Do any of you know if it's safe to take this while nursing?

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 07:09 pm:

Here's a link to a site which discusses herbal supplements:
http://www.womensheartfoundation.org/content/HeartWellness/dietary_supplements.asp

Here is another link which says there is no information about echinacea and nursing babies. http://www.drugs.com/MTM/echinacea.html

Personally, knowing that everything you put into your body goes into your milk, I would recommend against it, but I do have a bias against herbal medicines.

By Feonad on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 07:18 am:

This is for teas:

Chamomile, ginger, St. John's wort, echinacea Taken in teas, these herbs probably pose no danger to your baby. However, drink any herbal tea with caution, especially when you don't know all the ingredients (stay away from goldenseal, which often comes with echinacea). Most teas are benign, but some have been known to cause liver toxicity.

By Feonad on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 07:21 am:

Echinacea - Use this herb judiciously (in small qualities) when illnesses are going around to boost your immune system. Use this herb religiously when you are ill yourself! Capsules or tablets usually do the trick, but homeopathics are much quicker if you can locate the remedy. Not many companies make homeopathic echinacea, so if you find it, stock up. This remedy is also good for breast infections.

By Feonad on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 07:22 am:

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&q=echinacea+breastfeeding

By Feonad on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 07:44 am:

http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/ref/herbs_e.html

say to take for 8 weeks max... some thing about liver

By Lauram on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 09:05 am:

I have to say, I agree with Ginny. I barely took Tylenol when pg or nursing.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 09:07 am:

I have a book on meds for breastfeeding. It says (on a scale of 1-5...1 being safest), it's a 3. Moderately safe because there are no controlled studies on it. It says the drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant. It also says that echinacea shouldn't be taken longer than 8 weeks.
Personally, I wouldn't take anything that can't be taken for longer than 8 wks..especially if you're nursing. If it's harsh on your liver, it could be even worse on your child. HTH

By Tink on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 06:02 pm:

I agree with Heidi. If it could cause damage to you in such a short length of time, what could it do to your baby while you are taking it? Better safe than sorry. JMO