Is spearmint safe while breastfeeding?

Is Spearmint Safe While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether spearmint is safe for breastfeeding mothers is a nuanced one, with varying opinions and limited scientific research. Spearmint, known for its refreshing flavor and aroma, is often consumed in teas and culinary dishes. However, concerns have been raised about its potential effects on milk supply.
Milk Supply Concerns
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that spearmint may decrease milk production, albeit to a lesser extent than peppermint. A user on BabyCenter noted that while there are claims about spearmint’s impact on milk supply, the effects are not as pronounced as those attributed to peppermint. This aligns with the general consensus that while certain herbs can influence lactation, the amounts typically consumed in food or tea are unlikely to cause significant issues.
Interestingly, a poll conducted by the Tisserand Institute revealed that there is no definitive research confirming that peppermint oil or spearmint affects milk supply. The author, Robert Tisserand, expressed uncertainty about the mechanisms that could lead to such an effect, indicating a lack of scientific backing for these claims.
Safety and Consumption Guidelines
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, spearmint is generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts. A study highlighted that spearmint extract does not produce adverse effects at doses up to 900 milligrams per day, although the safety of higher doses during breastfeeding remains unclear.
Moreover, the NHS does not advise breastfeeding mothers to avoid peppermint tea, suggesting that the concerns surrounding mint and milk supply may be overstated. This perspective is echoed by various health sources, which emphasize that moderate consumption of spearmint in food or tea is unlikely to pose risks to breastfeeding mothers or their infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are some concerns regarding spearmint’s potential to affect milk supply, the evidence is largely anecdotal and lacks robust scientific validation. Most health professionals agree that moderate consumption of spearmint is safe for breastfeeding mothers. As always, it is advisable for nursing mothers to consult with healthcare providers regarding their diet and any specific concerns they may have about herbal consumption.

Does spearmint affect milk supply?

Common herbs that decrease milk production:
Parsley (in large amounts) Spearmint. Thyme. Rosemary.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• 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 when 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 spearmint tea safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy: Spearmint and spearmint oil are commonly consumed in foods. But spearmint is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in large amounts during pregnancy. Very large doses of spearmint tea might damage the uterus. Avoid using large amounts of spearmint during pregnancy.

What is the difference between peppermint and spearmint?

Menthol level: Menthol is the chemical ingredient that creates that recognizable and much-loved cooling effect on the mouth. Peppermint contains 40% menthol as opposed to spearmint’s 0.5%. Flavor: Because there is so much less menthol in spearmint, it’s sweeter than peppermint (which has more of a spice or kick to it).

Is spearmint oil safe while breastfeeding?

Avoid using large amounts of spearmint during pregnancy. Breast-feeding: Spearmint and spearmint oil are commonly consumed in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if larger amounts of spearmint are safe when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Does peppermint mess with breastfeeding?

Peppermint. Peppermint and spearmint can adversely affect milk supply. Drinking an occasional cup of peppermint tea should not be a problem. You’d have to drink very large amounts daily (think quarts!) to decrease your supply.

Can a nursing mother take mint leaf?

Peppermint is also rich in menthol, which has been associated with the potential to decrease milk supply. As a result, some lactation consultants and healthcare providers advise caution when consuming peppermint, or other menthol-containing products, particularly in large quantities or concentrated forms.

Can I eat thin mints while breastfeeding?

Since both mint chocolate chip ice cream and thin mints both have a very small amount of peppermint oil in them. Its very unlikely that you would impact your supply buy eating a serving or two of them.

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.