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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

Kava kava is is contraindicated in nursing mothers. It is believed to enter breastmilk. Kava kava has depressant effects on the central nervous system and may cause hallucinations and/or skin discoloration. Although there is no documentation as to adverse side effects for breastfed babies whose moms take this herb, one concern would be that if it does by chance pass through breastmilk, it may cause a very sleepy, lethargic baby. The American Herbal Products Association rates Kava kava (piper methysticum) as 2 B, C, D -- which means it is contraindicated in pregnancy (B), Lactation (C) and has general contraindications for other things (D).

See also: Kava: Safe for Nursing Moms? by Kathy Kuhn , IBCLC. More info on kava-kava is summarized here and in a review by Kerry Bone. Kava: A Safe Herbal Treatment for Anxiety. Townsend Letter for Doctors. June 1995. p. 84-87. General info from WebMD on kava kava.

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Kelp

Kelp ought to be OK. High in iron. Alfalfa, dandelion root, kelp combination has been recommended for tired feeling one can get while pregnant, nursing or chasing toddlers (or all three). Kelp, depending on its source, can be contaminated (but so can anything else); in high doses it can trigger hyperthyroidism if it has high iodine levels.

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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