Goldenseal, a medicinal plant
renowned for its immune-stimulating properties, has been used for hundreds of
years to treat dozens of common conditions. Most commonly, goldenseal is
combined with other herbs for use in cleansing and immunostimulating formulas.
In
general, goldenseal is safe and associated with few serious side effects.
However, there are some goldenseal contraindications, which are circumstances
that make the use of goldenseal inadvisable or potentially dangerous. Do not
use goldenseal if you are in any of these high-risk groups.
Babies and Toddlers
Do not
use goldenseal in children under age 3. A compound in goldenseal may cause
kernicterus, a serious form of brain damage, in babies and young children. All
reports of goldenseal-related kernicterus have occurred in newborn babeis, but
it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to any baby or
toddler.
Pregnant Women
Most
health care providers view pregnancy as a goldenseal contraindication.
Compounds in goldenseal may cross the placenta, leading to kernicterus in the
fetus. In theory, goldenseal may also increase the risk of miscarriage and
preterm birth due to increased contractions in the uterus. Avoid goldensesal
during all stages of pregnancy unless your health care provider explicityl
states that it is okay.
Nursing Mothers
Breastfeeding
mothers should not take goldenseal, because the compound linked to kernicterus
may enter breastmillk and harm the nursing child. This risk is particularly
great for the mothers of breastfed newborns, and it is less serious for older
babies and toddlers. Many other herbs are also contraindicated for
breastfeeding mothers, so consult your doctor or your child's pediatrician for
further advice.
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