Q: If I am pregnant or breast-feeding, what precautions should I use when taking herbs?
Here is a list of herbs and herbal formulas that should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding unless specifically recommended by a knowledgeable herbalist, naturopath or other primary care physician. Because some herbs have a direct influence on the uterus the most common contraindication is when pregnancy is involved. Other herbs are contraindicated while breast-feeding because some of the herbs' constituents may migrate into and through the milk to the infant. Some laxatives may have undesirable side effects for pregnant or breast-feeding women. I included them in this list even though they are not found on this site because constipation is a common problem for pregnant women.
Formulas not to be taken during pregnancy
• Adrenotonic™
• Congest Free™
• CranBladder ReLeaf®
• Essiac Tonic
• HB Pressure Tonic™
• Herbaprofen®
• Kava Cool Complex™
• Kidney Tonic™
• Liver Tonic™
• Lymphatonic™
• Menopautonic™
• Nervine Tonic™
• Osha Root Throat Syrup (Not in the first three months)
• ParaFree™
• Peak Defense™ (Goldenseal/Echinacea Complex)
• Phytocillin®
• Respiratonic®
• Smoke Free®
• Stomach Tonic™
• Vibrant Energy™
• Yeast ReLeaf®
Laxatives to be avoided in pregnancy: Aloin (an aloe extract), Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, and Rhubarb root, although not found in this site, should be avoided in pregnancy.
Herbs to Avoid While Breast-Feeding:
• Congest Free™
• Herbaprofen®
• Kava Cool Complex™
• ParaFree™
Laxatives to be avoided while breast-feeding: Aloin (an aloe extract), Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, and Rhubarb root, although not found in this site, should be avoided while breast-feeding.
Contraindications of Herbs:
• Kava Cool Complex™ — do not use with alcohol or barbiturates
• Mullein/Garlic Ear Drops — do not use in perforated eardrums
Possible Side Effects of Herbs:
• ChlorOxygen® Chlorophyll Concentrate — dark green stools may occur
• CranBladder ReLeaf® — peculiar urine smell and color
• HB Pressure Tonic™ — may cause low blood pressure
• Kava Cool Complex™ — large amounts over an extended period of time may cause skin rash
• Kidney Tonic™ — peculiar urine smell and color may occur
• Loviral™ — may cause skin rash
• Vibrant Energy™— may cause insomnia
Caution for Herbs:
• Deprezac™ — do not use for bi-polar syndrome and/or for any other severe depressive states
• HB Pressure Tonic™ - Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis
• Ivy Itch ReLeaf® — FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
• Kava Cool Complex™ — may potentiate the effects of alcohol or barbiturates. Do not exceed recommended dose. If skin rash occurs, cease use
• Mullein/Garlic Ear Drops — FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Do not use in ears with perforated eardrums
2/27/17