Consuming Echinacea During Breastfeeding – Is It Safe?

When pregnant or nursing, women need to be especially careful of what they put into their bodies since it has a chance of affecting the little one. When nursing mothers catch colds or the flu, it can become quite a bother since most of the medications that are required for such occasions tend to pass through to the milk, affecting it negatively. At times like this, mothers often turn to herbal remedies since they have been used for generations without causing too many side effects. Echinacea during breastfeeding is one such example—this herb is commonly used as a natural remedy for colds and flu due to its long-standing reputation and minimal side effects.

What is Echinacea?

A flowering herb bearing pink or purple flowers that hail from North America and that are known to have antimicrobial properties is essentially what an Echinacea is. Though there are many species, only Echinacea Pallid, Echinacea Angustifolia and Echinacea Purpurea are used for their medicinal properties as they have chemicals present in them that provide therapeutic effects. The part of the plant that grows above ground gives different chemicals than the roots, and it is only when they are combined do they provide healing benefits.

When consumed, Echinacea triggers certain chemicals in the body to help reduce inflammation as well as any symptoms of either a cold or the flu. It is because of these chemicals that Echinacea is used for various purposes such as treating symptoms of the cold and the flu; fighting against yeast infections and fungi, urinary tract infections, herpes, malaria, typhoid, warts and swine flu; helps to enhance the immunity system and also eases pain. This healing herb can also be used to treat topical ailments such as skin diseases, wounds, burns, bee stings, haemorrhoids and mosquito bites.

Can Breastfeeding Mothers Take Echinacea?

While Echinacea is not considered to be toxic to nursing mothers, there has not been much research done on Echinacea and breastfeeding nor on the effects that it can have on breast milk and infants, so it is often advised that nursing mothers do not take this herbal treatment. Those who suffer from autoimmune disorders will find it disagreeable as it boosts the T-Cell activity in the body, which cause inflammation. There have been some reports of Echinacea triggering asthma attacks and allergies in some people, making it risky for nursing mothers.

How Much Echinacea is Safe to Consume While Breastfeeding?

If you have decided to consume Echinacea during your nursing period you should stick to a few specific doses. When taking the pills, it is best to take 300mg three times a day. If you want to take the tincture, then 1-3ml thrice a day is enough. You can also drink Echinacea tea while breastfeeding by mixing ½ a teaspoon of dried and crumbled Echinacea leaves and flowers and mixing it with one cup of boiling water. Do not consume this for more than a week.

Precautions To Take Before Having Echinacea When Breastfeeding

When considering taking Echinacea during breastfeeding, it is best to consult with your doctor about if it is alright to take this herb at this time. Bring up any medication that you are taking so that your doctor will be able to tell you if the two will mix well together or cause problems. If you have the green light, it is best to purchase your Echinacea from a good company so that you are sure of good quality.

Though herbal remedies are often seen as good, not everything that is natural is good for you. In the case of Echinacea, there is not enough research done so if possible, avoid consuming it while you are nursing.

Also Read :

Foods You Should Avoid While Breastfeeding
Diet Tips to Include While Breastfeeding
Should You Take Vitamin C While Breastfeeding

References:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/echinacea-tea.html

http://cold.emedtv.com/echinacea/echinacea-and-breastfeeding.html

https://www.safeinbreastfeeding.com/echinacea/

https://www.livestrong.com/article/471600-is-it-safe-to-take-echinacea-goldenseal-while-breastfeeding/

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/echinacea-while-breastfeeding_00399526/

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