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- Who should avoid St. John’s Wort?
- What natural supplements should be avoided during pregnancy?
- Can you take St. John’s Wort while breastfeeding?
- Does St. John’s Wort affect fertility?
- Which herbs should I avoid during pregnancy?
- Why don’t doctors prescribe St. John’s Wort?
- What does St. John’s Wort do to birth control?
- What does St John’s Wort do to hormones?
- What foods should you avoid when taking St John’s wort?
- What herbs are good for anxiety during pregnancy?
Understanding St. John’s Wort and Pregnancy
St. John’s Wort, a popular herbal remedy primarily used for treating mild to moderate depression, raises important questions regarding its safety during pregnancy. As many expectant mothers seek natural alternatives for managing mood disorders, understanding the implications of using this herb is crucial.
Current Research and Findings
The existing literature on the safety of St. John’s Wort during pregnancy is limited. While some studies suggest that it is not thought to be harmful to pregnant women or their unborn babies, definitive evidence confirming its safety is lacking. For instance, a review of available data indicates that there is only one documented case of a mother taking St. John’s Wort during pregnancy, which resulted in a healthy baby. This highlights a significant gap in comprehensive research on the herb’s effects during this critical period.
Experts caution that while St. John’s Wort may not pose immediate risks, the lack of extensive studies means that its safety cannot be guaranteed. The consensus among healthcare providers is to approach the use of this herbal supplement with caution. As noted by various health sources, the potential for unknown side effects or interactions with other medications remains a concern.
Recommendations for Expectant Mothers
Given the uncertainty surrounding St. John’s Wort, healthcare professionals typically advise pregnant women to consult with their doctors before starting or continuing any herbal supplements. This is particularly important for those who may be using St. John’s Wort to manage conditions like postpartum depression. The potential for interactions with other medications, especially those prescribed during pregnancy, necessitates a careful evaluation.
Moreover, while some studies indicate minimal risk during lactation, the same caution applies. The effects of St. John’s Wort on breastfeeding infants are not fully understood, and mothers are encouraged to discuss their options with healthcare providers.
Conclusion
In summary, while St. John’s Wort is widely used and generally considered safe for many individuals, its use during pregnancy remains a complex issue. The current lack of robust evidence necessitates a cautious approach. Expectant mothers should prioritize open communication with their healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies. As research continues to evolve, staying informed will be key to making safe and effective health choices during pregnancy.
Who should avoid St. John’s Wort?
For people with major depression, there’s some concern that taking St. John’s wort may increase the risk for mania. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take St. John’s wort.
What natural supplements should be avoided during pregnancy?
Supplements to avoid during pregnancy
- Vitamin A. You’ll often find vitamin A in your prenatal vitamins since it’s so important.
- Vitamin E.
- Black cohosh.
- Goldenseal.
- Dong quai.
- Yohimbe.
- Other herbal supplements considered unsafe during pregnancy.
Can you take St. John’s Wort while breastfeeding?
According to the Drug and Lactation Database (Lactmed), hypericin and hyperforin are poorly excreted into breastmilk. One study noted a slightly increased frequency of colic, drowsiness and lethargy among breastfed infants whose mothers were taking St. John’s wort.
Does St. John’s Wort affect fertility?
John’s Wort has not been well studied to see how it might affect male fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. There are case reports of sexual difficulties (reduced desire or ability to perform) in people taking St.
Which herbs should I avoid during pregnancy?
Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
| Scientific Name | Common Name(s) | Form of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Peumus boldus | Boldo | Tea |
| Piper methysticum | Kava kava | Liquid extracts, capsules |
| Rhamnus purshiana | Espino cerval, Buckthorn | Tea, capsules |
| Rheum spp | Ruibarbo, Rhubarb | Tea, capsules |
Why don’t doctors prescribe St. John’s Wort?
There are case reports of St. John’s wort having dangerous side effects, such as worsening of psychotic symptoms in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
What does St. John’s Wort do to birth control?
John’s Wort is associated with increased metabolism of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, breakthrough bleeding, follicle growth and ovulation. Women using OCs should be cautioned that St. John’s Wort might interfere with contraceptive effectiveness.
What does St John’s Wort do to hormones?
St. John’s wort might increase the breakdown of estrogen. Taking St. John’s wort along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills.
What foods should you avoid when taking St John’s wort?
Teach patients taking St. John’s wort to avoid foods and beverages that contain tyramine, such as Chianti wine, beer, aged cheese, chicken livers, chocolate, bananas, and meat tenderizers. They also should avoid sun exposure.
What herbs are good for anxiety during pregnancy?
Some well-known herbal preparations (phytopharmaceuticals), including St. Johnʼs wort, California poppy, valerian, lavender, and hops, possess antidepressant, sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant properties and could be used to treat mental diseases such as depression, restlessness, and anxiety in pregnancy.
