Is Ashwagandha Safe to Use While Breastfeeding? Benefits, Risks and Precautions

Using Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding - Safety, Benefits, and Precautions

Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb used for centuries to reduce stress, boost energy, and enhance health. Its popularity as a supplement has grown in recent years among breastfeeding mothers seeking its purported benefits.

But is ashwagandha safe to use while breastfeeding? Can it pass through breastmilk and impact infant health? Understanding the evidence on risks and recommendations is key.

In this comprehensive guide, we analyze the safety profile of ashwagandha for breastfeeding and lactation. You’ll learn about possible benefits, potential side effects, ideal dosage, drug interactions, and alternatives to ashwagandha.

Overview of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine and homeopathic remedies. The root and leaf extracts contain bioactive compounds like withanolides that exert effects in the body when ingested.

Some of the purported benefits of ashwagandha include:

• Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
• Boosting fertility and libido
• Increasing energy and endurance
• Regulating thyroid hormones
• Supporting immune function
• Enhancing muscle growth and strength

However, human studies are limited and results are mixed. More research is still needed on its efficacy and safety profile.

Ashwagandha and Breastfeeding Safety Analysis

There are currently no human studies investigating ashwagandha use during breastfeeding. But we can analyze what is known about its composition for possible risks:

• Bioactive compounds - Withanolides like withaferin A can cross into breastmilk due to their low molecular weight.
• Toxicity - High doses may cause liver damage. Safe upper limits are unknown.
• Estrogenic activity - Contains phytoestrogens which may impact milk production and infant development.
• GABA activity - May cause drowsiness in breastfed infants by crossing into milk.

Based on this, ashwagandha does appear to have the potential to transfer into breastmilk and reach infants. But the actual effects and safety are uncertain without direct clinical studies.

Possible Benefits of Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding

Some of the potential benefits mothers may seek from using ashwagandha include:

Reducing Stress

Ashwagandha is best known for its ability to alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression. The calming effect may benefit overwhelmed new mothers.

Supporting Milk Supply

By enhancing thyroid function, ashwagandha may help increase prolactin levels essential for milk production.

Regulating Blood Sugar

May assist with stabilizing blood sugar changes common post-pregnancy especially in women with gestational diabetes.

Boosting Energy

New moms often struggle with fatigue, which ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties may counteract.

Improving Immunity

Could provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to bolster the immune system.

Potential Risks of Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding

Despite possible benefits, ashwagandha does come with several potential risks for breastfeeding mothers to consider:

• May cause drowsiness, lethargy in infants
• Unknown effects of withanolides and phytoestrogens on development
• Lack of evidence on long term safety for infants
• Possibility of allergic reaction in infants
• Potential for toxicity or liver damage at high doses
• Can impact future infant gut flora development

More research is still needed to confirm the actual probability and severity of these risks.

Recommended Dosage While Breastfeeding

There are currently no established medical guidelines for ashwagandha dosage during breastfeeding. Some general insights include:

• Most supplements recommend 300-500mg capsules taken 1-2 times per day.
• Stick to the lower end of typical dosing to minimize amount reaching breastmilk.
• Divide dose into smaller amounts throughout the day.
• Avoid concentrated high potency standardized extracts.
• Discontinue use if any side effects are observed in mother or infant.

Safety Precautions for Using Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding

To minimize potential risks, lactating mothers can follow these precautions with ashwagandha use:

• Talk to your doctor before starting ashwagandha.
• Start with low doses and gradually increase.
• Take earlier in the day to avoid infant drowsiness.
• Stop using if any concerning symptoms appear.
• Avoid using for more than a few weeks consecutively.
• Don’t take with other herbs, supplements, or anxiety medications.
• Watch closely for infant allergic reactions or changes in feeding patterns.

Safer Herbal Alternatives While Breastfeeding

Some safer herbal alternatives to consider while breastfeeding include:

• Chamomile - Helps reduce anxiety without drowsiness.
• Lemon balm - Boosts calmness without sedative effects.
• Ginger - Eases nausea and stimulates milk ejection.
• Fenugreek - Used traditionally to increase breastmilk supply.
• Milk thistle - Liver protective with minimal breastmilk transfer.

Medical Perspectives on Ashwagandha and Breastfeeding

In the absence of direct clinical studies, it’s helpful to look at the positions of reputable medical organizations on using ashwagandha while breastfeeding:

United States

The US has not formally evaluated the safety of ashwagandha during breastfeeding. But caution is generally advised for herbal supplements without established infant safety data.

Canada

Health Canada lists ashwagandha as an herb to avoid during breastfeeding. This is due to its chemical composition and lack of safety studies.

United Kingdom

The UK Food Standards Agency includes ashwagandha on its list of herbs not recommended during breastfeeding because of inadequate safety information.

European Union

The EU advises avoiding ashwagandha-containing supplements while nursing because potential risks to the breastfed infant are unknown.

So while there is no universal prohibition, most major health agencies recommend caution with ashwagandha during lactation.

Key Takeaways on Ashwagandha for Breastfeeding Mothers

Here are some key summary points about using ashwagandha while breastfeeding:

• Limited evidence overall on infant safety - more studies needed.
• Potential for transfer into breastmilk based on chemical composition.
• Uncertain effects of withanolides and estrogenic compounds on development.
• May provide benefits like reduced stress and increased milk supply.
• Also poses possible side effects like drowsiness and allergies in infants.
• Most health agencies advise caution until more safety data available.
• Dosage should be conservative and effects on infant monitored.
• Talk to your doctor before using while nursing.

In summary, breastfeeding women should exercise caution with ashwagandha supplements due to limited safety data. Focus on diet, lifestyle, and other safer herbs like chamomile and ginger for support instead. As always, consult your healthcare provider before taking any new herb or supplement while nursing.

FAQs - Ashwagandha and Breastfeeding

Can I take ashwagandha if I am breastfeeding?

Ashwagandha is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to lack of safety data. Potential risks are currently unknown. Safer options are available to support postpartum health.

Is ashwagandha safe while breastfeeding if baby is over 6 months?

No, ashwagandha is not considered safe for breastfeeding mothers even after 6 months. Infant gut and organ systems continue developing past 6 months that may be impacted.

Can ashwagandha increase breastmilk supply?

Early research suggests ashwagandha may increase prolactin and breastmilk supply, but effects in lactating mothers is unproven. Fenugreek is a safer option to naturally boost milk production.

How much ashwagandha is safe while breastfeeding?

No safe dosage is established. Typical doses of 300-500mg capsules taken 1-2 times per day may minimize but not eliminate risks. Starting low and monitoring infant reaction is advised.

Will ashwagandha put my breastfed baby to sleep?

Yes, ashwagandha has GABA activity and sedative effects so it may cause drowsiness in breastfed infants. Taking earlier in the day can potentially minimize this reaction.

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.