Marshmallow Root and Nettle Leaves

[Mischelle]

Hello,

I am currently nursing a 6 month old and 6 weeks pregnant. Due to a huge diminish in my supply, I have started to take Marshmallow Root in a capsule form as well as Nettle Leaves in a capsule form. I take 2000ml of each each day to boost my supply. I would very much appreciate your opinion on the safety of these supplements during pregnancy. Thank you in advance.

[cpride]

Dear Mischelle,

Herbal supplements and remedies are currently not recommended for use during pregnancy. A physician or herbal specialist should be consulted before beginning any herbal treatment during pregnancy or lactation. Common herbal products that should be avoided during pregnancy include: ashwagandha, bitter melon, black cohosh, burdock, cats claw, celery, chamomile, chasteberry, devil's claw, ephedra, feverfew, panax ginseng, golden seal, gotu kola, hawthorn, kava kava, licorice, red clover, red yeast rice, rosemary, schisandra, St. John's wort, stinging nettle, tribulus, uva ursi, yohimbe. Nettle may cause uterine contractions that may potentially lead to miscarriage. Marshmallow root has been known to decrease blood sugar causing hypoglycemia. (references: NIH, Lexicomp, and Natural Standard). Hope this information helps.

Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center

[Jewelrasal22]

Herbal supplements and remedies are currently not recommended for use during pregnancy. \


I agree with him.........

[admin]

Mischelle:

The biological reason your milk supply is suffering is because your body is trying to protect the fetus and supply it with complete nutrition.(its a function of the endocrine system) This is normal and occurs in all breastfeeding mothers who are pregnant. You'll just have to accept that your milk supply is going to wane.

Also, I would STRONGLY suggest you stop these herbals, as we know virtually nothing about their safety, particularly at 6 weeks. From 4-12 weeks is the critical time for birth defects, and you do not want to be using products like this at this critical time.

At 4-12 weeks, you should avoid most medications that are not specifically prescribed by your physician or that are not absolutely necessary.

Tom Hale Ph.D.

[cpride]

Dear leoneed,

There are literally thousands of herbal products used today. Many are safe and some are unsafe for breastfeeding mothers. Consult an authority in herbal products before ingesting these drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center

[narvo]

Everyone his own point of view regarding this. I would STRONGLY suggest you stop these herbals, as we know virtually nothing about their safety, particularly at 6 weeks. From 4-12 weeks is the critical time for birth defects,

[James Smith]

I'll also not suggest to take Herbal supplements and remedies to everyone during pregnancy.