Can i drink jamaica while breastfeeding

Through the study, researchers found that the extract had the potential to delay puberty in offspring and also increased the risk of obesity and an elevated body mass index BMI.

Additional studies, such as one conducted in on pregnant rats, also support these findings. In this study, researchers noted that regularly consuming hibiscus not only delayed puberty in offspring, but also caused maternal malnutrition.

Along with the risk of delayed puberty in your baby, hibiscus tea has also been associated with encouraging the onset of menstruation, according to research. Specifically, hibiscus helps to regulate hormones that impact your period. For those with irregular or asymmetrical periods, hibiscus supplements can help balance them out. Known as the emmenagogue effect, hibiscus tea and extracts can encourage blood flow to the uterus to help stimulate menstruation. Side effects, in theory, can include cramping, bleeding, early labor, and even miscarriage.

Full disclosure: Most studies that focus on the use of hibiscus in pregnant animals are targeted toward hibiscus supplements and herbal blends that also contain the plant. Meanwhile, most commercially sold hibiscus teas contain far less of the plant extract than you would find in supplements or homemade blends. This is especially true in herbal tea blends that might also contain rosehip and raspberry, two ingredients commonly blended with hibiscus.

Whereas hibiscus tea is strongly discouraged during pregnancy, the herbal ingredient is known as a galactagogue. A galactagogue is a natural supplement that can aid in improving milk supply. Still, just as with pregnancy, scientific research into the efficacy of various galactagogues — including hibiscus — is thin to nonexistent, with most people relying on anecdotal evidence.

In other cases, the results from the few studies that do exist like this small controlled trial have been inconclusive. Though not all of these are strictly forbidden during all three trimesters, keep an eye out for these common herbal ingredients and speak with a doctor before you take a sip while pregnant:.

Herbal teas can seem like a great alternative to caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda. Those who drank the hibiscus tea saw a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure , compared to those who consumed the placebo drink.

A meta-analysis of studies published in , found that drinking hibiscus tea significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More studies are needed to confirm the results. Research published in compared the results of consuming hibiscus versus black tea on cholesterol levels. Ninety people with high blood pressure consumed either hibiscus or black tea twice a day for 15 days.

However, other studies have shown mixed results. A review published in , found that drinking hibiscus tea did not significantly decrease cholesterol levels. Other studies, including a review of a number of clinical trials, showed that consuming hibiscus tea or extract increased good cholesterol and decreased bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Better quality studies are still needed to investigate the impact of hibiscus consumption on cholesterol levels. Some studies have demonstrated positive effects when examining the effects of concentrated hibiscus on managing body weight. One report showed that hibiscus resulted in a lower body mass index BMI , body weight, body fat, and hip-to-waist ratio. An older study showed that hibiscus extract led to reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides in the Mexican population.

This can lead to a reduced risk of obesity. However, it should be noted that these studies used concentrated doses, and further research is needed to fully confirm the benefits of hibiscus in tea.

Because hibiscus tea is naturally tart, sugar or honey is often added as a sweetener, adding calories and carbohydrates. The heart health benefits associated with hibiscus tea are believed to be due to compounds called anthocyanins, the same naturally occurring chemicals that give berries their color. A review of studies reported that very high doses of hibiscus extract could potentially cause liver damage.

The same review reported that hibiscus extract was shown to interact with hydrochlorothiazide a diuretic in animals and with acetaminophen in humans. Individuals who drink herbal teas should let their doctors know, as some herbs have the potential to interact with medications.

According to other sources, hibiscus consumption is not safe for people who take chloroquine, a medication for malaria. Rose hip tea : There isn't enough information on rose hip tea to know whether it's safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Dandelion tea : There isn't enough information on dandelion tea to know whether it's safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Lemon balm : This tea is considered possibly safe and commonly used to relieve anxiety, irritability and insomnia.

Parsley tea : Avoid parsley tea during pregnancy. If you drink large amounts, it may increase your risk of miscarriage and affect how your baby develops. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Herbal preparations are not required to have the same level of testing and proof that they work as do prescription medicines. As a result, we know less about their side effects during breastfeeding. Some are known to be quite safe. Others have been shown to contain components that may not be safe.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website. Caffeine is a stimulant, found in different amounts, in coffee, black and green tea, energy drinks, some soft drinks, and in chocolate. Read more on Your Fertility website. Supporters of Ayurveda as a therapy for autistic children say it improves autism characteristics.

Read more on raisingchildren. Complementary and alternative medicines CAM include acupuncture, herbal medicines and manual therapies such as massage and reflexology. Read more on Better Health Channel website.

About half of Australian women consult a complementary therapist while pregnant. Here's what you should know about integrative medicine and pregnancy. While most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can affect your baby. Find out which medicines you can take and how to get advice. Read more on healthdirect website. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.

Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes. The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.

If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.