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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

Considered safe for nursing moms. Reported useful for nursing moms who are trying to conceive. According to the American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Index, this is not to be used during pregnancy.

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Fenugreek

Fenugreek is considered safe for nursing moms, and is commonly used to increase milk supply. Per Hale, the transfer of fenugreek into human milk is unknown, but untoward effects have not been reported. Commonly causes maple syrup odor in urine & sweat. Can cause diarrhea, hypoglycemia (at higher doses), worsening of asthmatic symptoms. Use during pregnancy is not advised. Fenugreek is in the same family with peanuts and chickpeas, and may cause an allergic reaction in moms who are allergic to them. Diabetic (IDDM) mothers should use caution with fenugreek since it can cause lowering of blood glucose levels.

Another use for fenugreek seeds: Steep several ounces of seeds in a cup or so of water. Let seeds cool, then mash them. Place on a clean cloth, warm, and use as a poultice or plaster on engorged or mastitic breasts to help with let-down and sore spots. This seems to draw infection out and assist the flow of milk.

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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Several references indicate that feverfew is safe during lactation. However, Herbals and Breastfeeding (F. Nice et al.) states that until standardization has been achieved, safety in breastfeeding cannot be assured due to the potential for neurotoxicity. It is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the potential side effect of uterine stimulation. From 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:

In summary, some feverfew preparations can prevent migraines, with efficacy that compares favorably with beta-blockers and valproic acid. However, side effects may limit the use of feverfew, as 5% to 15% of users develop aphthous ulcers and/or gastrointestinal (GI) tract irritation. Sudden discontinuation can precipitate rebound headaches. Long-term safety data are lacking. Feverfew should not be used during pregnancy (historically it has been used to induce menstrual bleeding) or in patients with coagulation problems (feverfew can alter platelet activity). For patients who want to try feverfew, expert herbalists recommend a gradual dose increase up to 125 mg/d orally of encapsulated leaves (2-3 leaves) standardized to contain 0.2% parthenolide. However, according to a 1992 study, none of the commercially available North American preparations contained even half of the recommended parthenolide concentration.

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Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum)

Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are reported safe for nursing moms.

Cracked flaxseed is used as a laxative, and should be ingested only with adequate liquid. When flaxseed is taken as recommended, there are no known side effects. Not for use by persons with bowel obstruction. Flaxseed is not absorbed systemically, and therefore poses little threat to the nursling during breastfeeding. More here.

Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. It's a dietary source of LNA (alpha-linolenic acid). The Food and Agricultural Organization recommends that at least 6% of the calories of a lactating woman's diet be from the essential fatty acids (linolenic acid [LA] and LNA). Both LA and LNA play a very important role in brain development.

I've heard from one source that flaxseed oil can increase milk supply - I have no idea if this is true. One midwife suggests taking an essential fatty acid supplement (flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids) to aid milk supply, because the fatty acids help us to make the hormones we need for breastfeeding.

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Disclaimer: Most herbal treatments have not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to lactation. Herbs are drugs, and some caution is necessary. I am presenting this data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and am not liable for its accuracy nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on this information.

Page last modified: 03/03/2005
Written: 7/23/1998