Why should you avoid ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

The Cautionary Tale of Ashwagandha and Breastfeeding
As mothers navigate the complex landscape of postpartum health, the allure of herbal remedies like ashwagandha can be tempting. Known for its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha is often touted for its potential to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. However, when it comes to breastfeeding, the consensus among healthcare professionals leans towards caution.
Lack of Research and Evidence
One of the primary reasons to avoid ashwagandha while breastfeeding is the insufficient research surrounding its safety in nursing mothers. Experts highlight that there is a significant gap in scientific studies specifically examining the effects of ashwagandha on breastfeeding women and their infants. This lack of data leads many healthcare providers to categorize ashwagandha as “unsafe due to lack of evidence” regarding its impact during lactation.
While some anecdotal reports suggest that ashwagandha does not have harmful effects, the absence of comprehensive clinical trials means that potential risks remain largely unknown. This uncertainty is particularly concerning given the delicate nature of breastfeeding, where the health and safety of both mother and child are paramount.
Potential Risks to Milk Supply
Another critical consideration is the possibility that ashwagandha could affect milk supply. Certain herbs, particularly when taken in larger amounts than typically used in cooking, have been known to decrease milk production. Although ashwagandha is not universally recognized for this effect, the potential for it to interfere with lactation is a risk that many mothers may prefer to avoid.
Alternatives and Recommendations
For mothers seeking to enhance their well-being during breastfeeding, there are numerous alternatives that are both safe and effective. Many healthcare professionals recommend focusing on a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness and gentle exercise. These methods can provide the desired benefits without the uncertainties associated with herbal supplements like ashwagandha.
In conclusion, while ashwagandha may offer various health benefits, the lack of definitive research and the potential risks associated with its use during breastfeeding warrant a cautious approach. Mothers are encouraged to consult with healthcare providers before introducing any new supplements into their regimen, ensuring that both their health and that of their infants remain the top priority.

Why does ashwagandha make you fertile?

Ashwagandha’s possible advantages to sexual desire can indirectly support fertility by affecting hormones, easing stress, and improving mental well-being. Research from 2022 highlights the positive impact of ashwagandha on enhancing the sexual health of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Will ashwagandha mess with my hormones?

Ashwagandha has a beneficial effect on key factors that influence your menstrual cycle, such as stress, inflammation, and hormonal fluctuations. It helps regulate your cycle by balancing reproductive hormones like serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin hormones.

Does ashwagandha block birth control?

While there’s not much research about ashwagandha and birth control specifically, a 2015 study found that ashwagandha doesn’t seem to affect the enzymes that break down hormonal birth control [11], meaning that they can probably be used together.

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.

Does ashwagandha affect breastfeeding?

Is Ashwagandha Safe While Breastfeeding? Ashwagandha is considered Lactation Category C. This means that Ashwagandha and breastfeeding are considered compatible. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements or making dietary changes while breastfeeding.

Who should avoid ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding. Ashwagandha is not recommended for people who are about to have surgery, or for those who have autoimmune or thyroid disorders.

Is ashwagandha safe with milk?

You can mix one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder in a glass of milk and add some honey to it. You can also add cardamom to improve taste, boost metabolism and promote better digestion. This list covered some of the well-known benefits of adding Ashwagandha to your diet and to your daily cosmetics.

Does ashwagandha help with having a baby?

With all these benefits, It is not a surprise that studies have found Ashwagandha to improve female fertility. Ashwagandha’s fertility-boosting powers are not limited to women, thankfully. Based on research, ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels and boost sex drive in men.

Does ashwagandha increase estrogen levels?

In one study, women with perimenopausal symptoms who took daily doses of ashwagandha significantly increased their circulating oestrogen after 8 weeks. The same study found that ashwagandha lowered levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the hormone that triggers the production of oestrogen in your ovaries.

What does ashwagandha do to breasts?

WS exerts its effect on breast cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death, especially apoptosis, at the molecular level. Ashwagandha has been found to possess a potential for treating breast cancer, especially estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-positive and triple-negative breast cancer.