Elderberry extract during pregnancy??

[rachie]

So I just bought some elderberry extract for our family to take to help immune system function. I was surprised to read on the back of the bottle (after I already opened it) "Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding". It wasn't the usual "consult physician before use if pregnant of breastfeeding". It just says plainly "DO NOT".

Does anyone know why elderberry extract would not be safe to use (in small amounts only during certain times - like now I'm sick with a cold) specifically during pregnancy and for breastfeeding children??

I guess I'll look it up on google - let me know if any of you find some info on this as I am puzzled.

[HeatherB]

I have, absolutely, used it while BFing with no ill-effects. I really think I used it recently while pg, too, but I don't remember for sure... No, I'm sure I did. I used Sambucus. Now I don't recall for sure if I asked my MW first or after, but I know I told her the litany of things I was taking and she didn't tell me not to take that one. Mine also doesn't have any warnings on it. Does yours have alcohol in it, or something like that?

[rachie]

nope

Originally Posted by HeatherB

I have, absolutely, used it while BFing with no ill-effects. I really think I used it recently while pg, too, but I don't remember for sure... No, I'm sure I did. I used Sambucus. Now I don't recall for sure if I asked my MW first or after, but I know I told her the litany of things I was taking and she didn't tell me not to take that one. Mine also doesn't have any warnings on it. Does yours have alcohol in it, or something like that?

No alcohol. Mine is also Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract (super concentrated - you put a tsp in a little water and drink it). "Alcohol-free" it says. Hmm???

[HeatherB]

Mine is not the super-concentrated, but I can't find anything on it that refers to pregnancy or breastfeeding at all. With this one, you take 2tsp straight.

[evjolin]

i was actually advised by mw to take sambucal (the syrup form, not the extract) since i did not get the h1n1 vax. i would take it about a week before i had to fly somewhere, and take 2 tsp a day. i would just talk to your mw/dr to double check, but i think it is fine :-)

[etsdtm99]

i took homemade elderberry syrup while BFing a toddler.. i was also giving it to my toddler so i figured it should be fine to BF while taking it.. i have read that it is ok while pregnant too but i don't remember where..