🔴AvoidCurated
Comfrey Tea
Comfrey tea should be avoided entirely during breastfeeding — and ideally in general. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic to the liver and have caused serious liver disease and death. The FDA has warned against internal use.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale and related species) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids — compounds that accumulate in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (liver damage). These alkaloids are also carcinogenic in animal studies. They pass into breast milk and can affect a nursing infant's developing liver. The FDA warned in 2001 against internal use of comfrey-containing products. Comfrey is sometimes used externally (on the skin for bruises) which carries much lower risk, but internal use — including teas and supplements — is dangerous and should be strictly avoided, especially during breastfeeding.
Safer Alternatives:
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
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