Last update: Sept. 12, 2015

Ocimum basilicum

High Risk for breastfeeding


Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully.
Use safer alternative or interrupt breastfeeding 3 to 7 T ½ (elimination half-lives).
Read the Comment.

It contains 0.5% of essential oils composed mostly by Estragole (agent with mutagenic, carcinogenic and cytotoxic effects), Eugenol and Linalool.

Traditionally used for dyspepsia and as a diuretic. Essential oils are topically used as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial treatment.
Based on Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: usage is discouraged due to unproven benefits and possible toxic effects.

The prolonged use of infusions and essential oils during pregnancy, lactation and childhood is discouraged.

Fresh basil for culinary purposes has no contraindications but must be thoroughly washed since frequent and severe bacterial contaminations have occurred.

There is no proof on its property as a galactagogue.
A best galactagogue effect is mainly obtained by frequent nursing together with an appropriate lactation technique.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Ocimum basilicum.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Ocimum basilicum is Basil in Latin, botanical name.

Is written in other languages:

Ocimum basilicum is also known as

Groups

Ocimum basilicum belongs to these groups or families:

References

  1. Fitoterapia.net. Vanaclocha B, Cañigueral S. 1992- 2021. Disponible en: https://www.fitoterapia.net. Abstract
  2. ABM: Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of Galactogogues in Initiating or Augmenting Maternal Milk Production, Second Revision 2018. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Jun;13(5):307-314 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Eckner KF, Høgåsen HR, Begum M, Økland M, Cudjoe KS, Johannessen GS. Survival of Salmonella on basil plants and in pesto. J Food Prot. 2015 Abstract
  4. Guzman-Herrador BR, Nilsen E, Cudjoe KS, Jensvoll L, Kvamme JM, Lindegård Aanstad A, Lindstedt BA, Nygård K, Severinsen G, Werner-Johansen Ø, Wester AL, Wiklund M, Vold L. A Shigella sonnei outbreak traced to imported basil--the importance of good typing tools and produce traceability systems, Norway, 2011. Euro Surveill. 2013 Abstract
  5. Mannion C, Mansell D. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and the use of prescription medication: a pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012;2012:562704. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Milord F, Lampron-Goulet E, St-Amour M, Levac E, Ramsay D. Cyclospora cayetanensis: a description of clinical aspects of an outbreak in Quebec, Canada. Epidemiol Infect. 2012 Abstract
  7. ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. ABM. Comité de Protocolos de la Academia Médica de Lactancia Materna. ABM Protocolo Clínico #9: Uso de Galactogogos para Iniciar o aumentar la tasa de secreción de Leche Materna. Breastfeed Med. 2011 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Pakalniskiene J, Falkenhorst G, Lisby M, Madsen SB, Olsen KE, Nielsen EM, Mygh A, Boel J, Mølbak K. A foodborne outbreak of enterotoxigenic E. coli and Salmonella Anatum infection after a high-school dinner in Denmark, November 2006. Epidemiol Infect. 2009 Abstract

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