Taking Marshmallow Root While Breastfeeding
Marshmallow root increases milk supply. It doesn't work on its own, however. Marshmallow root is usually combined with other herbs such as Fenugreek.
Quick Page Links
- The history of Marshmallow root
- Properties and description
- Health benefits for nursing mothers
- Marshmallow root for increased milk supply
- Dosage of Marshmallow root
- Safety and precautions
- Low milk supply tips
It is recommended that an infant is exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, with breast milk being the only source of nutrition for the infant. After this point, breast milk should continue to be the primary source of nourishment while introducing solids during the next 12-24 months, if possible.
For various reasons, you may not be able to supply the breast milk your infant needs.
Women find a sense of confidence and self-empowerment when they breastfeed successfully. When their breastfeeding experience becomes unexpectedly interrupted, alternative medicines (homeopathic) enter the conversation. There is one such herb that I'd like to discuss today—the Marshmallow root.
Master Your Milk Supply
Never worry about your milk supply ever again! This is a 5-part video series designed to help breastfeeding mothers maximize their milk production. This course is an excellent resource for mothers who are concerned about their baby not getting enough breast milk, frustrated with minimal pumping results, or fearful of losing their milk supply. The video series offers step-by-step lessons that are available on-demand and accessible across all devices.
History of the Marshmallow Root
Like the Alfalfa herb and many other herbal medicines, Marshmallow root can be traced back to various civilizations, such as the earlier Romans, Chinese, and Native Americans. These people used herbs to treat various illnesses and diseases, from mild conditions like pains, aches, and sores to more severe issues such as digestive disorders, skin conditions, and wound treatment.
The word marsh in Marshmallow root refers to its location and tendency to grow in marshes and other damp areas, where it would thrive.
It is believed to be first discovered in parts of Europe close to 2000B.C by the Egyptians. Only royalty was said to partake in the ritual of ingesting this root.
When the marshmallow root first hit the UK market, it was made into various candies, transforming the sweet market over the years.
Today, however, the application and ingestion of Marshmallow root and similar herbs are more well-known thanks to research, giving it a more broad-based demand. It is often used by women, especially in assisting with breast milk production, supply, and maintenance.
The Tushbaby Hip Carrier
With its ergonomic design and comfortable waistband, Tushbaby provides optimal support for you and your baby. Say goodbye to shoulder and back pain from traditional carriers, as Tushbaby evenly distributes your baby's weight, relieving strain and promoting better posture.
Properties and Description
What is the Marshmallow Root?
The marshmallow plant (Althaea Officinalis) is a five-pedaled, whitish-pink flower with a soft fleshy bright green stem and leaves.
This root has been discovered to have antitussive properties and mucilage abilities, which makes it great for treating coughs and other cold symptoms, and this is only the start of its health benefits.
One of the most common applications in earlier civilizations was anti-inflammatory salve for inflamed skin. When the leaves and root mix with water, a gel substance forms that can be used as a medication to coat the throat and the stomach or to ease inflammation and prevent and treat chapped lips.
Health Benefits and How to Use Marshmallow Root
- Treatment of Cold and Flu Symptoms Without Medication
In combination with other inflammatory herbs or antibacterial herbs such as Slipper Elm or Echinacea, Marshmallow root is said to assist in healing the airway passages and lungs. And yes, ladies, Slippery elm and Echinacea are also safe while breastfeeding! More home remedies for colds and flu while breastfeeding.
- Fighting off a UTI
Marshmallow root may alleviate your situation in treating symptoms such as swelling, pain, and discomfort associated with urinary tract conditions.
- Digestive System Protection
Marshmallow root may help treat a few digestive system disorders, such as leaky gut syndrome, and helps protect the gut lining, preventing heartburn, ulcers, and constipation.
- Skin Allergies and Hypersensitivity
Marshmallow root can help with skin irritations because of its anti-irritant properties and can treat sunburn when used in a salve or balm. Marshmallow root is an emollient herb. Therefore, it has a cooling and soothing effect; it is perfect when used in a nipple cream!
More health benefits of Marshmallow root are mentioned here. (external link)
Marshmallow Root and Breastfeeding
In modern times, marshmallow is a galactagogue, which means that it might increase milk supply. It doesn't work on its own, however. Marshmallow root is usually combined with additional herbs such as fenugreek, red clover, alfalfa, or blessed thistle to encourage milk production. Goats Rue and Fennel are two other very effective lactogenic herbs.
Marshmallow root belongs to lactation category C, which in turn means it's considered safe to use for the duration of nursing. No adverse reactions have been reported, so it's likely safe (read precautions below) to try if you want to increase your milk supply.
The amount of marshmallow root you should consume depends on which part of the plant you use. Always read dosing instructions with care.
Increase Milk Supply
Marshmallow root's popularity has skyrocketed, with research findings documenting the benefits of using this herb to increase the nursing mother's breastmilk supply.
How is this possible?
Marshmallow root works by increasing estrogen within the body, and breast tissue, which in turn causes an increase in breastmilk supply.
Top 10 Foods That Increase Milk Supply
Suggested Dosage of Marshmallow Root
You can find Marshmallow root in the form of tea or capsules.
A breastfeeding mother can consume up to four Marshmallow capsules three times a day.
Dr. Frank J. Nice, a pharmacist at the National Institute of Health, recommends that a breastfeeding mother take no more than 3g of marshmallow root daily.
Safety and Precautions
Always consult a breastfeeding-friendly healthcare provider before turning to alternative medications such as these to rule out contraindications and adverse reactions.
While no direct negative safety concerns have been reported that warrant serious consideration in using marshmallow root, you may need the professional assistance of a herbal pharmacist in choosing a natural remedy that will work for you.
We are all unique, and our bodies react differently to whatever we put into it; for this reason, Marshmallow root may not work for you, and you may need to turn to an alternative like Alfalfa or Fenugreek to increase breastmilk supply.
Allergic reactions to marshmallow root are rare. If you experience issues, such as difficulty breathing, discontinue use immediately and contact an anti-inflammatory health care provider.
Marshmallow root may act as a diuretic and affect the amount of absorption of some meds. Those with diabetes should be aware of the sugar concentration in marshmallow syrup.
Low Milk Supply Tips
If your child is gaining weight and has adequate wet diapers, they will most likely get enough milk. Two articles to read:
- Urination frequency in breastfed babies.
- Signs that my baby is drinking enough milk while breastfeeding.
It is best to breastfeed on demand to avoid a dip in your milk supply. Worrying can hurt the breastfeeding relationship, so relax and rest often. Take a nursing vacation, if possible.
Always hydrate, drink eight or more glasses of water daily, and remain well-nourished while breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Finding you may have insufficient breastmilk supply may come as a great shock, especially if you've previously had no such issues. While it may be cause for concern, it is more common than you think.
Please read this article - Is my baby drinking enough milk while breastfeeding (tell-tale signs)
Many other factors may contribute to breastfeeding problems and associated breastmilk supply fears; for this reason, we are becoming more conscious of ourselves, our bodies, and our capabilities as mothers. We want to feel more involved and empowered by our experiences, and turning to natural medicine seems the best way to do so.
Nature provides for us. Using natural medication means we ingest less harmful chemicals and get the added health benefits, which are naturally present in herbs and roots such as the Marshmallow root. These health benefits can then be carried over from mom to baby.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics Workgroup on breastfeeding: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 1997;100:1035–1039. [PubMed]
Hauck Y., Fenwick J., Dhaliwal S., Butt J. A Western Australian survey of breastfeeding initiation, prevalence, and early cessation patterns. Matern. Child Health J.
Tenfelde S., Zielinski R., Heidarisafa R.L. Why WIC women stop breastfeeding? Analysis of maternal characteristics and time to cessation.
Anderson P.O., Valdés V. A critical review of pharmaceutical galactagogues. Breastfeed.