Is elderberry safe while breastfeeding?

Is Elderberry Safe While Breastfeeding?
Elderberry, derived from the fruit of the Sambucus nigra plant, has gained popularity for its purported immune-boosting properties, particularly during cold and flu season. However, when it comes to breastfeeding, the safety of elderberry remains a topic of debate among healthcare professionals.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
One of the primary concerns regarding elderberry use during breastfeeding is the lack of robust scientific evidence supporting its safety. Most medical professionals advise caution, as there are no comprehensive studies confirming that elderberry is safe for nursing mothers or their infants. This absence of data leads to a general recommendation against its use while breastfeeding.
Potential Risks from Plant Components
Elderberry fruit is generally considered safe when cooked, as it contains beneficial flavonoids like quercetin and anthocyanidins. However, the plant’s bark, leaves, and roots contain sambunigrin, which can release cyanide and is potentially toxic. While cooked elderberries do not carry this risk, the concern remains that

What not to take while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

Is elderberry safe to take while breastfeeding?

Elderberry, winter colds & flu, & pregnancy: MANY of you have asked me about the safety of elderberry syrup for winter health — there is no known contraindication to using the syrup on a daily basis during pregnancy (and while breastfeeding).

What vitamins decrease milk supply?

If you haven’t nursed your infant yet, high doses of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) may work to suppress lactation. One older study from the 1970s suggested that high doses B6, B1, and B12 suppressed lactation for 96% of the participants, with no unpleasant side effects.

What supplements are not safe during breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

• Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
• Aloe latex.
• Ashwagandha.
• Berberine/goldenseal.
• Bilberry.
• Black cohosh.
• Butterbur.
• Dong quai.

How can I fight a cold while breastfeeding?

Yes, there are several ways to manage cold symptoms without medications while breastfeeding:

1. Drink lots of water or other clear liquids. Clear liquids, especially warm ones, help break up mucus in your nose and chest.
2. Take a hot, steamy shower.
3. Use a humidifier.
4. Try a saline nasal spray or neti pot.
5. Rest.

How can I boost my immune system while breastfeeding?

Eat a balanced diet
Daily breakfast (you know what they say!) Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented foods like kimchi. Protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes. Fruits and vegetables.

Can I drink elderberry while pregnant?

Due to lack of evidence of efficacy and safety, health care personnel should not advice pregnant women to use echinacea or elderberry against upper respiratory tract infection.

Is emergen C safe to take while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

Why can’t babies have elderberry?

Raw elderberries, green unripe berries, and elderberry leaves, seeds, and stems contain cyanide-producing toxins that are not safe for ingestion.