Some teas should not be taken while breastfeeding, as they can reduce milk production or even harm the baby’s health, causing diarrhea, gas, intoxication or stomach irritation.
Other types of teas, such as fenugreek, chamomile and fennel tea, are safe and can be consumed during breastfeeding, as they help treat the baby’s gas and also help to increase breast milk production.
However, it is essential to always consult an obstetrician or a healthcare professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants before drinking any type of tea while breastfeeding.
Teas that can reduce milk production
Some teas that can reduce breast milk production are:
- Lemon balm, also known as lemon balm or lemon balm;
- Oregano;
- Parsley, also known as parsley;
- Peppermint, also known as kitchen mint or bastard peppermint;
- Thyme, also known as thymus;
- Sage;
- Jasmine, also known as yellow jasmine, white jasmine, or Chinese jasmine;
- Holy spine;
- Periwinkle;
- Millefolio;
Other teas such as Brazilian elderberry and avocado should also be avoided during breastfeeding, as they can reduce breast milk production.
Teas that can pass into milk
Some teas can not only alter the flavor and make breastfeeding difficult, but also harm the baby’s health and, therefore, should not be consumed during breastfeeding, they are:
- Black tea, green tea or matcha, as they contain caffeine;
- Carqueja tea;
- Ginseng tea;
- Licorice root tea;
- Ginger tea;
- Horsetail tea;
- Artichoke tea;
- Macela tea, or marcela;
- boldo tea;
- Arnica tea;
- Hibiscus tea;
- Star anise tea.
In addition, other teas such as turmeric, cinnamon, mille-feuille, calendula, mastruz, horse chestnut, comfrey, cologne, garlic and echinacea should also be avoided, as there is no scientific evidence that they are safe during breastfeeding. .
Safe Teas While Breastfeeding
Before choosing the type of tea, it is important to consult a doctor or health professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants, to avoid harm to the baby’s health.
However, some types of teas such as fenugreek, mate tea and fennel, for example, are safe and can be used during breastfeeding to treat problems in the mother or baby and also help to increase breast milk production.
Additionally, chamomile (Matricaria recutita) can also be used during breastfeeding. However, Roman chamomile should be avoided, as there are still no studies that prove the safety of using this plant during breastfeeding.
Bibliography
- NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF CORDOBA. They confirm that it is safe to consume yerba mate while breastfeeding. Available at: <https://www.unc.edu.ar/comunicaci%C3%B3n/confirman-que-es-seguro-consumir-yerba-mate-durante-la-lactancia-materna>. Accessed on February 20, 2023
- EUROPEAN MEDICINES AGANCY. Assessment report on Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All., flos . 2010. Available at: <https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-chamaemelum-nobile-l-all-flos_en.pdf>. Accessed on October 12, 2022
- EUROPEAN MEDICINES AGANCY. European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos. 2015. Available at: <https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-matricaria-recutita-l-flos-first-version_en.pdf> . Accessed on October 12, 2022
- MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Breastfeeding and use of medications and other substances. 2012. Available at: <http://biblioteca.cofen.gov.br/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/amamentacao_uso_medicamentos_outras_substancias_2edicao.pdf>. Accessed on Jul 14, 2022
- ANDERSON Philip. Herbal Use During Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Medicine. 12. 9; 507-509., 2017
- ELLINGTON L et al. Abstracts of the 2009 North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology Annual Meeting, September 21–26, 2009, San Antonio, Texas, USA. Clinical Toxicology. 47. 702-765, 2009
- NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE AGENCY – ANVISA. Phytotherapeutic form: Brazilian pharmacopoeia 2nd edition. 2021. Available at: <https://www.gov.br/anvisa/pt-br/assuntos/farmacopeia/formulario-fitoterapico/arquivos/2021-fffb2-final-c-capa2.pdf>. Accessed on Aug 5, 2021
- CAMARGO, R, Francisco . Promotion of Maternal and Child Health: reflective group on the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicines during pregnancy and lactation. . course conclusion thesis, 2015. Universidade Estadual Paulista.
- DUARTE, S, Ana Flávia et al. The use of medicinal plants during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Academic Vision Magazine. Vol.18. 4.ed; 126-139, 2017
