For the life of me, I can't find any specific reason for a breastfeeding
mother to avoid using goldenseal for herself, per se.   Botanical Safety
Handbook and Francis Brinker's new book ( Herb Contraindications and Drug
Interactions ) specify contraindication during pregnancy as berberine and
hydrastine are believed to be oxytocic/uterine stimulants.  Traditional use
includes treating  postpartum hemorrhage.

Newall et al. note isoquinoline alkaloids, berberine (max 6 %) and hydrastine
(max 4%) are major alkaloid components - they are believed responsible for
their broad-spectrum anti-biotic activity, increased bile secretion (source of
idea of "blood purifier"?), and other pharmacological effects ( numerous).

Newall et al. state confusingly that the alkaloid constituents are potentially
toxic but also state that the major, and well-studied alkaloids, berberine and
hydrastine are "considered to be non-toxic". Various adverse effects,
including death have been noted with large doses - these would be well beyond
the doses used in phytomedicine ( can't tell from refs if death was result of
eating the plants by mistake or LD50 studies or what).

Many herb authors will recommend very short treatment course - often only 3
doses total ( 2-4 ml tincture would be a dose) - one dose per day.

 Not much hard evidence of synergistic effects with Echinacea although many
swear by it.

[Barberry, oregon grape are also berberine containing plants and not
endangered or under such enormous pressure as ravaged wild populations are.
Until cultivated goldenseal is available ( year 2000 some say), these
alternatives are suggested by environmentally concious herb folks.]

Sheila Humphrey
B.Sc  RN  IBCLC
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