Hello, Star.
I thought I remembered that aloe vera can be extremely potent when
taken internally and can cause diarrhea, so I looked it up in several sources for
you.
According to HERB CONTRAINDICATIONS AND DRUG INTERACTIONS by Brinker
(1998), aloe vera can lower blood sugar levels. If used with insulin treatment
in diabetics, it can cause insulin shock. I have seen mothers on low-carb
diets have trouble making enough milk, or at least have trouble satisfying their
babies, and I have assumed it is because breastmilk is supposed to have
significant milk sugar and it might not be able to contain enough if there is not
enough sugar in the bloodstream to draw from.
According to HERBS AND SPICES FOR PREGNANCY AND NURSING by Zum-Mallen
(1995), "Aloe Vera juice made from the leaves is known for its ability to
bring on the menstrual cycle and it has a strong cleansing effect on the
intestines." And THE NURSING MOTHER'S HERBAL by Humphrey (2003), although talking
about using aloe on nipples, says, "Aloe vera gel isn't the best choice either,
even though it is a superb wound healer. The gel not only tastes bitter to
babies, but also contains small amounts of anthroquinones, constituents that can
cause sensitive babies to develop cramps or diarrhea. If you do decide to use
aloe vera gel, thoroughly remove it before every nursing session." In the
same source, a Plant Safety Table gives it a safely rating of "C: Moderate
potential for toxicity, mainly dose related. Seek an expert herbalist as well as a
lactation consultation before using. Consider safer herbs."
I would honestly be more concerned about this herb getting through to
the baby in small amounts, and in a sensitive baby, causing cramps and
diarrhea like some medicines can do, like Colace. Colace is not supposed to cause
much trouble to breastfeeding babies, but over the years I have been contacted
by several mothers whose babies were fussy and had dark-brown runny stools
while mom was taking the medicine, and the babies became happier and the stools
became normal as soon as mother discontinued the med.
Dee
Dee Kassing, BS, MLS, IBCLC
Collinsville, Illinois, in central USA
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