Is arnica safe during breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Arnica During Breastfeeding
Arnica, a flowering plant known for its medicinal properties, has garnered attention for its potential benefits in treating bruises, muscle pain, and inflammation. However, its safety during breastfeeding is a topic of considerable concern among new mothers and healthcare providers.
General Safety Concerns
The consensus among health professionals is that while arnica has therapeutic uses, certain forms of the herb should be approached with caution during breastfeeding. Specifically, arnica products that are not homeopathic or are taken orally should be avoided due to their toxic components. These products can pose risks not only to the mother but also to the nursing infant.
Topical and Homeopathic Applications
On a more positive note, topical applications of arnica and homeopathic preparations are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Homeopathic arnica is often highly diluted, which significantly reduces the risk of adverse effects. Studies and historical usage suggest that these forms of arnica can be used to relieve discomfort associated with bruising and swelling without posing significant risks to the infant.
However, it is crucial to exercise caution even with topical applications. For instance, mothers are advised not to apply arnica on the chest area to prevent any potential contact with the infant’s mouth, which could lead to ingestion.
Case Studies and Anecdotal Evidence
There have been instances where the ingestion of arnica tea by breastfeeding mothers led to adverse effects in infants, such as hemolytic crises, which is the destruction of red blood cells. This highlights the importance of avoiding oral forms of arnica during breastfeeding. The case underscores the need for mothers to be vigilant about what they consume and how it may affect their babies.
Conclusion
In summary, while arnica can be beneficial for certain conditions, breastfeeding mothers should prioritize safety. Topical and homeopathic forms of arnica are generally safe, but caution is warranted, particularly with non-homeopathic products and oral consumption. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider before using any new treatment is advisable to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Can you use arnica postpartum?

Arnica is commonly used for bruising and can aid in healing the perineum and other tissues after birth. It can also be used for afterpains and uterine cramping that can occur with nursing.

Who should not use arnica?

Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®). Arnica may increase your risk of bleeding. Do not take arnica or use it on your skin if you’re allergic to sunflowers, marigolds, ragweed, or other plants from the sunflower family.

Why can’t you use arnica when pregnant?

The plant is poisonous and, if swallowed, it can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest, and death. Do not use arnica if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use it on open wounds or broken skin. Stop using arnica if you develop a skin rash.

Can I put arnica gel on my breast?

6) Use a pain reliever (analgesic), such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), to alleviate breast pain. 7) Rub topical arnica cream/gel/ointment on the breast. Arnica is a homeopathic anti-inflammatory and can be purchased at most grocers.

What supplements should I avoid while 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.

Is arnica safe during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, but also under ordinary conditions, one should never take herbal teas or other “do-it-yourself” preparations containing arnica as these may cause a serious intoxication of both the mother and the unborn child. Special caution is also required when ingesting arnica orally during breastfeeding.

How do you dissolve arnica in breastmilk?

Arnica 30c tablets – HOMEOPATHIC Remedy • Dissolve 10 pellets in 3 oz of breast milk/water/formula. Chill. Give 2mL of chilled combination every 2 hours for the first few days as needed.

Is topical arnica safe during pregnancy?

Do not use arnica if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use it on open wounds or broken skin. Stop using arnica if you develop a skin rash. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate arnica in the same way it regulates medicine.

Can you have arnica when breastfeeding?

Large doses can even be fatal. DO NOT take arnica by mouth except under close supervision of your doctor. You can generally take homeopathic remedies, which use extremely small amounts of arnica, safely. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking arnica, and ask your doctor before using it on your skin.

Can you use arnica on babies?

Arnica has no contraindications, and is safe for newborns and nursing mothers. Arnica in strong potency (200C or 1M) is used for major injuries.