Hawthorn

Leaves, flowering tops and fruits of the bush are used.
It contains glycoside-type flavonoids with similar action as digoxin.
As for traditional use, their attributed properties are poorly evidence-based: cardiotonic, antianginal, antiarrhythmic, hypnotic.
Indication by the Commission E of German Ministry of Health: heart failure.

At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk was found.
Few and mild side effects have been described. Given their lack of toxicity with usual doses, consumption at minimal doses and for short periods during lactation would have little or no risk.

The studies that attempted to show a galactogogue effect are scarce with very poor quality and inappropriated methodology (Nikolov 1951).
The best galactogogue result may be obtain by frequent on-demand breastfeeding and a proper technique. Do not use it as galactogogue without medical control.

Precautions when taking herbal teas:
1. Make sure you have got it from a reliable source: poisonings have occurred by confusion with another plant that either has toxic properties, contains heavy metal toxins or food poisoning through contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Do not take it in large amounts. The "natural" products are not good by themselves: plants contain active substances from which has been obtained much of our traditional pharmacopoeia and can cause poisoning if consumed in huge quantity or prolonged time.