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Home > Herbs and Breastfeeding > Is This Herb Safe for Nursing Moms?A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Herbal safety for nursing mothers
Also known as marigold, garden marigold, holligold, gold bloom, and marybud. This herb has been used topically to promote wound healing, and to alleviate conjunctivitis and other eye inflammations. According to Hale, there are almost no studies regarding it's efficacy in any of these disorders. There are no suggestions of overt toxicity, except for the possibility of allergies/anaphylactic shock. No pediatric concerns reported via milk. [top]
This is approved by the AAP for use in breastfeeding moms. It may cause loose stools in mom/infant, or GI cramping in mom. Riordan & Aurbach (p. 175) indicates that cascara is not recommended for breastfeeding moms because it can cause diarrhea in the baby. Another source suggests that it should be avoided while breastfeeding because of its anthranoid content. [top]
No contraindications known for nursing moms. Also known as Cinnamomum aromaticum, False Cinnamon, Bastard Cinnamon or Rou Gui, cassia is closely related to cinnamon. Because its active ingredients may have an abortive effect, do not use during pregnancy. Also, in rare cases, people may develop a sensitivity to the herb. Some general info can be found at HealthyRoads and WebMD. [top]
No contraindications are known for nursing moms. Celery seed is commonly used in cooking. Do not use celery seed during pregnancy. More general info here. [top]
Chamomile is considered safe by the FDA, with no known adverse effects in pregnancy, lactation, or childhood. Chamomile tea is commonly used by nursing moms for relaxation. It can also be used to prevent/fight off fungal infections. Patients with severe allergies to ragweed should be warned about possible cross-reactivity to chamomile and other members of the aster family (e.g., echinacea, feverfew, and milk thistle). It should not be taken in conjunction with other sedatives, such as benzodiazapines or alcohol. More info can be found in the article, A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs. [top]
Not recommended for nursing moms. There are several reports of liver failure after consumption of this herb. The FDA has issued a health warning on this herb. [top]
This should be OK for nursing moms, but it can reduce milk supply (be careful). High in iron. [top]
This should be OK for nursing moms. This is in all green vegetables. High in iron. Has been recommended as a nutritional supplement for improving milk supply. More here. [top]
Coltsfoot leaf is contraindicated during both pregnancy and nursing because of the potential toxic liver effects and its antimitotic action. [top]
Many sources, including the American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Index, say to avoid internal use of this herb. This herb should not be used on abraded skin and should not be used on unbroken skin for prolonged periods. Not to be used during pregnancy. Hale ("Medications and Mothers' Milk" 1998-99, p. 170) also advises against external use for nursing moms: "Comfrey and members of this family are exceedingly dangerous and should not be used topically, ingested orally, or used in any form in breastfeeding mothers." Many herbalists believe the external use of comfrey leaf (Symphytum officinale) to be safe. Comfrey has a thousands year old history as a healing herb. The young fresh leaves and roots of comfrey comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are known to be toxic to the liver. The mature leaves are reported not to be a problem by many herbalists. The hepatoxicity studies were done by isolating the alkaloids in comfrey, then injecting them (at levels much higher than used medicinally) into baby mice, which caused liver damage and cancer.
In addition, the hepatoxicity studies used Symphytum x uplandicum (Russian Comfrey) which contains more than 5 times the amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloids than Symphytum officinale (common Comfrey, which is what most herbalists use in their preparations). Another thing that the studies did not differentiate between was the different parts of the plant: the root contains 10-20 times the amount of PAs than the leaf. A survey in Canada revealed Russian comfrey and significant amounts of toxic PAs to be present in a large number of comfrey products, even those labelled common comfrey. Consequently, the Canadian government does not allow comfrey in foods. Other names for this herb are Russian Comfrey, Knitbone, Bruisewort, Blackwort and Slippery Root. Additional information: Comfrey hepatotoxicity from The Medicinal HerbFAQ Denham A. Using herbs that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Eur J Herb Med 1996;2(3):27-38. Novak C. Comfrey. Wise Weeds Herbal & Aromatherapy Newsletter. Ody P. The Case for Comfrey? Herbs 1993 (Spring); 18(1). Röder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 50 (1995), pages 83-98. Symphytum from the Interactions Online index Whitelegg M. In defence of Comfrey. Eur J Herb Med 1994;1(1)11-17. [top]
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last modified:
03/03/2005
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