Detox Herbal Teas for Nursing Moms

The use of "detox" herbal teas is extremely popular for people of all ages and all stages of life. Some nursing mothers are interested in using detox herbal teas while breastfeeding, but there are some risks associated with doing this. In general, the occasional use of herbal tea is safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, it is not advisable to use detoxi herbal teas while nursing if your child is a newborn or if you have certain medical conditions.

The following detox herbal teas may offer benefits to nursing moms, but they are also associated with some risks.

Senna

Senna tea, which contains powerful stimulant laxatives, is sometimes used to detoxify the body by flushing excess stool from the colon. Although effective for treating constipaton, there's little evidence that senna tea can flush pollutants in the body. Fortunately, senna herbal detox teas do not seem to affect the health of breastfed babies. Trace amounts of its constituent compounds pass into breast milk, according to the NIH, but they do not appear impact a breastfeeding child.

Dandelion

Dandelion acts as both a diuretic and as a natural source of potassium. Its leaves, roots and flowers contain compounds that increase the rate of urination, but it replenishes electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Some alternative health care providers believe that process this can detoxify the body. The short-term use of dandelion is probably safe for nursing mothers. Historically, it was even used to increase the rate of breast milk production, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Red Clover

Red clover is one detox herbal tea that is probably best avoided by nursing moms. It appears to work by flushing excess fluids and mucus from the body, and it also boosts the body's major filters (the liver and kidneys). Although generally safe, red clover is best avoided by nursing moms, according to the UMMC. It contains isoflavones, which are compounds chemically similar to estrogen. These may decrease your breast milk supply.

Burdock

Another herbal diuretic, burdock has been used historically to purify the blood stream by flushing toxins through the urinary tract. Burdock may enhance the function of the kidneys and rid the body of excess water, but this may increase your risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. TheUMMC warns that burdock can hurt a breastfeeding baby, so avoid it during lactation.

Always consult a pediatrician, herbalist or lactation consultant before using detox herbal teas while nursing.