In a message dated 96-10-15 00:06:30 EDT, you write:

<<
 >>Graphites which has been effective too (if you buy this don't be
 >>surprised it is a black colored cream, not very atrtactive but
 >>effective)<<

 This wouldn't contain lead by any chance? What makes it black? Have you
 looked it up? Composition? Graphite or lead pencils are terms used
 interchangeably by some. What goes on the breast must be safe to eat >>

Maureen - To answer your question, this particular preparation is Graphites
Breast Balm. Graphite apparently has skin healing properties. It is
manufactured by a reputable homeopathic company and as with all homeopathic
medications it is approved by the FDA. The label indicates "for temporary
relief of soreness and nipple care during pregnancy and nursing. Of course,
as with all FDA approved drugs it also carries the "warning- if you are
pregnant or nursing a baby seek the advise of a health professional before
using this product. What's a mother to do?!? Anyway, I have used this
personally, but not being a health professional I  don't "prescribe" this to
mothers I do sell the hypoallergenic lanolin products though.
Homeopathy is a very specific form of alternative medicine that uses
microdoses of natural substances to trigger the body's self -healing power.It
is not a blanket term used to describe home remedies or even herbal medicine.
It was the most popular form of medicine practiced in the States at the turn
of the century and fell out of fashion with the invention of vaccines,
medical schools stopped teaching it. While still popular in Europe,
homeopathy is becoming more widely used since most  homeopathic medicines are
cheap, over the counter, safe with no side effects. It is frustrating that it
is so under used especially with nursing mothers. (For many common problems
there are very specific homeopathic medicines)There are not enough medical
professionals around trained to use it effectively. LC's (unless they are
licensed to practice medicne)CANNOT  use homeopathy but we can direct people
to resourses....
Herbal medicine  is not yet approved as a recognized form of medicine by the
FDA it is certainly a gray area for us . What does everyone think? Is it safe
for us to recommend vitamin and nutritional supplements, such as
Lactobacillus acidophilus for yeast infections (now I tell people what it is
and tell them to call their doctor for permission to take it). What is the
definition of "practicing medicine"? Inquiring minds want to know......
Robin B. Frees, BA, IBCLC Malvern PA