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Subject:
From:
"Sheila Humphrey, B.Sc.(Botany) RN IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 13 Oct 1998 09:58:55 EDT
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Polly asked about the nursing mother taking bugleweed - interesting herb
indeed and a very open question.  Here's what I've got:

Bugleweed ( Lycopus - 3 species, Lamiaceae or mint family ) is one of those
herbs that may reduce prolactin levels.  We really don't know if using a herb
that lowers prolactin levels can alter milk supply in later stages of
lactation.  In any event, there is reason to believe that lower prolactin
levels may shut down lactation amenorrhea states, thus reducing many other
benefits of breastfeeding for the mother.

The German Commission E report on bugleweed does not consider lactation a
reason to avoid, despite their description of bugleweed's actions  as
"antigonadotropic, antithryrotropic, inhibition of peripheral deiodination of
T4, and lowering of prolactin level"(!).  Some recent studies seem to refute
the lowered prolactin finding.  However, as usual, all the work has done with
non-lactating women or animals or in vitro.

Commission E monograph notes bugleweed use can interfere with diagnostic
procedures using radioactive isotopes, and that sudden discontinuation of
bugleweed has resulted in increased disease symptoms.  Rarely, extended and
high doses of bugleweed has resulted in enlarged thryroid.

The Botanical Safety Handbook cautions in pregnancy, lactation and states:
"Contraindicated in thryroid enlargement or hypothyroid and in simultaneous
administration of other thyroid treatments."

Sheila Humphrey
BSc RN IBCLC
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