Question

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

Melaleuca alternifolia lactation summary

Melaleuca alternifolia usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Melaleuca alternifolia is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Melaleuca alternifolia may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Melaleuca alternifolia may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Melaleuca alternifolia low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Melaleuca alternifolia We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to 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 Melaleuca alternifolia usage in lactation

It is used the essential oil from leaves and buds that contains: cineole and terpineol. Used on skin due to antiseptic, anti-fungal and insect-repellent properties. Effective for topical treatment of acne. Toxic for oral ingestion, especially in very young infants. At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found. Avoid application on the nipple since essential oil is highly toxic for the Nervous System.
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