Question

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

Aloe lactation summary

Aloe usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Aloe is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Aloe may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Aloe may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Aloe low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Aloe 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 Aloe usage in lactation

Herb leaves are used. It contains hydroxianthracenes, acemannan and glycomannan. Attributed properties: laxative and healing effect on wounds. Indication according to Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: constipation. Excessive or long-term use may lead to severe diarrhea, dehydration and liver toxicity. At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.As an active laxative compound it can lead to colicky abdominal pain. Because excretion into breast milk is possible, avoiding it while breastfeeding is advisable. Non-toxic when topically used. Without proof of efficacy it is used to treat nipple's crackles or pain. If applied on the breast, cleanse it thoroughly before nursing to avoid swallowing by the infant. Risk of diarrhea or refusing to latch-on because of bad taste would increase.

Answer by DrLact: About Aloe usage in lactation

Aloe vera gel consists of the clear gel from the center of fresh leaves of Aloe vera and related aloes. Active ingredients include mono- and polysaccharides (e.g., acemannan, glucomannan), allantoin, enzymes (e.g., cyclooxygenase, amylase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase, carboxypeptidase), and salicylic acid. It should not be confused with Aloe latex which comes from the inner portion of the skin and contains potent anthraquinone laxatives. Aloe vera gel has been used topically on the nipples during nursing to help heal cracked nipples. In a randomized, single-blinded study (investigators blinded), aloe vera was more effective than lanolin in decreasing nipple pain score after 7 days in women with sore nipples postpartum.[1] Another study compared breastmilk alone applied to the nipples after breastfeeding to either olive oil or aloe vera gel. All had less pain after 7 days of nursing, but the decrease on pain was greater with aloe vera than with the other treatments.[2] Topical aloe has also been combined with a cactus leaf preparation and massage to treat engorgement.[3] If aloe vera is applied to the nipples, it should be washed off before nursing the infant because the taste might adversely affect nursing or cause diarrhea in the infant.[4][5] No data exist on the safety and efficacy of Aloe vera gel in nursing mothers or infants. Aloe vera gel has caused itching, burning, and allergic contact dermatitis, possibly from contamination with the irritating latex from the leaves.[6][7] Aloe vera gel also has an antiplatelet effect and can enhance the antiplatelet effect of other drugs. Aloe latex, the laxative, should not be used during breastfeeding.[8][9] 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 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 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.

Alternate Drugs

Fenugreek(Safe)
Coenzyme Q10(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Castor(Unsafe)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Melatonin(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Sage(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Castor(Unsafe)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Sage(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Castor(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Sage(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
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.