Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Devil’s Claw Root? Is Devil’s Claw Root safe for nursing mother and child? Does Devil’s Claw Root extracts into breast milk? Does Devil’s Claw Root has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Devil’s Claw Root influence milk supply or can Devil’s Claw Root decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Devil’s Claw Root lactation summary

Devil’s Claw Root usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Devil’s Claw Root is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Devil’s Claw Root may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Devil’s Claw Root may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Devil’s Claw Root low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Devil’s Claw Root We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Devil’s Claw Root usage in lactation

The root of this herb that is native from Southern Africa is used.It contains iridoids as harpagoside and phytosterols and flavonoids.Traditional indications are not based on clinical evidence: relief of pain and joint inflammation, dyspepsia, flatulence and anorexia. At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk was found. Given the lack of therapeutic effectiveness and the likelihood of adverse gastrointestinal side effects, it seems prudent to avoid using this herb during lactation, otherwise do it on a moderate or occasional basis.

Alternate Drugs for Phytotherapy, Systemic Use

Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Cranberry(Safe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Sweet Briar(Safe)
Barberry(Dangerous)
Carob(Safe)
Common Poppy(Unsafe)
Angelica(Unsafe)
Star Anise(Dangerous)
Mugwort(Unsafe)
Edible Burdock(Low Risk)
Box(Unsafe)
Boldo(Unsafe)
Bromelains(Safe)
Calaguala(Safe)
Caralluma(Low Risk)
Carrageen(Low Risk)
Horse Chestnut(Safe)
Blue-Cohosh(Dangerous)
Indian Pennywort(Safe)
Squisandra(Low Risk)
Prickly Pear(Safe)
Black-Cohosh(Unsafe)
Horsetail(Unsafe)
Colocynth Pulp(Dangerous)
Ergot Fungus(Dangerous)
Ephedra(Unsafe)
Steviol(Safe)
Eucalyptus(Unsafe)
Eyebright(Safe)
Flowers(Low Risk)
Fucus(Unsafe)
Goat´s Rue(Unsafe)
Bearberry(Unsafe)
Guarana(Low Risk)
Herniary(Low Risk)
St. John´s Wort(Safe)
Hyssop(Unsafe)
Syrup Of Ipecac(Low Risk)
Jin Bu Huan(Dangerous)
Kava Kava(Dangerous)
Clubmoss(Unsafe)
Maca(Safe)
Common gromwell(Unsafe)
Nux Vomica(Dangerous)
White Nettle(Safe)
Papain(Low Risk)
Passion Flower(Low Risk)
African Cherry(Dangerous)
Scots Pine(Unsafe)
Pycnogenol(Safe)
Pennyroyal(Unsafe)
Primrose(Safe)
Radish(Safe)
Ironwort(Low Risk)
Liquorice(Unsafe)
Rooibos(Safe)
Rose Hip(Safe)
French rose(Safe)
Butcher´s Broom(Safe)
Willow(Safe)
Soy(Low Risk)
Herbal Teas(Low Risk)
Rock Tea(Low Risk)
Lime Flower(Safe)
Tormentil(Safe)
Meadow-Sweet(Low Risk)
Golden Rod(Safe)
Sarsaparilla(Low Risk)
Sweet Flag(Unsafe)
Saw palmetto(Low Risk)
Common gum cistus(Low Risk)
Cat's Claw(Low Risk)
Milk Vetch(Low Risk)
Chinese angelica(Low Risk)
White Mulberry(Low Risk)
Di Huang(Low Risk)
Zi Wan(Unsafe)
Dang Shen(Low Risk)
Reishi(Low Risk)
glycyrrhizic acid(Unsafe)
Glycyrrhizin(Unsafe)
American cranberry(Safe)
Carrageenan(Low Risk)
Carrageenin(Low Risk)
Verbena officinalis(Low Risk)
Passion Vine(Low Risk)
Chaste Tree(Unsafe)
Plant Protease Concentrate(Safe)
Sweet Cane(Unsafe)
Sweet root(Unsafe)
Irish Moss(Low Risk)
Bromelain(Safe)
Bromelin(Safe)
Acorus calamus(Unsafe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.