A baby nursing at a mother’s breast is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature.” – David Suzuki. Lactation is a phase that can be challenging for new mothers. Frequent feeding and caring for a newborn often result in sleep deprivation, lethargy/fatigue, and stress, tempting mothers to use herbs such as ginseng while breastfeeding. Ginseng is popular for enhancing vitality and vigor. Generally, the use of ginseng is safe for adults. However, it is unclear whether using ginseng is safe or effective for lactating women. Hence, ginseng or any products containing ginseng should be used under expert supervision. Further, studies show that ginseng doesn’t have any lactation-related benefits. However, its use is prevalent among mothers for energization and rejuvenation purposes. Keep reading to learn more about whether it is safe to use ginseng while breastfeeding and the right ways to use it.
What Is Ginseng?
According to New World Encyclopedia “Ginseng is one of the 11 species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, belonging to the genus Panax of the family Araliaceae.” There are three major varieties of ginseng, but only two are true or Panax ginseng. The true Panax ginsengs are Chinese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng and North American Ginseng. Both Asian and American ginsengs contain ginsenosides, which are the substances thought to give ginseng its medicinal properties. Ginseng is sometimes called an “adaptogen”, which means a herb that can help our body to deal with physical and mental stress.
1. American Ginseng
It is an herb that mainly grows in North America. It is a light tan, gnarled root that often looks like a human body with stringy shoots for arms and legs. It contains ginsenosides and is sometimes called an adaptogen. It is useful to treat headaches, fever, indigestion and infertility.
2. Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea. It is also one of the true Ginseng’s and has numerous health benefits. It supports overall health and boosts the immune system. It is useful in treating erectile dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis-c.
3. Siberian Ginseng
It is not a true Ginseng. It is completely different from American and Asian Ginseng and has different active chemical components. It is more useful for maintaining good health rather than treating ill-health. Its regular use is said to improve memory and increase longevity.
Is It Safe To Take Ginseng While Breastfeeding?
Although there is lack of basic knowledge on the indication for use and safety of herbs used by women during lactation? Women who are breastfeeding should take extra caution about certain drugs that might affect their infant and may produce adverse side effects in them. Here are some great sources that can provide us with valuable information regarding the use of ginseng while breastfeeding.
Dr. Hale’s book medications and mother’s milk is a great book that guides us about medication during the lactation period. In this book, he has listed ginseng as a herbal drug that should be avoided during pregnancy, though in a separate entry he gives it an L3 (moderately safe).
According to KellyMom there is no data on the transfer of ginseng into human milk and while no pediatric concern is reported but caution is urged with the use of ginseng (1).
There is one more informational finding about the use of ginseng during breastfeeding. The research says that although there is no evidence exists on the safety and efficacy of ginseng in nursing mothers and infants but because of its possible estrogenic activity and lack of information it should be avoided during breastfeeding(2).
EMedtv states the adverse effect of ginseng on breast milk. They said that since ginseng has estrogenic-like effects, it could theoretically decrease the quality and quantity of breast milk (3). Image: Shutterstock
According to Dr. Jay Gordon extreme caution should be taken when using Panax ginseng. There have been reported pediatric cases of tachycardia and hypertension that appears to be in direct correlation between breastfeeding mother’s uses of panax ginseng. The other possible side effects of ginseng while breastfeeding are nervousness, shakiness, insomnia, skin rashes, heightened anxiety and diarrhea. Logic would allow, though Ginseng contains such strong chemical compounds (Ginsenosides) it is not wise to expose a baby’s delicate immune systems to such adverse effects. The mother should also be aware that Panax ginsengs could contribute to a low milk supply(4).
Best Steps To Take
As a conclusion if you are a nursing mother,
Listen to your body i.e., eat when you are hungry, sleep when tired and drink water when thirsty. Every mother is different, hence each one has a different requirement and needs.
Always concern a medical professional before taking any medication.
Do not assume herbal medicine is 100% safe, just because they are natural. These herbs can be powerful and some can be potentially dangerous and toxic.
Although ginseng is a powerful herb that has great advantages for a normal adult, because there is no fixed evidence regarding its safety for lactating women, it is best to avoid it during lactation. And try to choose another option for combating mental and physical stress under proper medical supervision. Image: Shutterstock
