Can You Take Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding?

You're exhausted.

Like, three coffees deep and still crying at cat videos kind of exhausted.

Your hormones are all over the place, you’re trying to keep a tiny human alive, and sleep? What even is that?

So when someone mentions ashwagandha — this ancient, herbal “miracle” for stress, sleep, and mood — you’re curious.

Desperate, even.

But then comes the anxiety spiral: Can you take ashwagandha while breastfeeding? Is ashwagandha safe for breastfeeding mamas? Will it dry up my milk? Mess with my baby?

Let’s break it all down, together.

In this article: 📝

Can a breastfeeding mother take ashwagandha?

Short answer? 🤷‍♀️ We don’t totally know.

Ashwagandha (AKA Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body manage stress.

It’s been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and even support postpartum recovery.

Sounds dreamy, right?

But here’s the thing: there’s very limited research on ashwagandha and breastfeeding specifically.

Like, next to none.

There’s not enough evidence to confirm whether it’s safe while breastfeeding — and they actually recommend avoiding it during this time. [1]

There have been a few small studies on ashwagandha’s effects in general (some promising stuff on stress and sleep!), but nothing that directly studies breastfeeding parents or infants.

So the medical community leans towards caution where there’s not enough information.

So why no ashwagandha during breastfeeding?

Here’s what we know:

• Ashwagandha has active compounds (called withanolides) that could potentially pass into breast milk — but we don’t know how much or how they affect babies. [2]
• There are reports of rare but serious side effects in adults (like liver toxicity and GI distress). Again, rare, but worth knowing. [3]
• It may impact thyroid hormones, which can already be funky after birth. [4]
• Animal studies show some reproductive and hormonal effects that haven’t been tested in humans yet. [5]

None of this means it’s dangerous for every breastfeeding person — but it does mean we’re in the land of “not proven safe.”

And when you’re dealing with a newborn, most experts (and lactation consultants) would rather err on the side of avoiding it.

What about ashwagandha gummies while breastfeeding?

Ashwagandha gummies, including trendy ones like Goli, are popping up everywhere.

They look harmless, taste like candy, and feel way less “herbal” than a tincture or capsule. But don’t let the sweet disguise fool you.

Whether it’s tea, a gummy, or a capsule, if it contains concentrated ashwagandha, it still carries the same “we don’t know enough” risk.

So if you're asking, can I take Goli ashwagandha while breastfeeding? — the safest answer is: probably best to wait until you're done nursing or get the green light from a medical professional who really understands postpartum health.

Ashwagandha tea and breastfeeding: Is it gentler?

You’d think so, right?

A nice herbal tea seems way less intense than a supplement.

But while tea versions may contain lower amounts of ashwagandha, they’re still not risk-free.

Ashwagandha tea while breastfeeding hasn’t been studied either.

And just because it’s a lower dose doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe.

The body can still absorb small amounts, and your baby’s system is extra sensitive right now.

Plus, herbal teas often contain a mix of ingredients, and some of those might not be breastfeeding-friendly either.

Always read the labels, double-check the herbs, and again — if you’re unsure, check with your GP, midwife, or an actual herbalist with postpartum training.

Ashwagandha postpartum: Could it help?

This is where things get a little more interesting.

Ashwagandha has been studied for its potential to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), improve mood, and help with sleep — all things new parents are majorly lacking. [6]

So in theory, taking ashwagandha while postpartum could be super helpful.

But (and it’s a big BUT), that benefit is mostly for people who aren’t breastfeeding.

If you’re formula feeding or combo feeding and your healthcare provider gives you the all-clear?

It might be worth exploring.

But if you're exclusively breastfeeding, the risks and unknowns likely outweigh the benefits — for now.

Are there any other herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

Yes. While “natural” doesn’t always mean “dangerous,” it definitely doesn’t mean “safe.”

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding include:

• Sage (can lower milk supply) [7]
• Peppermint (large amounts may reduce supply) [8]
• Parsley (same) [9]
• Dong Quai (hormonal effects) [10]
• Aloe latex (can cause digestive upset in babies) [11]
• Kava kava (potentially harmful pyrone constituents) [12]
• Comfrey (super dangerous when consumed, and can cause liver damage even when applied topically) [13]

Some herbs can be great for milk supply (like fenugreek, blessed thistle, and moringa), but they’re not for everyone and can cause side effects too. [14,15,16]

Herbal doesn’t mean harmless — especially when you're lactating.

Your body, your baby, your call

We’re not here to tell you what to do.

Just to give you the info so you can make the best choice for your body and your baby.

Because let’s be real — navigating postpartum is overwhelming enough without playing guess-the-herb.

Ashwagandha might be a great tool after you’re done breastfeeding.

Until then? There are other ways to support your nervous system that don’t come with a question mark.

Still tempted?

Talk to a doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant who actually gets it.