summary, while culinary oregano is safe in moderation, the use of oregano oil during breastfeeding is generally discouraged. The concentrated nature of the oil, combined with the potential for adverse effects on milk production and the lack of robust safety data, leads many health professionals to recommend caution. Nursing mothers should consult with healthcare providers before using oregano oil or any concentrated herbal remedies to ensure the safety of both themselves and their infants.

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.

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 essential oil stops breastfeeding?

Sage, peppermint, spearmint, lemon balm, oregano, and cabbage leaves can all be incorporated into a pressed oil (cold pressed or hot) to make massage oils for milk suppression. Peppermint essential oil has been used traditionally for decreasing milk supply.

Does oil of oregano decrease milk supply?

Oregano oil is frequently used as an herbal antibiotic. Lactation consultants have seen milk supply decrease as a result of using oregano oil. For those who are more sensitive, even herbal extracts used in flavorings may decrease milk production.

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.

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.

Who should not use 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.

Is oil of oregano safe while breastfeeding Kelly?

Safety Issues:
Most sources recommend that oil of oregano should not be taken internally, particularly by infants and young children. Anything applied to the nipple is likely to be ingested by baby unless it is washed off very well before nursing.

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.

What oil dries up breast milk?

Making sense of this phenomenon
Clearly, some mothers are affected and others are not. Even a small amount of peppermint oil will reduce milk supply for some women Among those who reported no effect, some were trying to reduce their supply because they were weaning.