Peppermint Tea When Breastfeeding – Benefits and Side Effects

Peppermint tea, known for its refreshing flavour and soothing properties, is a popular herbal remedy enjoyed by many. However, drinking peppermint tea when breastfeeding can come with questions about its safety and potential side effects. Peppermint tea for breastfeeding mothers can relieve digestive issues and promote relaxation, but it’s essential to be aware of its impacts on milk supply and the baby’s well-being. While herbal teas can offer numerous health benefits, they may also pose risks for both mother and baby.

As you read, you’ll learn about peppermint tea and breastfeeding, which will help new moms make informed choices about their dietary habits during this crucial period.

What Is Peppermint? 

Peppermint is a relaxing plant commonly used to alleviate gum pain, stomach difficulties, and digestive issues. It is also found in a variety of commercial items, including chewing gum, toothpaste, and tea. Peppermint’s relaxing and numbing properties help with nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, menstrual cramps, anxiety, skin irritation, and flatulence.

Peppermint, menthol, and methyl salicylate are active ingredients with antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Peppermint is also used as an active element in vaporisers and chest massages. It is also said to help with indigestion and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) (2).

Can You Consume Peppermint Tea While Breastfeeding? 

If you are a nursing mother, it is best to avoid drinking peppermint tea unless your doctor confirms its safety. The calming impact of menthol in peppermint tea relieves stomach issues, skin acne, sore throats, and the common cold.

However, here is some advice about herbal tea and breastfeeding: if you’re breastfeeding, remember to drink a lower amount of herbal tea to avoid any potential negative effects. Peppermint tea contains emmenagogic properties, meaning it can increase uterine blood flow.

Doctors advise against drinking too much peppermint tea while breastfeeding since it lowers the production of breast milk (1). The methanol in peppermint oil, according to researchers, can enter your breast milk and cause diarrhoea or skin irritation in your nursing infant.

Potential Benefits of Peppermint Tea During Breastfeeding 

Here are a few advantages of drinking peppermint tea when breastfeeding:

1. Pain Relief 

Doctors may recommend that you consume a few sips of peppermint tea to alleviate the discomfort you’re experiencing after a C-section. It’s advisable to restrict your intake of peppermint tea as a pain reliever to one or two cups per day (4). Since peppermint tea contains only a trace of methanol, a few glasses will not influence your breast milk production.

2. Stress Relief 

Peppermint tea is a natural energy booster that can help you cope with stress and anxiety during nursing. The methanol in herbal tea acts as a muscle relaxant and provides significant stress alleviation. Before bed, drink peppermint tea to get a good night’s sleep.

3. Relief in the Sinus

Methanol’s calming impact relieves sinus congestion and soothes a sore throat. Peppermint tea, a natural decongestant, treats coughs and colds (5).

4. Reduces Nipple Soreness 

When lactation begins (especially in first-time mothers), your nipples swell, and you may endure considerable pain when feeding your newborn baby. Apply a cotton swab dampened in lukewarm peppermint tea to your nipples. Peppermint’s antimicrobial properties enhance tissue suppleness and decrease nipple soreness; they also reduce pain and inflammation (6).

5. Aids in Weight Loss  

Most nursing moms acquire undesirable body weight after delivery, especially after C-section surgery. You can lose weight by drinking peppermint tea regularly. The herbal tea suppresses your appetite and keeps you full for longer. Drinking the right combination of green tea and peppermint tea can help you lose weight by regulating your metabolic rate and making it simpler for your body to burn fat.

6. Cures Indigestion 

Peppermint tea relieves gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and gas. A cup of peppermint tea might help you overcome gastrointestinal issues and make food digestion smoother (3).

Side Effects of Peppermint Tea on Lactating Mothers 

While nursing, lactating moms should be aware of the following adverse effects of consuming peppermint tea:

1. Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the manufacture of peppermint tea or any other herbal tea on the market. Pesticides and other dangerous substances may be present in the tea. It is usually best to get herbal tea from a recognised producer to avoid contamination.

2. Acid Reflux 

It is a common ailment that affects many people. Drinking peppermint tea might worsen your symptoms if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux. The herb relaxes the valve that connects your stomach to your oesophagus. It triggers the backflow of stomach acid into your oesophagus, and your condition gets worse.

3. Reduced Breast Milk 

Does peppermint tea dry up breast milk? The increased consumption of peppermint tea lowers breast milk production and supply. When you have an excess of breast milk or are weaning as a breastfeeding mother, your doctor may recommend that you drink a modest amount of peppermint tea (7).

4. Drop in Blood Sugar Levels

One of the most severe adverse effects of consuming too much peppermint tea is a sharp drop in blood sugar levels. So, if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s best to cut peppermint tea from your diet.

5. Causes Allergies 

It appears that some persons are allergic to methanol. Common allergy symptoms include headaches, Tremors, mouth discomfort, and unsteady feet.

6. Interacts With Drugs 

According to researchers, peppermint tea has been shown to interact with several prescription drugs. It should never be consumed on an empty stomach or if you suffer from blood pressure, diabetes, or cyclosporine medications. Peppermint tea/oil should be avoided if you have a menthol allergy or suffer from severe asthma. An overdose of peppermint tea causes diarrhoea, sleepiness, muscular soreness, tremors, and an irregular heart rate, among other things (3).

FAQs

1. Can peppermint tea affect the baby?

Peppermint tea, when consumed in moderation, is unlikely to cause any issues for the baby. However, if a breastfeeding mother drinks large amounts of peppermint tea, the compounds in the tea could potentially pass through the breast milk and cause digestive discomfort in the baby.

2. Is it safe to use peppermint oil while breastfeeding?

Peppermint oil can relieve sore or cracked nipples but should be used cautiously. It’s important to ensure the oil is properly diluted and apply it sparingly. After application, the nipples should be thoroughly washed before breastfeeding to prevent the baby from ingesting any residue (1).

Breastfeeding and peppermint tea do not go hand in hand since it inhibits the formation of breast milk. Consult your doctor before drinking peppermint tea or taking supplements. When breastfeeding moms desire to wean or dry up their milk production, they commonly drink peppermint tea. Rooibos tea is a healthy tea to take throughout the breastfeeding period. It’s a caffeine-free tea low in tannins, which means it won’t harm the mother or the baby. We hope that this post provides you with the necessary information on the subject.

References/Resources:

1. Peppermint; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501851/

2. Peppermint Oil; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil#

3. Peppermint; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/peppermint

4. Foods to avoid in pregnancy; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/

5. Cunningham. S; The power of peppermint; UCHealth; https://www.uchealth.org/today/the-power-of-peppermint/

6. Sayyah Melli. M, Rashidi. M. R, Delazar. A, et al.; Effect of peppermint water on prevention of nipple cracks in lactating primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1865372/

7. Suzuki N, Tsugami Y, Wakasa H, et al.; Menthol from Mentha piperita Suppresses the Milk Production of Lactating Mammary Epithelial Cells In Vivo and In Vitro; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33188562/

Also Read:

Chamomile Tea when Breastfeeding
Ginger and Ginger Tea during Breastfeeding
Consuming Coffee/Caffeine while Breastfeeding