Oil of Oregano (OOO) is a popular herbal supplement derived from the Origanum vulgare plant, often used for its potent antimicrobial properties. Mothers frequently seek this essential oil as a natural remedy for common infections. However, using OOO during lactation raises major concerns regarding safety for the nursing infant. The primary issue is the significant gap in scientific research and clinical data surrounding its use while breastfeeding.
Understanding Oil of Oregano: Active Components and Lack of Data
The primary activity of Oil of Oregano is attributed to its high concentration of phenolic compounds, specifically Carvacrol and Thymol. These powerful, naturally occurring disinfectants are responsible for the oil’s reputation as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. The high potency of these phenols, while beneficial, is also the reason for caution during breastfeeding.
There are virtually no published human studies investigating whether Carvacrol or Thymol are secreted into breast milk, their transfer concentration, or their effect on a nursing baby. This absence of data means healthcare providers cannot determine a safe dosage or confidently confirm that the compounds pose no risk to the infant. Herbal supplements, unlike pharmaceutical drugs, are not subject to extensive pre-market approval, further complicating the lack of standardized guidelines for lactating women.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies oregano as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), but this classification only applies to its use as a common food ingredient or flavoring. OOO supplements contain concentrations of active ingredients exponentially higher than those found in culinary amounts, making the GRAS status irrelevant to therapeutic safety. The high concentration of phenols is concerning, as an infant’s underdeveloped systems may not be equipped to process them safely.
Potential Risks and Side Effects for Mother and Infant
The theoretical risks to an infant are significant because their physiological systems are immature, especially the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver. If concentrated phenolic compounds transfer into breast milk, they could cause GI distress, leading to symptoms like increased gassiness, colic, vomiting, or diarrhea. Since the infant’s liver is less efficient at detoxification than an adult’s, these compounds may place undue stress on the organ during metabolism.
There is also a distinct maternal risk concerning milk production. Anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming large, medicinal quantities of oregano may actively decrease a mother’s milk supply. This reduction is thought to be caused by the compounds interfering with the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for stimulating milk synthesis.
Mothers taking OOO may face common side effects such as irritation of the mucous membranes, especially if the oil is used undiluted, and general gastrointestinal upset. The compounds in OOO may also interfere with platelet aggregation, potentially increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding, particularly if the mother is taking blood-thinning medications. Furthermore, the high phenolic content may decrease the absorption of non-heme iron from the diet, hindering the replenishment of maternal iron stores.
Consulting Experts and Safer Alternatives During Lactation
Given the lack of safety data and potential for adverse effects, a lactating mother should always consult with a healthcare professional before taking Oil of Oregano or any concentrated herbal supplement. Seeking advice from a certified lactation consultant or a clinical pharmacologist specializing in lactation is highly recommended to assess the risk versus any perceived benefit. These experts can provide guidance based on the most current information available on herbal transfer into breast milk.
For common ailments OOO is often used to treat, such as congestion or a common cold, there are several widely accepted, safer alternatives. Saline nasal sprays or rinses, which are simple sterile salt-and-water solutions, can effectively clear nasal passages without posing risk to the nursing infant or the milk supply. For immune support, increasing the intake of garlic in culinary amounts or using Echinacea, an herb with more established safety data for short-term use, may be more prudent choices. The general principle remains to prioritize known safe remedies and avoid products with unknown infant exposure and risk.