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Home > Herbs and Breastfeeding > Is This Herb Safe for Nursing Moms?A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Herbal safety for nursing mothers
Garlic is considered safe for nursing moms. It's sometimes recommended that moms eat garlic to help babies nurse better. Per Hale, transfer into human milk is probable but not reported. Few adults concerns have been reported, but observe for excessive bleeding. No reported concerns for children. Garlic is considered safe by the FDA, based on the lack of known serious adverse outcomes despite culinary and medicinal use throughout human history (including daily use by pregnant or lactating women). More info can be found in the article, A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs by Mary Ann O'Hara, MD, MST; David Kiefer, MD; Kim Farrell, MD; Kathi Kemper, MD, MPH. [top]
No harmful effects are known for pregnant or nursing moms. Do not use Gentian Root if you have stomach or duodenal ulcers. More general info here. [top]
Ginger is not known to cause any serious side effects, despite worldwide culinary and medicinal use. It is on the FDA's GRAS list. Possible side effects include heartburn and allergic reaction (rare). More info can be found in the article, A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs and the article Herbals and Breastfeeding. According to the American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Index, ginger capsules are not to be used during pregnancy. Persons with gallstones should consult a health care practitioner before use. [top]
Thomas Hale's "Medications and Mother's Milk" indicates that Ginkgo Biloba extract (this is an extract of the leaves) appears relatively nontoxic for nursing moms and their babies. The seeds and fruit pulp of the Ginkgo Biloba tree are toxic and should not be consumed. This herb has anticoagulant properties, so may affect coagulation processes in the mother and the nursling. For this reason (per Nice et al) it should be used with caution, especially in infants with cardiovascular disease. Possible adult side-effects include headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, GI symptoms, and dermatologic reactions. No pediatric concerns (via breastmilk) have been reported. Several case reports (not in Hale) indicate that ginkgo biloba may increase milk supply. More info can be found in the article, A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs and in the article Fossil Medicine: Ginkgo biloba (Corrigan D. European Journal of Herbal Medicine, Vol 1:3 1995) [top]
Panax Ginseng is not considered a "safe" substance for long-term use in lactating women. Ginseng may cause estrogenic side effects as well as platelet changes. The most common form is the American root called Panax quinquefolium L. (this is an endangered species). There is also an Asian variety (panax ginseng), also called Korean or Chinese ginseng. These two varieties are practically identical. No data are available concerning transfer into human milk. According to Hale, no pediatric concerns have been reported but caution is urged. Also known as white ginseng, red ginseng, panax, minimycin, and red kooga. Possible side effects include tachycardia and hypertension. A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs (O'Hara et al) says, "We do not recommend ginseng use for pregnant or lactating women or for children until safety and efficacy are proven in randomized controlled trials." More on Is Ginseng Safe for Nursing Mothers? and ginseng in general. [top]
Little is known regarding eleutherosides and breastfeeding. Until more information is available, some suggest that Siberian ginseng should be avoided during nursing (more here). Others indicate that siberian ginseng is safe for nursing mothers: see Is Ginseng Safe for Nursing Mothers? by Dee Negron. [top]
Goldenrod appears to be safe for nursing moms. No known side effects
or contraindications have been reported. Be sure to drink lots of
fluids while using it. [top]
Use of goldenseal is questionable during lactation. It's not absolutely contraindicated; nor is it recommended. Goldenseal can be toxic in moderate doses. Avoid excessive or long term use. The authors of the Botanical Safety Handbook recommend it not be used in pregnancy due to documented oxytocic and uterostimulant properties of the plant's isoquinoline-type alkaloids (notably berberine, hydrastine). Like these authors, Brinker (Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions) does not contraindicate for lactation, only for pregnancy. According to A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs, goldenseal should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, neonates, or patients with cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, or coagulation problems. One herbalist indicates that goldenseal can be used very short-term (no more than 3 doses, one per day, of 2-4 ml tincture) while lactating. This source indicates that the main concern with the use of goldenseal in lactation is its drying effect over a significant period of time. Short term use of goldenseal as a tea (a few days) is unlikely to have a negative effect on an older baby but, as always, watch your baby. Anyone can have an allergic reaction to anything at any time. Additional general info can be found here. [top]
I have not been able to find any contradictions to taking this while breastfeeding. More general info on grape seed extract is here. [top]
I have not been able to find any contradictions to taking this while breastfeeding. [top]
Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea - the only difference is in the processing. Like black tea, green tea contains caffeine, so limit use if your child is unusually sensitive to caffeine. Because of its caffeine content, you may want to restrict your intake of green tea during pregnancy.
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Page last modified:
05/19/2006
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