Is Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) Safe in Breastfeeding
Question
I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)? Is Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) safe for nursing mother and child? Does Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) extracts into breast milk? Does Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) influence milk supply or can Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?
Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) lactation summary
- DrLact safety Score for Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
- A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
- Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
- Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) 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 Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) usage in lactation
At latest update, relevant information on excretion into breast milk was not found. Herb which is widely used by many cultures even to treat infant's colicky pain. Since it is non toxic at appropriate dose, a moderate and occasional consumption is believed to be compatible while breastfeeding. Topical use is compatible while breastfeeding. Do not use on the breast, otherwise, do it after feeding the baby and cleanse thoroughly the surface before the next one. Leaves of plant are used. It contains essential oils (Citronella, Geraniol), flavonoids and tannins. Properties traditionally attributed but unproven are: antispasmodic, sedative, carminative and antiviral effects. It is used for relief of anxiety, insomnia, flatulence, abdominal spasms and topically to treat Herpes simplex.
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