Last updated: October 2026
No, ashwagandha isn’t recommended while breastfeeding. There’s no research on whether it passes into breast milk or how it might affect a baby, and it can affect thyroid hormones and, rarely, the liver. The UK’s Food Standards Agency already advises pregnant women to avoid it while a safety review is under way. Ask your GP or pharmacist first.
Below: why experts advise against it, what’s known about milk supply, what to do if you’ve already taken some, what to try instead for stress and sleep, and when it’s OK to start again.
Why ashwagandha isn’t recommended while breastfeeding
| Concern | What’s known |
|---|---|
| Breast milk | No studies have measured whether ashwagandha’s active compounds pass into breast milk, or their effect on babies. |
| Thyroid | In a trial in adults with mild underactive thyroid, ashwagandha raised thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid changes after birth are common, and babies’ thyroid development matters. |
| Liver | Rare but serious cases of liver injury have been reported, with jaundice developing 2 to 12 weeks after starting. |
| Sleepiness | It can cause drowsiness, which matters when you’re caring for a baby at night. |
| Product quality | Supplements vary in strength and can contain other herbs. |
With no safety data and some known risks, the cautious advice is to avoid it until you’ve stopped breastfeeding.
The UK safety review
The FSA asked the government’s independent Committee on Toxicity (COT) to review ashwagandha’s safety, including effects on thyroid hormones, blood sugar and the liver. That review was still under way in 2026. In the meantime, the FSA advises people with liver conditions and pregnant women to avoid ashwagandha supplements. According to Which?, several other European countries, including Denmark, have raised concerns about rare cases of liver problems linked to ashwagandha. The FSA published a summary of responses to its call for evidence in June 2026, and the risk assessment is still to be published. See ashwagandha side effects.
Does ashwagandha affect milk supply?
There’s no good evidence either way. Ashwagandha is used as a “galactagogue” (milk booster) in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, but this hasn’t been tested in proper studies. If you’re worried about supply, the most effective help is feeding often and getting the latch checked by a midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is free on 0300 100 0212.
I took ashwagandha while breastfeeding: what now?
- Don’t panic. There are no published studies of ashwagandha in breastfed babies, so the risk is unknown rather than proven. You don’t need to stop breastfeeding.
- Stop taking it until you’ve spoken to a professional.
- Tell your health visitor, GP or pharmacist, including how much and for how long.
- Watch your baby for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, or changes in nappies or skin colour.
- Watch yourself for signs of liver problems: yellow skin or eyes, dark pee, itching or tummy pain. Get help promptly if you notice any.
If your baby seems very unwell, call 111 or 999.
What if my baby is older?
Older babies and toddlers usually take less milk as they eat more food, so their exposure to anything in breast milk may be lower. But there’s still no safety data, so the advice is the same: check with your GP or pharmacist before taking ashwagandha, whatever your child’s age.
What to try instead for stress and sleep
- Rest when you can, and accept offers of help with night feeds or chores.
- Daylight and gentle exercise, such as a daily walk with the pram.
- Vitamin D: the NHS advises breastfeeding mums to consider 10 micrograms a day in autumn and winter.
- A balanced diet and plenty of fluids.
- Talk to someone: your health visitor or GP if you feel low, anxious or overwhelmed. Postnatal depression and anxiety are common and treatable.
We don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding, including our Flow CBD Oil, which contains ashwagandha.
When can I take ashwagandha again?
Once you’ve stopped breastfeeding. Avoid it too if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. Before starting, check with a pharmacist if you take thyroid medicine, diabetes medicine, sedatives or immunosuppressants, or have a liver condition. See when to take ashwagandha and CBD and ashwagandha.
FAQs
Is ashwagandha safe while breastfeeding?
It isn’t recommended. There’s no research on whether it passes into breast milk or its effect on babies, and it can affect thyroid hormones and, rarely, the liver.
Why should you avoid ashwagandha while breastfeeding?
Because there’s no safety data for babies, and ashwagandha can affect thyroid hormones, cause drowsiness and, rarely, liver injury.
Does ashwagandha increase or decrease milk supply?
There’s no good evidence either way. It’s used traditionally to boost milk, but this hasn’t been tested properly.
I took ashwagandha while breastfeeding. Should I worry?
Don’t panic. Stop taking it, tell your health visitor or GP, and watch your baby for unusual sleepiness or poor feeding. You don’t need to stop breastfeeding.
Can I take ashwagandha while breastfeeding a 1-year-old?
The advice is the same at any age: check with your GP or pharmacist first, as there’s no safety data.
Is ashwagandha tea safe while breastfeeding?
The same caution applies to teas, powders, gummies and capsules, as they all contain ashwagandha.
Sources
- Which?. Ashwagandha: stress buster or health risk? (includes the FSA’s statement).
- GOV.UK. Committee on Toxicity minutes, February 2026 (ashwagandha statement).
- LactMed. Ashwagandha. Drugs and Lactation Database.
- Björnsson HK et al. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury: a case series from Iceland and the US. Liver Int, 2020.
- Sharma AK et al. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients. J Altern Complement Med, 2018.
- NHS. Breastfeeding and diet.
- Food Standards Agency (2026). Summary of responses to call for evidence on ashwagandha. GOV.UK.
- NHS. Breastfeeding help and support (National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212).
This guide is general information. Always follow the advice of your GP, health visitor or pharmacist.
