Last update Oct. 23, 2022
Limited compatibility
We do not have alternatives for Basil.
Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.
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Basil is also known as
Basil in other languages or writings:
Basil belongs to these groups or families:
Main tradenames from several countries containing Basil in its composition:
Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com
e-lactancia is a resource recommended by IHAN of Spain
Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM
It contains Eugenol, Linalool, 1,8 cineole (eucalyptol) and essential oils composed mostly by Estragole. Traditionally used for dyspepsia and as a diuretic. Essential oils are topically used as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial treatment (Fitoterapia.net). Based on Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: usage is discouraged due to unproven benefits and possible toxic effects. (Blumenthal 1998)
On last update no relevant published data on breastfeeding were found.
Linalool is excreted in breast milk in small amounts (Zhang 2022, Debong 2021). Eucalyptol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts (Kirsch 2012), although it does not cause problems or cause rejection in infants. (Kirsch 2013)
Estragole has mutagenic, carcinogenic and cytotoxic effects. Eucalyptol is neurotoxic and may induce seizures. (Burkhard 1999)
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. (Eckner 2015, Guzman 2013, Milord 2012, Pakalniskiene 2009)
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. (ABM 2018)
Precautions when taking plant preparations (Anderson 2017, Powers 2015, Posadzki 2013, Efferth 2011, Kopec 1999, Hsu 1995):