Echinacea-Goldenseal while nursing

Hi Susun

I've recently purchased an Echinacea Goldenseal supplement by Gaia Herbs and didn't see, until after getting home, that it is recommended to avoid consumption of goldenseal while nursing.

I have a 14 month old, and he is breastfed on demand. I'm curious of a few things. I figured scouring the internet would only return a handful, at best, of reputable sources so why not come to the wellspring of women's herbal knowledge!

1. Is it in fact safe? I've searched in your Wise Woman books and have only turned up that it can be used topically on babies. What has been found out that has anything I find on the subject saying that it is not safe?
2. What are the associated risks vs benefits that I may need to weigh to decide on my own if there isn't much known about the relationship of it and nursing mothers? Would it be an OK supplement for me to take on occasion at the very least?

This info will not only help me, but future clients who may be curious as well. I sincerely appreciate your time.
theresa

Hello Theresa,
What form is this in? Susun does not recommend herbs in capsule form. Susun also does not recommend the use of goldenseal at all ... Echinacea tincture, not a problem... As for deciding on what to take... of course, we cannot give a hard and fast rule to that. Many herbs haven't been studied, so they always err on the side of caution and say do not use them... when they do study them, often the various constituents are extracted, studies separately, apart from the whole... which is why when it does come to herbs, Susun recommends the use of whole form... the nourishing herbal infusions, medicinal vinegars, etc. 

Perhaps you can call in during Susun's health hotline? That way you can discuss it with her directly... She holds it every Tuesday from 7:30pm - 9Pm Eastern...
646-929-2463; http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed

Also, not sure if you have Susun's book, The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year? If not, I would recommend ... lots of good info on herb use from before conception thru breastfeeding ...   http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/item_view.php?id=1000019&item=wise-woman-herbal-for-the-childbearing-year

 

blessings,
Kim
Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com
www.wisewomanbookshop.com
www.wisewomanuniversity.org
www.wisewomanmentor.com

---

Join Susun Weed on blogtalkradio, Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30 pm EST. Call in with your questions or email ahead of time to [email protected]. 

Visit the link for more info:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed

 

---

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.
www.wisewomanmentor.com

Comments

[Allie]

Michelle,
Here is an episode of blogtalk radio where Susun answers a question about post nasal drip:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed/2013/05/15/ask-herbal-health-expert-susun-weed--natural-healing-and-herbal-medicine

[Michelle Deerheart]

Hi Susun

Blessings to you.

I have a family I look after (2nd baby) and the two children and Mama all suffer from a post nasal drip (including 4 week old). Just wondering what herb/s you would recommend as I was looking at Goldenseal but read you do not recommend that.

Love & light
Michelle