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All AboutFenugreekHerbs to Avoid While Breastfeeding

 
 
 
 
 

Herbs to Avoid While Breastfeeding

 

Herbs that may decrease milk supply
Using large amounts of the following herbs and other natural remedies should be avoided while nursing because they have been known to decrease milk supply.  The amounts of these herbs normally used in cooking are unlikely to be of concern;  it's mainly the larger amounts that might be used therapeutically that could pose a problem.  However, some moms have noticed a decrease in supply after eating things like dressing with lots of sage, sage tea (often recommended when moms are weaning), lots of strong peppermint candies or menthol cough drops, or other foods/teas with large amounts of the particular herb.  These herbs are sometimes used by nursing mothers to treat oversupply, or when weaning.
 
Black Walnut Periwinkle Herb (Vinca minor)
Chickweed Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Lemon Balm Spearmint
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Thyme
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Yarrow
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)/Menthol  


Herbs that may be harmful to mom and/or baby
Other herbs should be avoided while nursing due to their potential for harming mom and/or baby.  Check the index of herbs for more specific information.  Here are a few herbs that are generally considered to be contraindicated for nursing mothers.  This is by no means a complete list.

Bladderwrack Kava-kava (piper methysticum)
Buckthorn Petasites root
Chaparral Phen-fen, herbal
Coltsfoot (Farfarae folium) Rhubarb
Dong Quai (Angelica Root) Star anise
Elecampane Tiratricol (TRIAC)
Ephedra / Ephedra sinica / Ma Huang Uva Ursi
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Wormwood
Indian Snakeroot  


Disclaimer:  Most herbal treatments have not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to lactation.  Herbs are drugs, and some caution is necessary. We are 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.

 
 

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