Chamomile tea and breast feeding
Chamomile - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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Last Revision: February 15, 2021.
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CASRN: 8002-66-2
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Two different plant species with similar effects are known as chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both contain similar ingredients, including sesquiterpenes (e.g., bisabolol, farnesene), sesquiterpenelactones (e.g., chamazulene, matricin), flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, luteolin), and volatile oils. Chamomile is used orally as a sedative and for gastrointestinal conditions; it is used topically for wound healing. Both herbal and homeopathic preparations have been used to treat mastitis and cracked, bleeding nipples.[1,2] Chamomile has been used as a galactogogue;[3,4] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[5,6]
Chamomile is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a spice, seasoning, or flavoring agent. No data exist on the safety of chamomile in nursing mothers or infants, although rare sensitization may occur (see below).[7] It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, diarrhea, and other conditions,[8-11] so the smaller amounts expected (but not demonstrated) in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses. Note that Clostridium botulinum (botulism) spores have been found in some loose-leaf chamomile teas sold in health food stores.
Topical chamomile is a known sensitizing agent, even with homeopathic products.[12] Two women developed contact dermatitis of the nipples and areolas after applying Kamillosan ointment for cracked nipples. The product was purchased in England and contained 10.5% Roman chamomile extracts and oil. Reactions were confirmed to be caused by Roman chamomile by patch testing in both women. Drinking chamomile tea can exacerbate topical skin rashes and has caused anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals.[13] Chamomile has possible cross-reactivity with other members of the aster family (e.g., echinacea, feverfew, and milk thistle).[7]
Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
A mother nursing her 3-month-old infant began drinking 1.5 to 2 L daily of a chamomile infusion made by pouring 1. 5 L of hot water over 1 to 3 grams of chamomile flowers. Each time after drinking the infusion, she noticed fullness and tenderness of the breasts 4 to 6 hours later. She also found that she was able to pump 90 mL of milk after chamomile use, compared to 60 mL without chamomile use. During this time she was also mildly hypothyroid.[4]
References
- 1.
Castro M. Homeopathy. A theoretical framework and clinical application. J Nurse Midwifery. 1999;44:280–90. [PubMed: 10380446]
- 2.
Nayeri SD, Kheirkhah M, Janani L. The effect of chamomile ointment on the healing of breastfeeding mothers' nipple sore-a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Evolution Med Dent Sci. 2019;8:1399–404. [CrossRef]
- 3.
Boies EG, Vaucher YE, Willies-Jacobo L, et al. Use of foods, herbs and teas by Latina mothers to enhance breastfeeding. Pediatr Res 2004;4 (Suppl. S, Part 2):213A.
- 4.
Silva FV, Dias F, Costa G, et al. Chamomile reveals to be a potent galactogogue: The unexpected effect. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018;31:116–8. [PubMed: 28000519]
- 5.
Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #9. Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting maternal milk production, second revision 2018. Breastfeed Med. 2018;13:307–14. [PubMed: 29902083]
- 6.
Breastfeeding challenges: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 820. Obstet Gynecol. 2021;137:e42–e53. [PubMed: 33481531]
- 7.
O'Hara M, Kiefer D, Farrell K, et al. A review of 12 commonly used medicinal herbs. Arch Fam Med. 1998;7:523–36. [PubMed: 9821826]
- 8.
Weizman Z, Alkrinawi S, Goldfarb D, et al. Efficacy of herbal tea preparation in infantile colic. J Pediatr. 1993;122:650–2. [PubMed: 8463920]
- 9.
Savino F, Cresi F, Castagno E, et al. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a standardized extract of Matricariae recutita, Foeniculum vulgare and Melissa officinalis (ColiMil) in the treatment of breastfed colicky infants. Phytother Res. 2005;19:335–40. [PubMed: 16041731]
- 10.
Zhang Y, Fein EB, Fein SB. Feeding of dietary botanical supplements and teas to infants in the United States. Pediatrics. 2011;127:1060–6. [PMC free article: PMC8202519] [PubMed: 21536609]
- 11.
Wojcicki JM, Holbrook K, Lustig RH, et al. Infant formula, tea, and water supplementation of Latino infants at 4-6 weeks postpartum. J Hum Lact. 2011;27:122–30. [PMC free article: PMC3139537] [PubMed: 21527796]
- 12.
Barankin B, Gross MS. Nipple and areolar eczema in the breastfeeding woman. J Cutan Med Surg. 2004;8:126–30. [PubMed: 15129318]
- 13.
McGeorge BC, Steele MC. Allergic contact dermatitis of the nipple from Roman chamomile ointment. Contact Dermatitis. 1991;24:139–40. [PubMed: 2040155]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Chamomile
Scientific Name
Matricaria recutita; Chamaemelum nobile
CAS Registry Number
8002-66-2
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Complementary Therapies
Phytotherapy
Plants, Medicinal
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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Chamomile reveals to be a potent galactogogue: the unexpected effect
Case Reports
. 2018 Jan;31(1):116-118.
doi: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1274300. Epub 2017 Apr 10.
Fernando V Silva 1 2 , Francisca Dias 3 4 5 , Gustavo Costa 1 6 , Maria da Graça Campos 1 2
Affiliations
Affiliations
- 1 a Pharmacognosy , Faculdade de Farmácia Universidade de Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal.
- 2 b Observatory of Herb-Drug Interactions/Faculty of Pharmacy & CQ - Centre of Chemistry - Coimbra , University of Coimbra, Polo III , Coimbra , Portugal.
- 3 c Molecular Oncology & Viral Pathology Group , IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPO-Porto) , Porto , Portugal.
- 4 d ICBAS, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.
- 5 e Research Department , Portuguese League Against Cancer (NR Norte) , Porto , Portugal.
- 6 f Center for Neurosciences and cell Biology, University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal.
- PMID: 28000519
- DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1274300
Case Reports
Fernando V Silva et al. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018 Jan.
. 2018 Jan;31(1):116-118.
doi: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1274300. Epub 2017 Apr 10.
Authors
Fernando V Silva 1 2 , Francisca Dias 3 4 5 , Gustavo Costa 1 6 , Maria da Graça Campos 1 2
Affiliations
- 1 a Pharmacognosy , Faculdade de Farmácia Universidade de Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal.
- 2 b Observatory of Herb-Drug Interactions/Faculty of Pharmacy & CQ - Centre of Chemistry - Coimbra , University of Coimbra, Polo III , Coimbra , Portugal.
- 3 c Molecular Oncology & Viral Pathology Group , IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPO-Porto) , Porto , Portugal.
- 4 d ICBAS, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.
- 5 e Research Department , Portuguese League Against Cancer (NR Norte) , Porto , Portugal.
- 6 f Center for Neurosciences and cell Biology, University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal.
- PMID: 28000519
- DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1274300
Abstract
Good habits of breastfeeding have been associated with many long-term health benefits. Nowadays, improvement is seen in the health of children and mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. The search of new potent stimulants for milk production is important to promote lactation, mainly in cases where breastfeeding is a difficult task. This report presents a case of a woman who accidentally realized an abundant amount of milk and had high breast tension, a few hours after consuming chamomile. Although usual consumption of chamomile during pregnancy and lactation are documented for several purposes, the galactogogue effect was never reported. In this case report, we document for the first time the influence of chamomile in a lactating woman by increasing lactogenesis. This article also highlights the need of more research in this field to assure the safety of the intake, by women, of herbal product without the risk for them or the newborns.
Keywords: Galactogogue; breastfeeding promotion; herbs; lactogenesis.
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Publication types
MeSH terms
Substances
Is it possible to drink tea while breastfeeding
- Benefits of tea during breastfeeding
- Which tea is better for breastfeeding: black or green?
- Which tea supplements can be used during lactation
- Other useful tea drinks during lactation
During the lactation period, a nursing woman is advised to carefully monitor the diet and exclude foods that can harm the baby from the daily menu. As a natural stimulant of milk production, mammologists recommend drinking tea. But before drinking such a drink, it is necessary to take into account its beneficial properties and decide how safe it will be for the child. nine0013
A nursing mother, in order to compensate for the lack of fluid in the body, should consume about two liters of water per day. It should be borne in mind that not all drinks can be useful during lactation. The most safe and hypoallergenic liquid is distilled water. In order not to go to extremes, it is recommended that a nursing mother drink drinks that have a positive effect on health and at the same time have a pleasant taste and aroma. This includes fermented milk drinks, juices made from natural ingredients, milk and teas. nine0013
It is known that tea itself does not contribute to the stimulation of the lactation process. The mechanism of action of this drink is the same as that of other hot liquids: after ingestion, hot tea improves the flow of milk to the mammary glands.
For a long time, pediatricians have limited the use of tea drink due to the presence of caffeine in it, which has a pronounced tonic effect. Today, such a categorical ban has been lifted. A cup of black or green tea can contain about 85 mg of caffeine, while the allowable dose for a person per day is about 1000 mg. Therefore, a couple of cups of tea drink a day should not harm the child. So in the diet of a nursing mother, different varieties of tea can be safely present. nine0020
If you drink tea while breastfeeding in moderation - no more than 2-3 cups a day, then there will be no harm to the baby. At the same time, it is recommended to give preference only to high-quality and natural drinks without artificial colors and impurities. It is better not to use tea in bags, but to buy tea leaves by weight. As an additional component, you can add milk, herbs, berries and fruits to the drink. To find out if a new tea is suitable for a nursing mother, it is recommended to drink a little freshly brewed drink 30 minutes before feeding the baby and then evaluate the reaction of the newborn's body. nine0013
Which tea is better for breastfeeding: black or green?
Since each person has their own taste preferences, it is recommended that a nursing mother drink the tea drink that she likes the most in terms of taste and effect. Black tea has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, but when consumed in moderation with milk, it relieves fatigue and has a calming effect. The tea leaves of black tea go through a fermentation process, and the longer it lasts, the better and nobler the taste of the tea drink will be, but at the same time it has a lower content of catechins. These substances are necessary for the baby, and for this reason, pediatricians advise giving preference to green tea. At the same time, opponents of the use of green tea note that it contains a large amount of caffeine, as in natural coffee. nine0013
Green tea relaxes the ducts of the mammary glands, but does not significantly affect lactation. As a natural drink, green tea contains such useful components:
- tannin - this substance improves the functioning of the digestive system, strengthens blood vessels and has an antimicrobial effect;
- organic acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals that normalize the functioning of the nervous system and improve the condition of the body as a whole; nine0004
- bioflavonoids with a powerful antioxidant effect.
If the baby is too restless, doctors recommend giving preference to white tea, which undergoes very weak fermentation. Herbal, fruit and flower teas do not contain caffeine at all. A drink like South African rooibos has a minimal list of contraindications and a high content of vitamin C. It also contains beneficial minerals that ease and soothe the work of the gastrointestinal tract in disorders and treat heartburn. In addition, this tea reduces the manifestations of an allergic reaction and strengthens the entire body. The main rule when choosing such a drink is to make sure that the composition of the tea does not contain harmful impurities and components. nine0013
The baby can become capricious and too irritable even against the background of drinking green tea: he may have problems sleeping. If such a reaction is observed, then it is also better to refuse to use green tea. Replace green tea with black tea with less caffeine. There is nothing wrong with a nursing mother drinking even more than one or two cups of tea a day, as long as it does not negatively affect the baby. Since everyone is different, many breastfeeding mothers can drink any drink with safe additives without any problems associated with the deterioration of the baby's well-being. nine0013
Which tea supplements can be used during lactation
The child begins to receive the protection of the mother's immunity even in the process of intrauterine development. It is possible to provide him with reliable protection against various infections after birth with the help of regular tea consumption. For this, ordinary black tea with condensed milk is suitable.
Herbal supplements in the form of lemon balm are also suitable, as a good remedy for relieving intestinal colic and normalizing peristalsis: lemon balm tea will improve bowel function and reduce pain symptoms. Chamomile tea is simply indispensable for breastfeeding, when the baby has the first signs of a cold. As a natural antiseptic, chamomile has an antimicrobial effect no worse than any expensive drug. The advantage of this drink is the safety of chamomile tea for the child's body and the ability to bring down the temperature, as well as remove pain in the event of an inflammatory process. nine0013
Lemon tea also has a protective and regenerating property, serves as a good natural antibiotic and stimulant of the immune system. But during breastfeeding, drinking such tea should be done with caution and make sure that the baby does not have an allergic reaction. To understand whether it is possible to drink tea with lemon during lactation, you need to drink about a quarter cup of a tea drink and observe the reaction of the baby's body during the day. Normally, no redness, rashes should appear on the child's body, and there should also be no changes in behavior. If all is well, it will be possible to increase the intake of lemon tea to 2 or 3 cups per day. nine0013
Replace lemon tea with bergamot tea. Tea with bergamot during lactation has a preventive effect and protects the newborn baby from viral infections. Such a tea drink can be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother from the first days of a child's life and not be afraid that it will cause the development of allergies or dysbacteriosis.
Thyme tea has a calming effect, which is ideal for teething in a baby or if he is worried about prickly heat. Thyme tea has an anti-inflammatory, sedative and beneficial effect on the digestive system. The drink relaxes the body and reduces pain. nine0013
Other healthy tea drinks during lactation
While breastfeeding, a breastfeeding mother can also try Chamomile Flower Premium Tea. This drink promotes good digestion, treats constipation and diarrhea, and reduces gas formation. Chamomile tea saturates the body with the necessary amount of fluid and helps in the treatment of peptic ulcer or colitis. Chamomile flowers contain a large number of useful substances: polysaccharides, vitamins, organic acids, minerals. nine0013
Chamomile tea helps with colds, well relieving the feeling of itching and sore throat. Even small children can treat a cough with chamomile. The addition of a slice of lemon or honey helps to enhance the therapeutic effect of the drink. Chamomile tea tidies up the nervous system and relieves gastrointestinal problems associated with stress.
Ginger matcha tea also has medicinal properties. It is suitable for a nursing mother as a substitute for regular coffee or tea, as it does not contain caffeine. Ginger drink has a characteristic taste and can be prepared with milk or water. Such tea has an antibacterial effect, helps with colds and strengthens the immune system, quenches thirst well and gives a charge of vivacity for the whole day. nine0013
Another useful tea drink is lavender flowers, which has a pronounced antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect. Lavender drink has a delicate oily taste and persistent aroma, and also contains an aftertaste with light herbaceous notes. This tea goes well with honey and a slice of lemon. This plant is often used in medicine for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and problems with the nervous system. Lavender infusion has a deep emotional relaxation, improves tone and has an antiseptic effect. It is brewed at the rate of 3 g of tea leaves per 120 ml of water with a temperature of 80-95 degrees.
Tea called Ku Qiao Mei, or as it is also called Tatar buckwheat, has a sweetish taste and an appetizing aroma of vanilla cookies. The color of the tea drink is bright yellow and it is rich in vitamins P, E, C, group B. Rutin, which is contained in the Tatar buckwheat plant, helps strengthen immunity, regulates blood pressure, strengthens capillary walls and improves blood microcirculation. Such tea should be brewed with purified water at a temperature of 95 degrees at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 200 ml of water. nine0013
It is recommended to buy tea for a nursing mother only of high quality in the form of tea leaves and without the addition of flavors or other chemical components. Each tea drink has its own secrets of brewing, which must be observed in order to maximize the disclosure of its beneficial properties.
Before giving preference to any drink, it is advisable to make sure that the child does not have an allergic reaction to it. Black tea can only be brewed once, while green tea can be reused. Nursing mothers are not recommended to drink tea drinks that can lower blood pressure. nine0013
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how it affects the body, proper brewing, contraindications
Every woman during lactation knows the feeling when, after breastfeeding a baby, there is an irresistible desire to have a snack and drink tea. How to quench your thirst and replenish healthy milk in your body is the main question for a mother during breastfeeding. Ordinary teas and coffee, depending on the stage of feeding the child, are not always harmless. The main preference in this case is given to homemade compotes and herbal teas, including chamomile.
How chamomile tea affects the body of a nursing mother
Chamomile tea is considered the most affordable in the retail network and price category and allowed during the lactation period of a woman.
It is worth noting that its external use (gargling and mouth cavity, bathing) has no contraindications even with prolonged use.
Chamomile decoction is used internally and externally.As far as ingestion is concerned, its use for two weeks, for some disturbing reasons, helps to bring the body into good condition. However, a doctor prescribes a longer consumption of teas and decoctions. nine0013
Chamomile calms and improves sleep
A healthy woman is a woman who has had enough sleep. Often with a baby in her arms, this rule cannot be followed. Even when the child is resting, the mother's weakened body cannot always turn off on command. The best way is chamomile tea.
The drink normalizes the emotional state of a woman during breastfeeding and improves the quality of sleep. It is recommended to drink an hour before a night's rest in the form of a warm weak decoction. Preference is given to tea bags. nine0013 Chamomile helps to relax and sleep
Helps with colds
During breastfeeding, almost all medications are prohibited. But in the postpartum period, a woman's body often "catches" colds. The most important thing is to quickly remove the symptoms of the disease, prevent the cold from spreading and passing on to the child.
Microelements such as ascorbic and organic acids, antioxidants, which are part of chamomile, impart anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to the herbal decoction. nine0013
Chamomile decoctions are used for gargling, inhalation of the upper respiratory tract, rinsing the sinuses.
Tea with lemon or viburnum also helps with colds.
Helps with cracked nipples
Many first-time mothers are familiar with the problem of cracked nipples. With a long-term illness, the nipples bleed and open with a “rose” and each attachment to the baby’s breast causes irritation and unbearable pain in the mother, which you get used to until the next feeding. nine0013
The situation is common and harmful to both parties. Cracks are the same wounds on a delicate area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. Chamomile is endowed with the main properties - antiseptic and wound healing. In this case, its external use will be of great benefit: compresses and baths. It is recommended to brew chamomile abruptly, in the form of chefir.
Infusion of chamomile accelerates the healing of cracked nipplesDip the breast in a warm infusion of chamomile and wait 15 minutes. Allow the breasts to dry on their own, then put on underwear. Baths apply 1-2 times a day until complete healing. nine0013
Helps normalize the menstrual cycle
A decoction of chamomile flowers has a beneficial effect on a woman's hormonal background. This herbal tea is prescribed for heavy monthly bleeding, menstrual pain, and also for irregular cycles.
Speaking of the latter, in a lactating woman during the transition from the lactation state of the body to the usual menstrual, the discharge is chaotic, scanty or plentiful discharge, often bringing discomfort to the woman and not able to act as natural contraception. Unambiguous use in combination with vitamins of chamomile tea up to 3 times a day. nine0013 Camomile decoction contributes to the speedy normalization of the menstrual cycle
Helps to eliminate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Flatulence, diarrhea, intestinal cramps - this is only a small part of the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of a woman who has recently become a mother.
While still in the maternity hospital, these delicate problems begin to overcome a woman. Especially often discomfort of this nature occurs in women after delivery by caesarean section.
To remove bloating, colic, loose stools or act as a laxative, a decoction of chamomile flowers is prescribed for oral use. nine0013
How to make chamomile tea for breastfeeding
The most recommended herb is chamomile. It is sold in crushed cardboard boxes. However, in almost every region, field chamomile grows everywhere. The inflorescences of this herb can be collected during its flowering period, dried and also brewed.
- To use chamomile tea as a sedative and improve sleep, it is recommended to brew tea bags: 1 bag for 150 ml of hot water. Pour, let it brew under a closed lid for 10-15 minutes. nine0004
- For steam inhalation, chamomile decoction is done as follows: 2 tbsp. l. dry chopped grass (or 3 tbsp. dry inflorescences) pour 1 tbsp. water at room temperature, boil moderately in a water bath for 30 minutes. Then add a liter of boiling water and breathe steam with care so as not to burn the mucous membrane.
- In the treatment of colds: 2 tbsp. l. camomile inflorescences pour 400 ml of boiling water, let it brew under a closed lid for 20-25 minutes. Strain the tea, cool and take half a glass 3 times a day in a warm form. To enhance the therapeutic effect, add an incomplete teaspoon of honey to the broth at each dose (in the absence of allergic reactions in mother and child). nine0004
How to drink chamomile tea while breastfeeding
Chamomile tea can be drunk daily as a sedative effect in weak brewing. Of course, you should not get carried away and use only this herbal tea. Experts advise no more than 3-4 glasses a day.
It is advisable not to go outside after a warm drink, as any chamomile tea increases sweating. The most correct thing is to drink tea half an hour after meals and an hour before daytime or evening sleep. nine0013 It is better to drink a healing decoction before going to bed.
If a decoction of chamomile is used as a therapeutic action, then it is worth limiting its use for 2 weeks. Then take a break and use again even as a preventive measure.
Harm and contraindications to the use of chamomile tea for a nursing woman
Drinking the drink should be started with small doses, increasing the dose every three days. At the same time, observe the tendency to allergic and other reactions in mother and baby.
- The main reason for stopping chamomile tea is individual intolerance. It can be expressed in skin rash, itching, redness, swelling of the mucosa in both a nursing woman and a child. In this case, it is worth immediately eliminating this drink from your diet.
- Chamomile also acts as a laxative. Thus, if in the postpartum period a woman easily copes with toilet chores with the help of chamomile tea, then in a child the ingestion of tea through breast milk can cause diarrhea. In this case, mom needs a different approach to intimate procedures. nine0004
- Also, a strong decoction and excessive accumulation of chamomile drink in the body can cause nausea, vomiting and provoke high blood pressure.
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