Is Fennel compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Fennel?

Fennel

March 21, 2018 (High Risk)

Herbal fruits are used. It contains essential oil (70% anethol, 10% stragol, 7% fenchone) coumarin and flavonoids.

Anethol is neurotoxic and may induce seizures. Mutagenic activity and mild estrogenic effect (Javidnia 2003, Albert 1980) have been found. It is excreted in low levels into breast milk (Hausner 2008).

Stragol has shown a carcinogenic effect on animals. In humans, at recommended dose, such effect has not been seen.

Fennel infusions have been used for treatment of colicky pain in the infant. Also used as a galactogogue despite the fact that no proof on effectiveness is available. Theoretically, it may decrease milk production. Help by ensuring self confidence in the mother, evaluation and dealing with lactation associated problems and giving effective support to nursing mothers would the best ways to enhance milk production.

Excessive consumption has caused letargia, vomiting and hypotonia in either two infants and their mothers (Rosti 1994).

For culinary purposes it does not pose any health risk if consumed as food or aromatic seasoning.

Precautions when taking plant preparations:
1. Ensure that they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusing one plant with another with toxic properties, as well as poisoning from heavy metals extracted from the ground and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Do not take in large amounts; follow recommendations from professional experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not always good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can result in poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if taken in excessive amounts or time periods.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Bitter Fennel
  • Fenkel
  • Sweet Fennel

Writings

  • Foeniculum vulgare (Latin, botanical name)
  • Μάραθος (Greek)

Drug trade names

References

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  2. Sachs HC; Committee On Drugs. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: an update on selected topics. Pediatrics. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Kavurt S, Bas AY, Aydemir O, Yucel H, Isikoglu S, Demirel N. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on oxidant and anti-oxidant status of human milk. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2013Abstract
  4. Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact. 2013Abstract
  5. Bruyas-Bertholon V, Lachaux A, Dubois JP, Fourneret P, Letrilliart L. [Which treatments for infantile colics?]. Presse Med. 2012Abstract
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  7. ABM. Comité de Protocolos de la Academia Médica de Lactancia Materna. ABM Protocolo Clínico #9: Uso de Galactogogos para Iniciar o aumentar la tasa de secreción de Leche Materna. Breastfeed Med. 2011 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Raffo A, Nicoli S, Leclercq C. Quantification of estragole in fennel herbal teas: implications on the assessment of dietary exposure to estragole. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011Abstract
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  11. ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). WHO monographs. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
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  16. European Medicines Agency (EMeA) COMMUNITY HERBAL MONOGRAPH ON FOENICULUM VULGARE MILLER SUBSP. VULGARE VAR. VULGARE, AETHEROLEUM. COMMUNITY HERBAL MONOGRAPH. 2007 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
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  23. Rosti L, Nardini A, Bettinelli ME, Rosti D. Toxic effects of a herbal tea mixture in two newborns. Acta Paediatr. 1994Abstract
  24. Albert-Puleo M. Fennel and anise as estrogenic agents. J Ethnopharmacol. 1980Abstract