Can breastfeeding mothers take ashwagandha?

The Safety of Ashwagandha for Breastfeeding Mothers
As more mothers seek natural remedies to support their health during the postpartum period, the question of whether ashwagandha—a popular adaptogenic herb—can be safely consumed while breastfeeding has gained attention. While ashwagandha is celebrated for its potential benefits, including stress reduction and improved energy levels, the consensus among health professionals is cautious.
Limited Research on Safety
Currently, there is a significant lack of research specifically addressing the safety of ashwagandha for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Medical experts generally do not recommend its use during this time due to insufficient evidence confirming its safety for both mother and child. The absence of scientifically valid clinical trials means that the potential risks remain largely unknown, which is a critical consideration for nursing mothers.
Expert Opinions and Anecdotal Evidence
Despite the caution from medical professionals, some experienced mothers and herbalists advocate for the use of ashwagandha while breastfeeding, citing its traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine as a galactagogue—an agent that promotes lactation. However, these endorsements are primarily anecdotal and lack the rigorous scientific backing that would provide reassurance to new mothers.
Dosage Considerations
For those who choose to explore ashwagandha, it is advised to stick to lower doses to minimize any potential transfer to breast milk. Typical recommendations suggest a dosage of 300-500 mg taken one to two times per day. This cautious approach aims to reduce the amount of the herb that could potentially affect the nursing infant.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
In summary, while ashwagandha may offer various health benefits, its use during breastfeeding should be approached with caution. The lack of comprehensive research and established medical guidelines means that mothers should consult healthcare professionals before incorporating this herb into their regimen. Ultimately, prioritizing the health and safety of both mother and baby is paramount, and informed decisions should be made based on the best available evidence.

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 increase weight in females?

Ashwagandha is unlikely to make you gain weight. There’s some chance it could help you lose weight, but weight loss is a complicated formula. It’s not clear if or how ashwagandha might play a role, but if it does, it likely has something to do with your metabolism.

What can I take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding

• SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity.
• Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.
• Beta blockers e.g. propranolol act to reduce heart rate and slow the body and act very quickly.

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

Among the other milk-drying suspects: Aloe, alder buckthorn, barberry, cascara sagrada, ginseng, ephedra, ginger, goldenseal, green tea, guarana, kola nut, ma huang, male fern, parsley, purging buckthorn, rhubarb, sage, senna, wormwood, and yerba mate.

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.

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.

Why can’t you take ashwagandha for more than 3 months?

However, the efficacy and safety of long-term ashwagandha use over months or years for stress, anxiety, or sleep is not known. In addition, ashwagandha may have potential adverse effects on the liver and thyroid and might not be safe for people with prostate cancer or those who are pregnant or nursing.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

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.

How much ashwagandha is safe while breastfeeding?

Based on the available evidence, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends that especially children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with acute or pre-existing liver disease should not take supplements containing ashwagandha.