To Kris:

Cascara is an anthracene derivative. In Berkowitz's second edition "Handbook
for Prescribing Medications During Pregnancy", it says:

" The presence of anthracene derivatives in breast milk and the incidence of
diarrhea among nursing infants whose mothers ingest these substances are
controversial. In his book on drugs in breast milk, Wilson notes that the
standard recommendation is for nursing mothers to avoid these medications,
but that documentation of risk is lacking.

In another reference "Self Medication - A Reference for Health
Professionnals" from the Can. Pharm. Ass. (988: 329-30), it says:

" Stimulant laxatives produce severe abdominal cramps frequently, increase
mucus secretion and in some individuals, lead to an excessive evacuation of
fluids."

I also found that Goldenrod leaves have allergenic properties. Licorice root
in large amounts can cause sodium and water retention, hypokalemia,
hypertension, heart failure and cardiac arrest (B Bannister et al, Br Med J,
2:738, 1977; TJ Chamberlain, JAMA, 213:1343, 1970; M Koster and GK David, N
Engl J Med, 278:1381, 1968.

By the way, just a little something from Berkowitz on Aloe:

"Aloe is contraindicated in pregnancy because it can cross the placenta and
stimulate the fetal intestine, leading to the passage of meconium."

Aloe is also an anthracene derivative and its ingestion often results in
colic! A warning for moms who wish to use it on their nipples. I have known
some who would take the aloe directly from a cut plant and apply it directly
to their nipples before feeding...
Dany Gauthier IBCLC
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Montreal, Canada
Tel: 514-923-3792
Fax:514-923-3802