Is Calendula officinalis Safe in Breastfeeding
Question
I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Calendula officinalis? Is Calendula officinalis safe for nursing mother and child? Does Calendula officinalis extracts into breast milk? Does Calendula officinalis has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Calendula officinalis influence milk supply or can Calendula officinalis decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?
Calendula officinalis lactation summary
- DrLact safety Score for Calendula officinalis is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
- A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Calendula officinalis is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
- Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Calendula officinalis does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
- Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Calendula officinalis safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher 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 Calendula officinalis usage in lactation
The inflorescences of this plant originating in Europe are used.It contains polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins… Attributed properties which do not have sufficient clinical evidence to support them: healing agent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory (local, dermatological). There is no evidence of its efficacy when taken orally to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Indications from the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health and the EMA: topical treatment of minor skin inflammations, ulcers and burns. Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breast milk. A plant devoid of toxicity. Oral use during breastfeeding is not advised (EMA 2008, Amir 2011).The small dose and poor plasma uptake of most topical dermatological preparations make it very unlikely that significant amounts will pass into breast milk. There is no evidence of its effectiveness in treating nipple cracking or inflammation. If applied to the breast, do so after breastfeeding and clean before the next feed.
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)
Oregon Grape(Low Risk)
Cinnamomum camphora(Unsafe)