Breastfeeding FAQs

Wondering which herbs are safe while breastfeeding?

Here are my most popular questions and answers.

You’ll notice I’ll say Level 1 or Safety 1, safe while breastfeeding.

I use the following references to help guide me, along with my own experience and client feedback over the past decade.

Breastfeeding Herbal Safety

I look at three references.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics

• Dr. Aviva Romm's references from the German Commission E Monographs

• Botanical Safety Handbook; American Herbal Products Association

#1. The American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines for drugs used in lactating women:

• ND: No data available

  1. C: Compatible with breastfeeding

  2. CC: Compatible with breastfeeding but use caution

  3. SD: Strongly discouraged

  4. X: Contraindicated

#2 Data from German Commission E Monographs & Dr. Aviva Romm’s Studies:

• L1-Safest- no adverse effect observed in infants of lactating mothers

• L2- Safer - Limited studies demonstrate no increased risk

• L3- Moderately safe- no controlled studies in breastfeeding women or controlled studies demonstrate minimal adverse effects

• L4- Possible risk- Positive evidence of risk but benefits may make the risk acceptable

• L5- Contraindicated- Significant documented risk

#3 Botanical Safety Handbook; American Herbal Products Association

• Safety Class 1: Herbs that can be safely consumed when used appropriately

• Safety Class 2: Herbs with restrictions

  • Class 2a: External use only

  • Class 2b: Not to be used during pregnancy

  • Class 2c: Not to be used during nursing

  • Class 2d: Other specific restrictions

  • Safety Class 3: Only under the supervision of a qualified expert

1. Rhodiola While Breastfeeding

• Is Rhodiola rosea safe while breastfeeding?

  Rhodiola is an adaptogen that helps decrease anxiety, improve mood, reduce stress, and support sleep.

  Tibetan medicine uses this herb to nourish the lungs and treat lung problems like coughing blood and pneumonia.

  It’s also known to help reduce chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, fibroids, hysteria, headaches, or struggle with ADHD.  But keep in mind it's not used for anyone with bipolar disorder!

  • Qualities: Sweet, slightly bitter, spicy, cool, and dry.  Because it's cooling if you tend to be cold, choose a warming adaptogen.

  • Tincture Dose: 20-60 drops; 2-day

  • Breastfeeding? LS/LD is likely safe with limited data ¹. There are no expected contraindications with lactation.

  • >>Pro tip: Not for pregnancy and avoid if you have bipolar disorder.  Also, it can cause insomnia in sensitive people.

    ====Although likely safe and some women have positive results with Rhodiola, you may want to skip it if you're breastfeeding. 

2. Adaptogens while breastfeeding

• Most adaptogens are safe while breastfeeding. Please check your child for adverse reactions.

  • What are adverse reactions?

    • Any changes in their sleep, skin, digestion, breathing, or fussiness.

    • Stop any botanical immediately.

• Read this post to learn more about adaptogens while breastfeeding::https://www.taragregorio.com/blog/8-must-have-adaptogens-for-breastfeeding-moms

3. Is Schisandra chinensis safe while breastfeeding?

The Chinese name for Schisandra is wu wei zi, which means "five-flavor fruit". Schisandra is an immune tonic; used for a cough, weakness, excess phlegm, and "hood vertigo," a feeling of congestion in the head. 

As an astringent, it's used to control diarrhea, frequent urination, excessive night sweats, and vaginal discharge. It can be drying. It also calms the shen, and is effective if you have stress-induced heart palpitations, feel like you can't take a deep breath, insomnia, anxiety, and bad dreams.

• Use for stress-related illnesses, mild depression, PCOS, PMS, Insomnia, and Fibroids and to improve memory and stamina.

  • Qualities: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and pungent, warm and dry

  • Dose: 20-30 drops; 2-3x day

  • Breastfeeding? Mills & Bones states N; No data available

  • *Pro tip: Don’t take during acute illnesses.  Moms report feeling irritable when breastfeeding.  I'd skip it for now.

4. Is holy basil safe while breastfeeding?

Holy Basil - Ocimum sanctum

• Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a great botanical for new moms trying to reduce coffee and wanting to soothe anxiety. Known to promote the flow of mother's milk, it can also reduce “mental fog”,  improving memory, great for ADD and ADHD, and reducing stress. 

• David Winston says he uses Holy Basil with Damiana, Rosemary, and Lavender for stagnant depression; when one has some type of traumatic event and is unable to move on. 

• Qualities: pungent, sweet, warm

  • Dose:Tincture: 40-60 drops; 3x day

    • Tea: 1 tsp. to 8 oz of hot water, steep, covered 5-10 min.

    • Breastfeeding? This herb was first suggested in my Optimal Nutrition for Postnatal Recovery by Burrel Education but not found in my other herbal books. 

    • The Botanical Safety Handbook considers it Safety Class 1: as having no concerns while breastfeeding. 

    • Pro tip: BUT!! Do avoid it during pregnancy or if trying to get pregnant; it can have an anti-fertility effect in men and women! Caution with medications. 

5. What are natural remedies for mastitis?

Watch this video to learn my favorite, tried-and-true homeopathic remedy for mastitis.

6. Is Ashwagandha or St John's wort better for anxiety?

• Ideally, we want adaptogens + nervines when it comes to anxiety.

• To learn more, read this post here:https://www.taragregorio.com/blog/ashwagandha-vs-st-johns-wort

7. How to use homeopathy while breastfeeding?

Homeopathy is safe while breastfeeding when used correctly. Please watch this video to learn more.

xo

Tara