Question

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

Reishi lactation summary

Reishi usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Reishi is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Reishi may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Reishi may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Reishi low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Reishi 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 Reishi usage in lactation

A fungus found worldwide that grows saprophytically on tree bark. Used in traditional Chinese medicine as a fortifier and stimulant of the immune system. Contains polysaccharides (glucans), triterpenoids (ganoderic acid) and ergosterols. There is insufficient evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment of cancer (Jin 2016, MedlinePlus 2015), or in cardiovascular disease (Krupp 2015, MedlinePlus 2015), or in any other condition, such as hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, immune deficiency, fatigue, insomnia, etc. (MedlinePlus 2015). Excessive use or high concentrations for more than one month may be toxic to the liver (MedlinePlus 2015, Gill 2008, Wanmuang 2007). Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breast milk. Given its lack of toxicity at the right doses, moderate use would be compatible with breastfeeding. Precautions when taking plant preparations: 1. Ensure that they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusing one plant with another with toxic properties, as well as poisoning from heavy metals extracted from the ground and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi. 2. Do not take in large amounts; follow recommendations from professional experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not always good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can result in poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if taken in excessive amounts or time periods.

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)
Barberry(Dangerous)
Carob(Safe)
Common Poppy(Unsafe)
Angelica(Unsafe)
Star Anise(Dangerous)
Mugwort(Unsafe)
Edible Burdock(Low Risk)
Box(Unsafe)
Boldo(Unsafe)
Calaguala(Safe)
Caralluma(Low Risk)
Carrageen(Low Risk)
Blue-Cohosh(Dangerous)
Squisandra(Low Risk)
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)
Hyssop(Unsafe)
Syrup Of Ipecac(Low Risk)
Jin Bu Huan(Dangerous)
Kava Kava(Dangerous)
Clubmoss(Unsafe)
Maca(Safe)
Nux Vomica(Dangerous)
Papain(Low Risk)
Passion Flower(Low Risk)
African Cherry(Dangerous)
Scots Pine(Unsafe)
Pennyroyal(Unsafe)
Primrose(Safe)
Radish(Safe)
Ironwort(Low Risk)
Liquorice(Unsafe)
Rooibos(Safe)
Rose Hip(Safe)
Willow(Safe)
Soy(Low Risk)
Herbal Teas(Low Risk)
Rock Tea(Low Risk)
Tormentil(Safe)
Meadow-Sweet(Low Risk)
Sarsaparilla(Low Risk)
Sweet Flag(Unsafe)
Saw palmetto(Low Risk)
Cat's Claw(Low Risk)
Milk Vetch(Low Risk)
White Mulberry(Low Risk)
Di Huang(Low Risk)
Zi Wan(Unsafe)
Dang Shen(Low Risk)
Glycyrrhizin(Unsafe)
Carrageenan(Low Risk)
Carrageenin(Low Risk)
Passion Vine(Low Risk)
Chaste Tree(Unsafe)
Sweet Cane(Unsafe)
Sweet root(Unsafe)
Irish Moss(Low Risk)
Bromelain(Safe)
Bromelin(Safe)
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.