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

Hibiscus

September 26, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

Flowers are used for infusions. It contains 15 to 30% of organic acids (hibíscicum, malic, citric, tartaric and ascorbic acids) and 1 to 2% of anthocyanosides (hibiscin, delphinidin) and phytosterols. Devoid of toxicity.

It is used in soft drinks (social drink in tropical America, Africa and Asia) and as flavor and color enhancer.

Properties attributed without clinical evidence: spasmolytic, vasoprotective, diuretic, liver protection and hypotensive effect.
The Commission E of the German Ministry of Health does not consider sufficiently proven its therapeutic effectiveness.

It has not been showed an increased antioxidant capacity in the milk of women who drank this tea or mixture with other plants.

There is no evidence of its effectiveness as galactogogue. The studies done in this regard mixed various herbal products and are methodologically very flawed.
The best galactagogue is a frequent on-demand breastfeeding together with proper technique.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Hibiscus since it is relatively safe.

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

  • Jamaica Sorrel
  • Karkade
  • Roselle
  • Sudanese Tea

Writings

  • Hibiscus sabdariffa (Latin, botanical name)

Drug trade names

References

  1. 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
  2. Mannion C, Mansell D. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and the use of prescription medication: a pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Turkyılmaz C, Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, Turan O, Koç E, Ergenekon E, Atalay Y. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. J Altern Complement Med. 2011Abstract
  4. 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)
  5. 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)
  6. Scott CR, Jacobson H. A selection of international nutritional & herbal remedies for breastfeeding concerns. Midwifery Today Int Midwife. 2005Abstract