Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use White Nettle? Is White Nettle safe for nursing mother and child? Does White Nettle extracts into breast milk? Does White Nettle has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can White Nettle influence milk supply or can White Nettle decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

White Nettle lactation summary

White Nettle is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for White Nettle is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of White Nettle is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that White Nettle does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of White Nettle safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About White Nettle usage in lactation

Inflorescences of the plant are used. It contains glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, etc. Alleged properties that are not supported by scientific evidence are: expectorant, antidiarrheal, dermal anti-inflammatory.Indications according to the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health are: cough, bronchitis, pharyngitis, dermatitis At latest update no published data on excretion in breast milk were found.Non-toxic plant. Moderate consumption is compatible with breastfeeding. Precautions with herbal teas:1. Make sure that you get them from reliable sources: poisoning may occur by a confusion with other plant which is toxic, poisoning from heavy metals and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.2. Avoid large doses. "Natural products” are not good by themselves in any amount: many plants contain active substances where from many pharmaceutical products of the traditional Phamacopeia have been obtained and hence may be a cause of poisoning if consumed in inappropriate quantity or duration.

Alternate Drugs for Phytotherapy, Systemic Use

Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Cranberry(Safe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Barberry(Dangerous)
Carob(Safe)
Common Poppy(Unsafe)
Angelica(Unsafe)
Star Anise(Dangerous)
Mugwort(Unsafe)
Edible Burdock(Low Risk)
Box(Unsafe)
Boldo(Unsafe)
Calaguala(Safe)
Caralluma(Low Risk)
Carrageen(Low Risk)
Blue-Cohosh(Dangerous)
Squisandra(Low Risk)
Black-Cohosh(Unsafe)
Horsetail(Unsafe)
Colocynth Pulp(Dangerous)
Ergot Fungus(Dangerous)
Ephedra(Unsafe)
Steviol(Safe)
Eucalyptus(Unsafe)
Eyebright(Safe)
Flowers(Low Risk)
Fucus(Unsafe)
Goat´s Rue(Unsafe)
Bearberry(Unsafe)
Guarana(Low Risk)
Herniary(Low Risk)
Hyssop(Unsafe)
Syrup Of Ipecac(Low Risk)
Jin Bu Huan(Dangerous)
Kava Kava(Dangerous)
Clubmoss(Unsafe)
Maca(Safe)
Nux Vomica(Dangerous)
Papain(Low Risk)
Passion Flower(Low Risk)
African Cherry(Dangerous)
Scots Pine(Unsafe)
Pennyroyal(Unsafe)
Primrose(Safe)
Radish(Safe)
Ironwort(Low Risk)
Liquorice(Unsafe)
Rooibos(Safe)
Rose Hip(Safe)
Willow(Safe)
Soy(Low Risk)
Herbal Teas(Low Risk)
Rock Tea(Low Risk)
Tormentil(Safe)
Meadow-Sweet(Low Risk)
Sarsaparilla(Low Risk)
Sweet Flag(Unsafe)
Saw palmetto(Low Risk)
Cat's Claw(Low Risk)
Milk Vetch(Low Risk)
White Mulberry(Low Risk)
Di Huang(Low Risk)
Zi Wan(Unsafe)
Dang Shen(Low Risk)
Reishi(Low Risk)
Glycyrrhizin(Unsafe)
Carrageenan(Low Risk)
Carrageenin(Low Risk)
Passion Vine(Low Risk)
Chaste Tree(Unsafe)
Sweet Cane(Unsafe)
Sweet root(Unsafe)
Irish Moss(Low Risk)
Bromelain(Safe)
Bromelin(Safe)
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. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.