can nursing women take st johns wort?

Answer 1

Thomas Hale, RPh, PhD, author of Medications and Mothers' Milk, says that St. John's Wort appears to be relatively safe for nursing mothers, but recommends that caution be used. He suggests that other treatments (Zoloft, Paxil) are probably preferred.

- here's the rest of the article: http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/stjohnwort.html

personally the term "relatively safe" means not safe enough for me... I know that zoloft and paxil are great while nursing though!! they are more effective in treating depression, and safer than st. john's wort

Answer 2

St John's Wort is not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers. Also if you decide to take it after you are done with the breast feeding just know that it will negate the effects of birth control if you are on it. It also says to keep out of the sun if you take it as well.

Answer 3

It is currently recommended that St John's Wort should not taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you are already taking St John's Wort for depression it may not be wise to stop suddenly in case you suffer a relapse. Speak to your doctor before deciding what to do. It may be that other medication would be safer.
For the rest go to...

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/stjohnswort/?_requestid=741939

Answer 4

It's not a good idea.

I took it when I wasn't pregnant or nursing one time, and it gave ME side effects - my face felt really hot and burning, even though I didn't have the redness people warn you about, and it took a few months to fade away completely. It's not nice to think of the possible effects if it gets through to your baby.

Answer 5

I looked around the net at various places, and all of them seemed to agree that it should NOT be taken by pregnant and nursing mothers because of a lack of safety information about what it could potentially do.

Answer 6

does it say not to on the package? rather be safe than sorry