Breastfeeding Herbs

FROM THE BOOK "NATURAL HEALTH AFTER BIRTH. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO POSTPARTUM WELLNESS"
AVIVA JILL ROMM

When you are breastfeeding, much of what you take into your body you give to your baby along with your milk. This includes many pharmaceutical drugs, both prescription and over the counter (OTC), as well as many herbs. And just because herbs are natural, that doesn't mean they're all safe for you or the baby. As with pharmaceutical substances, some medicines might be fine for adults but not so for babies and children. Therefore, it is important to know that what you ingest while nursing is safe for both of you.

According to "The Botanical Safety Handbook" (McGuffin et al. 1997), nationally recognized as the definitive guide to herb safety, herbs are classified as follows:

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

Class 2: Herbs for which special restrictions apply, unless otherwise directed by an expert qualified in the use of the described substance.

2a: For external use only
2b: Note to be used during pregnancy
2c: Not to be used while nursing
2d: Other specific use restrictions as noted

Class 3: Herbs for which significant data exist to recommend labeling "To be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the use of this substance".

Class 4: Herbs for which insufficient data are available for classification.

Those herbs not to be used internally while nursing unless otherwise directed by an expert qualified in the appropriate use of the substance are as follows:

Alkanet
Aloe vera
Aloes
Basil*
Black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Borage
Bugleweed
Cascara sagrada
Chinese rhubarb
Coltsfoot
Comfrey
Elecampane
Ephedra
Garlic*
Joe Pye
Licorice
Male fern
Purging buckthorn
Senna
Stillingia
Wormwood

In addition to the herbs on this list, breastfeeding mothers should avoid all herbs with known toxicity, herbs that have active hormonal properties, herbs that are stimulants or strong sedatives, and the internal use of essential oils. Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, a family physician, herbalist, and midwife, recommends avoiding the following herbs in addition to the above list: cinchona bark, cola seeds, guarana, jasmine flowers, kava kava, madder root, pulsatilla, and senecio.

Nourishing herbs for the postpartum mother:

Alfalfa
Ashwaganda
Gotu kola
Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers
Milky oats
Nettle
Red raspberry leaf
Rose hips
Ashwagandha
Catnip
Chamomile
Hops
Lavender
Lemon balm
Motherwort
Skullcap
Vervain
Blessed thistle
Dandelion leaf
Fennel
Fenugreek
Nettle
Saw palmetto
Vervain
Vitex