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 [log in to unmask]