Herbal supplements and teas are becoming increasingly popular as a way to do this. Carum carvi (Caraway) — can help a colicky baby calm down and sleep better. My 4 week old baby boy has had constant gas and stomach pains for the last 2 wks. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T022800.asp, http://www.firstcandle.org/?s=sleep+and+pacifier, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medlineplus.html. Some of the herbs on this list are included because they contain constituents that may be harmful to the mother or baby. Avoid the pharmacologically active herbal teas. Can be used externally. As always, for your safety and your child’s safety, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding check with your healthcare provider before taking herbs, prescription or over-the-counter medications. Peppermint: Some women report a reduction in breast milk even after eating breath mints or peppermint candies. Do I need one? Aloe: Used as a laxative, generally contraindicated if used in large quantities. To help you feel more confident, here’s a list of herbs to avoid while breastfeeding and a few of the best to use. Even vitamins and simple Echinacea may contain herbs that should not be used by breastfeeding mothers, such as ginkgo or ginseng. There are two main types of herbs to avoid while breastfeeding: those that can decrease your milk supply and those that may actually harm your baby. By knowing which herbs to avoid while breastfeeding, you can have much more peace of mind about going herbal. Using large therapeutic amounts of the following herbs should be avoided while nursing because they have been known to decrease milk supply. Realistically, herbs have been used for thousands of years to benefit new mothers. (This is also not an exhaustive list. May 12, 2016 - Using large amounts of the following herbs and other natural remedies should be avoided while nursing because they have been known to decrease milk supply. Generally speaking, these herbs are fine to use while cooking but may decrease milk supply when taken in large amounts. Herbal supplements and teas are becoming increasingly popular as a way to do this. This herb has not been tested for safety while nursing. Parsley: Fine in small amounts. Other herbs in the mint family: Including oregano, thyme, lemon balm, and spearmint. Because there is a lot of confusion on supplements to avoid while breastfeeding, I have curated a list of supplements that should be taken with utmost keenness for the comfort and wellbeing of your baby. Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. The safety depends on the herbs you are taking. There are other herbs to be avoid during breastfeeding because they are traditional antilactagogues used during weaning and can reduce breast milk production. Like the foods we eat and the medicines we take, some of the constituents in herbs are excreted in breast milk and are, therefore, ingested by a nursing baby. Herbs that can reduce breast milk are called antilactagogues. The use of herbs during breastfeeding is not unheard or new. One option for breastfeeding mothers is to avoid nursing from 60 to 105 minutes after taking herbs. Here are a few herbs that are safe while nursing and can benefit you: As always, it’s important to speak to your healthcare practitioner about any concerns you have while breastfeeding. Designed for Euphoric Herbals | Powered By Wordpress, What You Need To Know About MRSA and Breastfeeding, Best Herbs for Natural Pain Relief & Inflammation, Everything You Need To Know About Breastfeeding With…, Herbs to Increase Breast Milk Supply Naturally. You’ve probably noticed that many of the herbs to avoid while breastfeeding are not everyday herbs. Chaparral (Larrea tridentata): Also known as creosote bush. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth. Those that can have an estrogen-like effect (also known as phytoestrogens) should typically be avoided because of their potential to affect the development of your baby. Parsley, sage, and peppermint can actually reduce your milk production. Yarrow: Can be helpful when used externally postpartum but may decrease milk supply when taken internally. There are oodles of herbs that are thought to be worthy of caution, but none that have been actually observed to cause problems. If you are currently or soon to be breastfeeding, check out these safe herbal lactation supplements. There are other herbs to be avoid during breastfeeding because they are traditional antilactagogues used during weaning and can reduce breast milk production.Herbs That May be Harmful to Mother & Baby Alder Buckthorn berry and bark (Rhamnus Frangula); closely related to cascara sagrada – purative, laxative intestinal irritant, anthroquinones glycosides excreted in breast milk Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria); hepatotoxic phyrrolizidine alkaloilds secreted in breast milk Aloe (Aloe … Essential Oils to Avoid While Pregnant and Breastfeeding. Posted on Published October 11, 2020 by . Of course this is not a complete list of herbs to avoid during breastfeeding. Always check the label. Herbs such as fennel and fenugreek may not be harmful if taken in small quantities, while herbs such as sage leaves and parsley may dry up the breastmilk. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It’s natural to want to feel your best and support your body after pregnancy. Borage: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (danger of liver damage). Many women have found herbal supplements, teas, and even skincare products to be very beneficial after pregnancy. Red Raspberry Leaf – Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains.