Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding – Is It Safe?

Can you take Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding?

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to help with sleep and stress. For many new moms, sleep is hard to come by, and stress is par for the course when you bring a new baby into the home. Ashwagandha sounds like the ideal herb for postpartum use, but is it a good idea to take? Can you take ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

Before we talk about the safety of this herb, let’s take a closer look at what this herb is and its potential benefits.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that’s been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Adaptogens help your body adapt to and better manage stress. If you’re feeling exhausted and overwhelmed – which, as a new mom, how could you not be? – an adaptogenic herb like ashwagandha may help you feel more energized.

Like other adaptogens, ashwagandha works gradually. Each day, you feel a little stronger than the last. That gradual build-up is a good thing. Quick energy bursts usually lead to quick energy crashes. As you build up your energy reserve over time, you find that you have more to give.

The ashwagandha plant is an evergreen shrub that’s native to India, parts of Africa and the Middle East. The berries and roots of the plant are used for medicinal purposes and are available as supplements over the counter, such as this pack of Ashwagandha gummies here.

What is Ashwagandha Good For?

Ashwagandha is believed to have many benefits. In Ayurveda, Traditional Indian Medicine, this plant is believed to promote vitality and longevity. Specifically, ashwagandha may help:

Lower Cortisol Levels (The Stress Hormone)

When you’re feeling stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol to help your body respond to the situation. But when you’re in a constant state of stress, your cortisol levels may be high all the time, which can lead to:

Weight gain (meal planning can help with this, too)
Fatigue
Digestive issues
Anxiety or depression

Studies have found that ashwagandha can help lower cortisol levels.

Improve Your Sleep

Sleep may seem like a foreign concept if you’re a new mom, but now, more than ever, it’s important for you to try and get as much rest as possible. Your body is still working hard to heal and produce milk for baby. Not to mention that you’re in charge of caring for your new family addition, so you want to be at your best.

Ashwagandha isn’t a magical herb, but it can help you enjoy a more restful sleep. The leaves and roots of the plant contain a compound called triethylene glycol, which has been shown to help improve sleep quality.

Help You Feel Energized

If you’re like most people, you probably struggled with fatigue even before your pregnancy. Many of us are running on empty 24/7.

But as a new mom, energy may be even more elusive than ever.

Ashwagandha may help. The roots of the plant are rich in withanolides, which play a role in energy production.

In one study, elite cyclists took ashwagandha and saw their energy levels improve. That’s a good sign for new moms – because every day feels like you’re in the Tour de France.

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Research shows that ashwagandha can help reduce blood sugar levels. It’s believed to improve insulin sensitivity and secretion.

Improve Brain Function

Ashwagandha is believed to help improve brain function and memory issues caused by disease or injury. The herb’s antioxidant effects help combat oxidative stress, which can damage nerve cells.

One study looked at the effects of ashwagandha in rats with epilepsy and found that the herb helped reverse spatial memory impairment.

Improve Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Ashwagandha is best known for its ability to combat stress, which can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Research has found that the herb can help block stress pathways in rodents, and one 6-week study found that supplementing ashwagandha helped reduce anxiety.

Related: 26 Best Nursing Bras to Purchase Online

Ashwagandha And Breastfeeding

Can-You-Take-Ashwagandha-While-Breastfeeding — *Can You Take Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding*

Many new moms wonder whether it’s okay to take ashwagandha while breastfeeding. The herb’s natural ability to help with stress and other potential health benefits make it a match-made-in-heaven for moms – at least on paper. But is if safe to take this herb while you’re breastfeeding?

Talk to your doctor before taking any herb or making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Your doctor can help you decide if taking ashwagandha is the right choice for you.

Is Ashwagandha Safe While Breastfeeding?

Can you take ashwagandha while breastfeeding? It’s difficult to find any concrete answers here.

Some herbalists claim that ashwagandha is a safe adaptogen herb, so it’s okay for breastfeeding moms to take it. Parents.com, for example, includes ashwagandha on their list of the best breastfeeding foods.
Other sources say that breastfeeding mothers should take this herb with caution.

It’s best to talk to your doctor about the safety of this herb during breastfeeding.

Ashwagandha Postpartum

There are many reasons why women consider taking ashwagandha while breastfeeding. Postpartum can be stressful and challenging no matter whether it’s your first baby or third. The stress-combating and energy-restoring effects of this herb make it a big hit with new moms.

Here’s what you need to know about taking ashwagandha postpartum.

Ashwagandha And Breastfeeding – Pros And Cons

Even if your doctor gives you the okay to take ashwagandha while breastfeeding, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this herb before adding it to your routine.

Pros

May help you combat stress and feel more energized
Easy to take
Available in many forms, including teas, powders, and capsules

Cons

There isn’t much research on the safety of this herb during breastfeeding
Some people experience side effects

While this herb is well tolerated by many people, it can cause:

Drowsiness in the morning if you take high doses for sleep
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Diarrhea

In many cases, negative side effects are caused by excessively high doses. Like with many other herbs, it’s usually best to be conservative with your dosing if your doctor says it’s okay to take it.

Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding – Risks

Side effects are one risk of taking ashwagandha while you’re breastfeeding, but the biggest risk is the fact that we really don’t know whether it’s safe to take while nursing.

If you take ashwagandha while nursing without consulting with your doctor, you’re potentially putting your health and your baby’s health at risk.

Ashwagandha Gummies While Breastfeeding

Nursing moms who are interested in ashwagandha may be thinking about taking gummies. Gummies are a tasty and convenient way to take herbs, but be cautious.

Most health experts advise against taking this herb while breastfeeding, but even if your doctor says it’s okay, there are still some things that you need to consider, including:

Ingredients

The biggest concern will be the ingredients in the gummies. When you’re nursing, you have to be especially cautious about what you eat because it affects your baby.

Common food ingredients to avoid during breastfeeding include:

Caffeine
Dairy (should be easy to avoid this with gummies)
Eggs
Nuts
Excessive sugar
Chocolate

Sugar will be the biggest concern with gummies. If your doctor says it’s okay to take time, choose a sugar-free or low-sugar option.

Dosage Recommendations

Ingredients are one concern, but dosage is another. Too much of any ingredient may not be a good thing for your milk production or your baby.

When it comes to ashwagandha gummies, Goli is arguably one of the most popular brands. If you’re thinking about taking gummies, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to take Goli while you’re nursing.

Can You Take Goli Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding?

Goli is a popular ashwagandha gummies brand. It’s low in sugar and only contains a few ingredients, like:

Ashwagandha root extract
Vitamin D2
Organic cane sugar
Pectin
Water
Organic tapioca syrup

But is it okay to take these gummies when you’re nursing?

The label on the bottle recommends that you talk to a doctor before taking these gummies if you’re pregnant or nursing. It doesn’t necessarily advise against taking them when nursing, but it’s not advocating for taking them either.

The best thing you can do is ask your doctor whether it’s safe to take these gummies.

Ashwagandha Root Powder While Breastfeeding

Ashwagandha root powder is the simplest way to add this herb to your diet. It’s easy to add to coffee, tea or meals. Just sprinkle or scoop the recommended amount, and enjoy.

But can you take ashwagandha root powder while nursing?

The root powder form of this herb is no different from any other form, meaning that we still don’t know whether it’s safe for women who are nursing.

Like with other forms of this herb, it’s best to consult with your physician before taking it while breastfeeding.

Ashwagandha Tea While Breastfeeding

Tea is the traditional way to enjoy ashwagandha. It’s often combined with other herbs to create a sleeping or healing tonic, but the herb can also be used on its own.

It’s often used to promote restful sleep or to help you stay focused during the day.

The safety of ashwagandha tea while breastfeeding is still unknown, so talk to your doctor before drinking it. Also, consider the safety of any other herbs or ingredients that may be in a tea blend.

Ashwagandha is a well-loved herb that’s well tolerated by most people. It’s generally considered safe, but during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s important to be overly cautious with what you consume. After all, you want your baby to be as healthy and happy as possible. If you’re considering trying this herb, talk to your doctor first to make sure that it’s safe.

50 Best Baby Gift Ideas – for Babies Under One!

Fudgy Lactation Brownies Recipe