7 Must-Have Breastfeeding Herbs
Are you wondering which herbs are safe while breastfeeding?
Today I’m going to share my 7 favorite botanicals for nursing moms.
But, wait. Always watch for adverse reactions from your infant and small children. This includes..
any changes in skin color
any changes in breathing or temper
any changes in your skin, digestion, heart rate etc.
All the herbs suggested below are Level 1 or Class A and are considered safe while nursing.
Herbs and Breastfeeding
Here are 7 botanicals you can try.
Marshmallow Root (Althea Officinalis)
This root is a demulcent and anti-inflammatory, it’s also known to…
increase milk supply
reduce interstitial cystitis
reduce pain from UTI and vulvovaginitis
It’s also good for:
chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.
nutritional deficiencies.
fatigue.
headaches.
skin problems, such as acne, rashes, or eczema.
The easiest way to consume marshmallow would be with a tea. Look for a company that has marshmallow root only if you’re struggling with digestive issues postpartum.
Best tea for breastfeeding
I’d say The ONE daily tea blend! Which has milky oat tops in it to soothe your nervous system.
2. Oats or milky oat tops (Avena sativa)
Benefits:
nervine- calms your nervous system
increases milk supply
soothe insomnia
nervous exhaustion, stress, tension, and irritably
PUPPP The letters PUPPP stand for pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy.
In simpler terms, PUPPP rash is a patch of itchy, hive-like bumps that form in the stretch marks on your belly and spread to other parts of your body when you're pregnant
A cup of oatmeal every morning may help soothe digestion and increase milk supply!
Buy as a loose-leaf herb or look for a high-quality tea. Be
3. Stinging nettles {urtica dioica}
filled with vitamins and nutrients - it’s a tonic and diuretic
It’s also antiallergenic; which means it’s the #1 antihistamine we have available to reduce allergies!
It’s also good for:
acne, fatigue, anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, menstrual irregularities, pelvic congestion, reduce sugar and caffeine cravings and prevent osteoporosis and varicosities
although it may contraindicated during pregnancy many pregnant women have consumed nettles with no reported increase in uterine activity, miscarriage, or malformations in the offspring
Can you Take Ashwagandha while Breastfeeding?
4. Ashwagandha- {withania somnifera}
Good for:
adaptogen, sedative, pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, acute and chronic pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, headache, frequent colds, HSV, insomnia, iron-deficiency anemia, mental exhaustion, PCOS, PMS, PPD, PUPP, stress, and stress-related illness
possible respiratory depression in excessive doses
5. Calendula- {calendula officinalis}
Benefits:
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Good for:
hemorrhoids, nipple thrush, cracked nipples, postpartum perineal care, vaginal dryness
allergic sensitivity in patients with latex allergy
“Use externally for any nipple discomfort and to help your skin heal. ”
Chamomile Tea Breastfeeding
6. Chamomile- {matricaria recutita}
Benefits include:
nervine, anti-inflammatory, carminative, milk sedative, amenorrhea, anxiety, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, GI/abdominal pain, headache insomnia, PMS, restlessness,
“Enjoy Chamomile as a tea or tincture at night to help calm you or your babies!”
Home Remedies for Cold While Breastfeeding
Are you looking for an herb for the common cold? Echinacea is it!
7. Echinacea - {Echinacea spp.}
Benefits include:
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, alternative, lymphatic
endometriosis, HSV, IC, mastitis, recurring UTIs, URI, vulvovaginitis, HSV
possible allergy when flowering tops are included, immunomodulatory medications, clients should not take,
safe during pregnancy and postpartum
“Take as a tincture, when you feel sick”
Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding:
Your top questions about herbs & breastfeeding
How to use herbs while breastfeeding?
Conclusion
Some herbs are safe to take while breastfeeding. Always start with one herb - watch and wait and then add another herb. Start with tea; as it’s more medicinal, then explore tinctures.
If something doesn’t work - don’t throw it away! Save it for when your baby has grown. You never know, you may need it in the middle of the night one day.
