Breastfeeding

Pregnancy/Tandem Breastfeeding

Is this Safe when
Breastfeeding?

Herbs and
Breastfeeding

Find Local Breastfeeding Help

Parenting:
Night & Day

Life with Baby

Infant Growth

Starting Solids

Nutrition for
Mom & Baby

Postpartum
Depression

Fun & Interesting

Handouts

Books & Supplies

Message Boards

About this website

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

Melatonin appears to be safe for nursing moms in limited amounts (1–3 mg; avoid the extended-release formulation), however no specific information exists on the use of melatonin during breastfeeding. Couples who are trying to conceive a baby and pregnant women should avoid this hormone. Use only with your doctor's approval if you have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, any condition that affects your lymphatic system, AIDS, osteoarthritis, depression or any other emotional disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, or serious allergies. More here on melatonin and breastfeeding and general melatonin info.

[top]

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

According to A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs, no adverse effects have been reported. Diabetic patients taking milk thistle should carefully monitor their blood glucose and may require reduction in standard antihyperglycemic agents to avoid hypoglycemia. Milk thistle has been reported by some to increase milk supply. See milk thistle for additional general information.

[top]

Motherwort

This herb is not contraindicated while breastfeeding. This herb can be used for moodiness, stress, and general PMS symptoms, it can help regulate menstruation, it soothes menopausal hot flashes, and it helps control bleeding after childbirth. Motherwort is also said to be helpful for moms with postpartum depression/baby blues. Because this herb is used to promote menstruation, do NOT use if there is a chance you may be pregnant. According to Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun Weed, excessive use of motherwort tincture (more than 4 doses -of 5 drops in a glass of water- per day) may cause you to become dependent on it.

More on motherwort (not breastfeeding-related)

[top]

Myrrh

No harmful effects are known during lactation. The American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Index say that myrrh is not to be used during pregnancy. According to the book Herbally Yours by Penny Royal, myrrh can be used to help with thrush, but I have no details on this. See also myrrh for additional general information.

[top]

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