Question

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

Answer by DrLact: About Elderberry usage in lactation

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) fruit contains flavonoids such as quercetin, and anthocyanidins. The bark, leaves and root contain sambunigrin, which is potentially toxic because it can release cyanide. Cooked berries do not carry this risk.[1] Elderberry is most often used for influenza and immune stimulation. It has no specific lactation-related uses. No data exist on the excretion of any components of elderberry into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of elderberry in nursing mothers or infants. Elderberry preparations have rarely caused allergic reactions. No recommendations can be made on the use of medicinal doses of elderberry products during breastfeeding. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

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Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Sage(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Castor(Unsafe)
Oregano(Low Risk)
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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.