Is Ashwagandha Safe to Take While Breastfeeding or Nursing?

Is Ashwagandha Safe to Take While Breastfeeding?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Its name translates to “smell of horse” in Sanskrit, referring to the distinct smell of the plant’s root. Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.

The herb is becoming increasingly popular as a supplement to help manage stress, reduce anxiety, boost fertility, and even help fight some cancers. However, many new mothers wonder if it is safe to take ashwagandha while breastfeeding.

What Are the Purported Benefits of Ashwagandha?

Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used as an adaptogen. This means it is thought to help the body manage stress more effectively. Some of the purported benefits of ashwagandha include:

• Reducing cortisol levels
• Decreasing anxiety and depression
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels
• Reducing brain cell degeneration
• Improving memory and cognitive function
• Increasing fertility in men and women

The herb contains active compounds like withanolides and alkaloids that are thought to account for its medicinal properties. Modern research seems to back up some traditional uses for ashwagandha.

What Does the Research Say About Ashwagandha Safety?

Most major health organizations consider ashwagandha safe for adults when taken by mouth in appropriate doses. The typical dosage is 450-500 mg twice daily. The herb has been used safely in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years.

However, ashwagandha does come with some side effects to be aware of. Potential side effects can include:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Skin rashes

Animal and isolated case studies have shown that taking too much ashwagandha could potentially lead to liver damage, seizures, or abortion. However, these effects have not been reported in any major human clinical studies at normally recommended dosages.

Is Ashwagandha Considered Safe During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

There have not been sufficient high quality human studies on ashwagandha to deem it completely safe or unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown mixed results in terms of abortion risk.

Since there is insufficient evidence about its safety, most doctors advise avoiding ashwagandha supplements while pregnant. The same precautions apply to breastfeeding mothers, since the compounds could pass through breast milk to the infant with unknown effects.

Possible Risks of Taking Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding

While there are currently no human studies looking specifically at ashwagandha and breastfeeding, potential risks include:

• Unknown effects on infant development
• Harm to infant’s liver or kidneys
• Disruption of infant’s hormone levels
• Reduced milk supply in the breastfeeding mother

Additionally, ashwagandha may cause drowsiness in some people. Excessive drowsiness could impact a mother’s ability to properly care for her infant while nursing.

Possible Benefits of Ashwagandha for Breastfeeding Mothers

While risks are theoretical, there are some potential benefits a breastfeeding mother could experience from taking ashwagandha. These include:

• Lowered cortisol levels
• Decreased anxiety
• Stabilized mood
• Improved sleep

By promoting tranquility and relaxation, ashwagandha could help breastfeeding mothers better cope with the demands of caring for a new baby. Always check with your doctor first though.

Dos and Don’ts of Taking Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding

It is best to avoid taking ashwagandha supplements while breastfeeding unless approved by your doctor. However, if you do wish to take it, keep these dos and don’ts in mind:

DO:

• Talk to your doctor first
• Start with low doses (around 250mg once daily)
• Monitor yourself and baby closely for any adverse reactions
• Stop taking it at the first sign of stomach upset, drowsiness, or irritability in yourself or baby
• Limit use to a few weeks at most to be safe

DON’T:

• Take more than 500mg per day
• Take it for more than a month consecutively
• Expect it to significantly increase milk supply
• Rely on it as a substitute for prescription anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications if you have moderate to severe postpartum depression

While ashwagandha shows promise as an herbal remedy, more research is still needed. There are still too many unknowns around safety during breastfeeding. Exercise extreme caution if you decide to try it.

The Bottom Line – Better Safe Than Sorry

Breastfeeding mothers would be wise to err on the side of caution and avoid ashwagandha until after nursing is complete. While it may theoretically have some benefits, the risks outweigh the rewards of taking it while breastfeeding.

If you are struggling with postpartum anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor about safe pharmaceutical options you can consider while nursing. There are antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers.

Your baby’s health is too important to take risks with. Unless your doctor gives you the go ahead, hold off on taking ashwagandha supplements until you are done breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.