Question

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

Oregon Grape lactation summary

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

Roots and bark of plant are used. It is popularly used as a topical medication for several skin affections like psoriasis, acne and fungal infections. Controlled studies have failed to show any effectiveness or that is similar to placebo. It contains Berberine that may be a cause of gastritis, nephritis, phototoxicity and severe jaundice by displacement of albumin-linked bilirubin: it places a risk of kernicterus to newborns, which is greater in cases of 6-Glucose-PD deficiency.

Alternate Drugs for Phytotherapy, Topical Use

Calendula(Safe)
Australian Tea Tree Oil(Low Risk)
Poplar(Safe)
Camphor(Unsafe)
Marigold(Safe)
Winterbloom(Safe)
Golden Seal(Low Risk)
Nogal(Safe)
Mayapple(Unsafe)
Tepescohuite(Low Risk)
Cinnamomum camphora(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.