Wondering if you should be taking Ashwagandha or St. John’s Wort for postpartum depression {PPD} and anxiety?
One of the biggest mistakes I made when I had PPD was just taking one herbal tincture at a time.
You need a COMBINATION of botanicals when you’re struggling with depression and/or anxiety.
But, wait. Don’t overdo it.
Finding a supplement that combines BOTH herbs would be best, rather than taking the full dosing of each herb alone; especially if you’re breastfeeding.
So, let’s dive in.
What are the benefits of Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha Benefits
Known to give you the strength of stallions, It’s an adaptogen, mild sedative, pain reliever, and anti-inflammatory.
It’s considered safe for breastfeeding. Lactation Category C or compatible with breastfeeding by Mills & Bones ³
It can re-regulate the thyroid & adrenal glands {a common concern postpartum}
It’s effective in helping if you have anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, and insomnia
It’s rich in iron and can be used to treat iron deficiency when taken as a powder * see below
It can relieve muscle pain and cloudy thinking
Dosing
Take 4-10 ml a day for acute pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, tired and wired, hypothyroidism, PMS, postpartum depression & stress
Keep in mind, it’s not to be used during pregnancy, and caution if you’re taking medications
Watch this video as I discuss the difference between Ashwagandha and St. John’s Wort
Is Ashwagandha safe while Breastfeeding?
It’s considered a Level1 botanical if you’re breastfeeding. Yes, it’s safe!
It’s also antiviral {herpes}, nervines, can be used topically as well as a vulnerably
Use St. John’s Wort for:
chronic pelvic pain
endometriosis
insomnia
PMS
perimenopause
vulvovaginitis
topically cracked nipples and perineum – Just make sure you wipe it off before breastfeeding!
But, if you’re taking SSRIs or other medications it is the #1 herb/drug interaction so please consult your doctor before taking
St. John’s Wort and Postpartum Depression
Is St. John’s Wort safe while Breastfeeding?
The German Commission E Considers it an L2/3 while breastfeeding, but there are no known contraindications
>>In one Study; Hyperforin was detected in low concentrations in the breast milk of moms who took 300mg of SJW 3xday starting 5 months Postpartum for Postpartum Depression and no adverse effects were found
Watch this video as I explain more..
What is St. John’s Wort good for?
good for mild/moderate depression
Keep in mind, that it’s not to be used during pregnancy
In Summary
Ashwagandha is more of an adaptogen and is considered safer to take while breastfeeding, take it daily to prevent postpartum depression & anxiety.
St. John’s Wort {SJW} is more for depression, baby blues, and even monthly depression.
One additional benefit is SJW, which may increase the breakdown of estrogen and therefore may boost progesterone levels – which may be affecting your sleep and postpartum recovery.
How do you know your progesterone levels are low?
you may experience irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and depression
xo
Tara
P.S. Ready to learn more? Join The Present Momma group coaching.
You only want the best for your children, but it’s hard to learn everything while breastfeeding.
Using essential oils in diffusers and just taking one herb; like Valerian for sleep, are just some of the mistakes I see new moms make when starting to use natural remedies.
Essential oils are amazing, but when you use the wrong ones; like Tea Tree oil, in a diffuser, this can affect your breathing.
And, if you’re using it in a child’s room; you could be making a cough worse. Stick to safe breathing essential oils, like Lavender, if you like to use the diffuser. And, the humidifier is not the same:)
#2 Using essential oils neat – topically
Essential oils are very strong. When used topically on the skin, or in a bath, you could burn your child’s orifices.
For a bath? mix 1 drop of essential oil {just 1 drop!} with milk before adding this to the tub.
Topically on their skin? Dilute ALL essential oils with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and always start with just one drop. It’s more effective than you think!
#3 Using just one herb for insomnia
Insomnia after kids is common. We’ll try anything to get back to sleep! Most often, insomnia runs deeper than just interrupted sleep.
Many moms are so worried about using herbs, they wait. This is concerning when you struggle with depression and anxiety postpartum. Waiting and not doing anything at all is worse than reaching out to your doctor for medication.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, insomnia, or depression – ask for help! It could take years to overcome and you don’t want to wait.
Are you wondering which botanicals are safe for you? Swipe my favorite remedies here
#5 Using homeopathy incorrectly
The safest medicine, during the nursing years, is homeopathy, but it’s hard to know how to use it correctly. In this video, I teach you how to use homeopathy for your children and the mistakes we typically make when we start using those little white tablets.
#6 Not taking enough botanicals
“What dose do I take?” is the #1 question I get all of the time. Specifically when it comes to tinctures.
Typically, you would take 20-60 drops, 2-3x day for one botanical.
When you combine herbs, it’s a TOTAL of 20-60 drops, 2-3x day.
Technically not an herbal remedy, but drinking too much coffee when nursing can create insomnia for years to come.
If you’re craving that second cup of coffee; especially at 3 pm – you may have adrenal exhaustion.
Skip the coffee, and grab an herbal tea. Better yet, take a nap if you can! I know, it’s not easy, but your sleep is so important right now. Begin self-soothing your body, so when the sleepless nights continue, you’re able to go back to sleep more easily.
#8 Taking the wrong botanicals internally
If you love natural remedies, you’ll want to learn how to use them safely. That means, avoiding the herbs that are not safe, and consuming the ones that are.
And, the herbs to avoid in this handout; download now
Give yourself a chance to learn how to use herbs during the nursing years, then your whole family will learn how to care for themselves for years to come.
I’ve accidentally done all of these! Which one will you change today? Let me know down below.
Are you wondering if stinging nettles are safe for you?
Imagine a daily tea that would nourish your body, soothe anxiety and stress, and help you sleep better.
It sounds so simple and it is!
Here’s a quick warning, always check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or have any health concerns; especially taking diuretics.
Want to get started?
In this post, I’ll share how you can use stinging nettles during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond.
But first, grab this freebie to feel more confident using herbs while breastfeeding
What are Stinging Nettles?
Stinging nettles or Urtica dioica is a common weed found in North America and is most commonly known for the sting you get when you walk by. It can be cooked and eaten in popular recipes like nettle soup or nettle cheese, but its sting disappears when you cook it.
If you happen to get the kiss of the nettles, you can always search for Plantago major nearby – chew it up and place it on the sting to soothe the burn.
Personally, I love the sting as it signifies the start of Spring and “wakes up” my immune system.
Stinging Nettle Treatment
If you’ve received the kiss from Stinging nettles, don’t worry.
Find Plantago major, otherwise known as plantain, chew in your mouth, and apply to the red, sting area
Within moments your sting will subside
13 Stinging Nettles Benefits
There are so many benefits of stinging nettles during pregnancy and postpartum.
Stinging nettles…
are filled with vitamins A, C, K, and B
has minerals of CA, Iron {helps fight fatigue}, and Mg {helps soothe the nervous system}
may increase milk production
decreases allergies when using the freeze-dried nettles
decreases inflammation
decreases blood pressure
it controls blood sugar- have a cup with chocolate cake
fights fatigue
decreases the risk of iron-deficient anemia
reduces pelvic congestion
reduce caffeine and sugar cravings
prevents osteoporosis
prevents varicosities
So, Are nettles safe while nursing?
Stinging Nettles are considered a Level 1 herb by the German Commission E. and is safe while breastfeeding and during pregnancy
My favorite tea for breastfeeding moms is Earth Mama Milkmaid Tea which includes Stinging Nettles
One of the benefits of Stinging Nettles is to reduce seasonal allergies. Consider taking it 1-2 months daily before your allergy season begins.
The best method for reducing allergies is to take it in a “freeze-dried” form. This means the stinging hairs of the plant are preserved in the capsule.
You can open the capsule for children, animals and if you have poor digestion to take in a shake, tea or drink of your choice
I prefer to drink Stinging Nettles for all the vitamins & minerals, but you may want to use it as a tincture as well.
How to use stinging nettles for postpartum depression
Conclusion
Stinging nettles are one of the most beneficial botanicals to nourish our body with vitamins and minerals and ease the everyday stress of motherhood. Taken as tea, you’ll notice the soothing effects immediately.
Are you wondering how you can use natural remedies while nursing without worry?
It all boils down to four things.
In this post, I’ll cover the four simple steps you can take to use herbal medicine without fear during the nursing years.
But don’t forget, always check with your doctor before taking herbal medicine.
So, what’s the secret?
#1 Do you have any allergies?
If you or your child’s father has a known allergy, stay away from these botanicals.
For example… Chamomile is the safest herb to take while breastfeeding, BUT if you have an allergy to the daisy or Asteraceae family avoid this botanical and the other herbs in its family altogether.
#2 Are you taking medications?
If you’re taking medication, you always want to check with your doctor before adding in botanicals.
For example, if you’re taking SSRIs, the biggest herb/drug interaction may be St. John’s Wort.
You would never want to take a botanical for which you are already taking conventional medication.
#3 Botanicals to avoid while nursing
There are botanicals you may want to avoid while nursing. Keep in mind, this is not a complete list but it will help you feel a bit more comfortable.
Some of the herbs on the list are not safe to take internally, but you may see they are suggested externally; like comfrey root for cracked nipples.
And, some of the herbs like Lemon Balm – will not hurt your child, but will affect the taste of the milk.
And lastly, some women have taken St. John’s Wort for postpartum depression; even though it is a Level 2/3 botanical.
The safest thing to do is try one herb at a time and wait and see.
You’re looking for adverse reactions in your child.
What are adverse reactions?
any changes in your child’s skin color
any allergic reactions
if they fall asleep – when it’s not nap time. This has happened with valerian root.
if they’re fussy, colicky, or unusually uncomfortable
Stop taking the botanical and wait.
Typically, when you’re child is three months or older their liver is able to process all medications and it’s a safe time to introduce Level 1 botanicals.
In a nutshell, you’ll want to know which herbs are safe to take internally versus externally and the lactation risk categories determined by studies. {pubmed is a good source}
Then decide if you want to take the herb as a tea, tincture, or externally for mastitis or cracked nipples.
Are you wondering which botanicals are safe to take while nursing?
In this post, I’ll describe the six most common symptoms you experience and the EXACT natural remedies for your body – that are safe while breastfeeding.
Here’s the thing.. always consult your physician before taking any botanicals while breastfeeding.
Ready? Let’s get started.
#1 Constipation While Breastfeeding
Constipation is a challenge after childbirth.
Some easy remedies include:
Take dairy out of your diet! This is the #1 choice to reduce postpartum constipation
Adding a daily probiotic into your diet
Adding in Mg Citrate at night
Consider taking gluten out of your diet; especially if you have digestive issues
Add 1 tbs. of ground flaxseed to your diet with oatmeal in the morning
Then watch this video to learn about the benefits of stinging nettles.
Looking for a natural postpartum recovery? Grab this freebie to get started.
#3 Postpartum Cramping
I’ll never forget the time I was on the ground with pelvic pain, after the birth of my twins. Lying on the kitchen floor, clutching my waist. I crawled to get Crampbark to help with the pain.
As your body adjusts after childbirth, you may want to have Crampbark handy to help with pelvic pain.
This remedy also helps with your monthly cramps. Watch this video to learn more.
#4 UTI – Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infections are painful. And, if you’re breastfeeding you may want an alternative to antibiotics for the pain.
Yeast infections are common after childbirth; especially if you have poor gut health or happen to have a C-section. The funny part is, the yeast can cause bloating, digestive issues, and intense cravings for sugar and wine!
Consuming herbs while breastfeeding is safe and natural. You’ll want to learn which herbs are safe for you and your child and always consult your doctor before taking anything new.
Are you considering St. John’s Wort {SJW} for postpartum depression?
Even though It’s become the most popular alternative to pharmaceuticals for depression in Europe and the US, it’s so much more than the “depression herb”.
Let’s dive in.
Here’s my promise to you, by the end of this post you’ll understand the risk/benefit ratio and determine if SJW is right for you and the ONE person who should not take St. john’s wort.
St. John’s Wort can be useful for some types of depression, but it also has great benefits for anxiety, grief, melancholia, estrogen clearance, and numbness due to nerve pains and/or damage.
But, Is St. John’s Wort Safe While Breastfeeding?
Here are three References
#1 St. John’s Wort is considered a Level 2/3 by the German Commission E. in Dr. Aviva Romms Book; Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health¹.
What does that mean?
L2: Safer; Limited studies demonstrated, but no increased risk
L3: Moderately Safe; No controlled studies in breastfeeding women or controlled studies demonstrate minimal adverse effects
There are limited studies that show no increased risk in the child’s health.Many studies have been flawed due to the poor use of extracts or questionable preparation of the product.
:: In one study, women ingested 300 mg of St. John’s Wort a day and low levels of hyperforin were detected in breastmilk, however, no constitutes of the herbs was detectable in the babies plasma and no adverse effects were observed in either. Source
#2 Lactation and medication expert Thomas Hale & Hilary Rowe authors of Medications and Mothers milk suggest transfer to milk are minimal and it appears to be safe during lactation. ¹
However, 1 intact in each group was reported to be colicky, but there was no change in milk production and weight of the infants ¹
#3 The essential guide to herbal safety by Mills & Bones considers St. John’s Wort a Lactation Category CC. Compatible with breastfeeding, but use caution. ²
It appears the most common side effects would be colic, drowsiness, and lethargy giving the mother a signal to stop taking the botanical
And, keep in mind.. a small percentage of women have an increase in depression when they take St. John’s Wort.
So, if you notice any adverse effects, stop taking the supplement or tincture.
St. John’s Wort Dosing
Personally, I prefer to take SJW as a tincture.
I like to test one herb at a time. Then, when I feel comfortable, I like to use a combined tincture of SJW and nervines to soothe the nervous system.
Tincture Dosing: 40-60 drops; 3-4x day
Capsules: 300- 350mg of standardized extract 3x day {0-3% total hypericin}
St. John’s Wort Postpartum Benefits
Internally, you can take St. John’s Wort as a tincture or supplement for:
sciatica
as an antiviral to reduce cold symptoms
seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
menopause
Monthly PMS blues
mild/moderate depression
** My favorite reason to take SJW is for detoxification to reduce excessive estrogen levels and to reduce PMS & PMDD
Externally, it has many benefits as well.
When you place the flowers St. John’s Wort in oil, it turns red. Use this oil externally/topically for:
spinal/ nerve injuries due to childbirth
vulvodynia (vaginal pain)
also for first-degree burns, bruises, bites, and puncture wounds
Can you take St. John’s Wort for Postpartum depression?
Who should avoid St. John’s Wort?
SJW is well-known for enhancing liver detoxification, which reduces the blood flow of many medications.
Anyone taking the following medications should skip SJW for now
Avoid St. John’s Wort if you’re taking warfarin, digoxin, protease inhibitors, organ transplant antirejection drugs, or chemotherapy
Use caution with oral contraception
Use under a physicians supervision if you’re taking antidepressants
In large doses, you may notice photosensitivity to sunlight and want to avoid this
It’s also contraindicated during pregnancy, however, safety studies are lacking
In short…
St. john’s wort can be used during breastfeeding when you purchase a standardized product from a reputable company. Standardization of the herb is to guarantee that the consumer is getting a product in which the chemistry is consistent from batch to batch.
Look for 300 mg 3x day to decrease postpartum depression and watch for adverse effects like colic, lethargy, and an increase in depression in mom.
Keep in mind, it takes a comprehensive approach to overcome postpartum depression and this is just one part of the puzzle.
Nervines are also needed to soothe the nervous system after childbirth.
Ashwagandha vs St. John’s Wort
Can’t decide where to begin? Watch this video.
xo
Tara
References:
References
¹ Romm, Aviva; Botanicals Medicine for Women’s Health pg 887 ²Mills & Bones: The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety Hale & Rowe; Medications & Mother’s Milk https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16566628/#:~:text=The%20only%20existing%20report%20on,John’s%20wort. https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/lactation_risk_cat/https://www.infantrisk.com/content/drug-entry-human-milk
