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

Hops

September 19, 2016 (Low Risk)

Climbing plant. The female inflorescences or flower tips are used.
It contains phloroglucinols, estrogenic, quercetin, kaempferol, tannins, phenolic acids essential oil and flavonoids. One of its components, 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) is the most powerful phytoestrogen known.

Properties that are attributed: hypnotic, sedative, orexigenic.
It is used as a flavoring and stabilizer of the beer.
Indications German Commission E Ministry of Health, EMA and ESCOP: insomnia, nervousness, anxiety

There is no scientific evidence showing an improvement in milk production.
A possible estrogenic effect may be a decrease in milk production.
The best galactogogue is a frequent and on-demand breastfeeding along with proper technique.

During breastfeeding its consumption should be moderate or occasional.

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

  • Common Hop
  • Wild Hop

Writings

  • Humulus lupulus (Latin, botanical name)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Abdi F, Kazemi F, Ramezani Tehrani F, Roozbeh N. Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis: hop (Humulus lupulus L.) for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. BMJ Open. 2016Abstract
  2. 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)
  3. 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)
  4. Zanoli P, Zavatti M. Pharmacognostic and pharmacological profile of Humulus lupulus L. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008Abstract
  5. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 3. WHO monographs. 2007 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Ayers JF. The use of alternative therapies in the support of breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 2000Abstract
  7. Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, Blen M. Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1998Abstract