Olive Leaf Extract While Breastfeeding – What You Need to Know

If you’re a breastfeeding mom looking for natural ways to boost your immune system, chances are you’ve come across olive leaf extract. Maybe a friend swears by it, or you’ve seen it pop up on wellness blogs as a powerhouse herb with antiviral and antioxidant properties. But here’s the million-dollar question: Is olive leaf extract safe to take while breastfeeding?

The short answer? We don’t know for sure. That may not be the most satisfying answer, but when it comes to the health of your baby and your body, it’s important to work with facts—not guesses.

Let’s unpack what we do know, what the science says (and doesn’t), and how to make the best decision for you and your little one.

What Is Olive Leaf Extract?

Olive leaf extract (OLE) is made from—you guessed it—the leaves of the olive tree. It’s packed with natural compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which are believed to give it antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory superpowers. Some people use it to fight off colds, reduce blood pressure, or support heart health.

Sounds promising, right? And in some adult studies, OLE has shown benefits like improved insulin response and lowered blood pressure. But here’s the catch: almost none of this research has been done on breastfeeding women. And zero studies (as of now) have looked at how olive leaf extract affects breastfed babies.

Is Olive Leaf Extract Safe While Breastfeeding?

Most major herbal safety references, including the Drugs.com Natural Products Database, CSIRO herbal monographs, and Australia’s The Women’s Hospital, all say the same thing: there’s not enough reliable evidence to say whether OLE is safe while breastfeeding.

That doesn’t mean it’s definitely harmful—it just means we don’t know. And when it comes to your baby’s developing body, especially their liver and kidneys, most experts agree it’s better to play it safe.

Potential Risks to Consider

While there’s no smoking gun saying OLE is dangerous for nursing moms, there are some theoretical concerns:

• Transfer into breast milk: We don’t know if the active compounds in OLE pass into breast milk—or how much.
• Lowered blood pressure or blood sugar: OLE can lower both in adults. Could it affect your baby? It’s unclear.
• Allergic or digestive reactions: Infants are sensitive to anything new. Even if OLE doesn’t affect you, it might upset your baby’s tummy.
• Interactions with medications: If you’re taking meds for blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions, OLE could intensify those effects.

So if you’re thinking of taking it, especially in higher-than-food amounts (like capsules or tinctures), talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant first.

What If I’m Already Taking Olive Leaf Extract?

If you were using olive leaf extract before or during pregnancy and continued after birth, don’t panic. But do take a step back and evaluate:

• How is your baby doing? Any unusual fussiness, sleepiness, or feeding issues?
• Are you taking it daily or occasionally?
• Could you stop or taper off and see if you feel any different?

This is a great time to loop in your healthcare team. They can help assess whether it’s worth continuing—and whether there are safer alternatives.

If You’re Taking Olive Leaf Extract While Nursing, Watch For

• Slower weight gain or plateau
• Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
• Less interest in feeding or solids
• Changes in digestion (loose stools, constipation)
• Less frequent wet diapers

If you see any of these signs—especially together—it’s worth pausing the supplement and talking to your provider.

Better-Supported Alternatives for Immune Support

If you’re looking for something to help stay healthy while nursing, here are some more established options:

• Echinacea: Some studies support its use short-term during breastfeeding, though data is still limited.
• Vitamin C and zinc: Both support immune function and are generally considered safe in normal doses.

Final Thoughts: Safety First

We get it—you want to take care of your health without compromising your baby’s. That’s why it’s smart to ask questions about anything you put in your body while breastfeeding.

Right now, the best approach is caution. Unless there’s a compelling reason and you’re working with a knowledgeable provider, it’s probably best to skip olive leaf extract while nursing.

Your baby’s safety is worth that extra layer of care.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any supplement while breastfeeding.

FAQs

Resources

• Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
• Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.

References

• Drugs.com Natural Products Database – Olive Leaf. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Olive leaf.
• CSIRO Herbal Safety Monograph – Olive Leaf Extract. McLennan, E. (2021). Olive Leaf Extract – Herbal Monograph. CSIRO Publishing. In: “Herbs and Natural Supplements for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.”
• The Women’s Hospital (Australia) – Herbal Medicines in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Fact Sheet. The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne. (2018). Herbal medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• PMC Review – Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Olive Leaf Extract. Montoya, T., et al. (2023). Anti-inflammatory effects of olive leaf extract in various disease models: A review. Pharmacology & Therapeutics,
• Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders – Olive Leaf and Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Ong, T., et al. (2022). Effects of olive leaf extract supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
• Richters Herbal Q&A – Olive Leaf and Breastfeeding. Richters Herbs. (2006). Olive Leaf Extract While Breastfeeding.