Hale's Lookup Please

[Dave]

Hi everyone! I got a free sample of the avlimil and I don't know if I can
take it or not. So could someone let me know if I can. I have a 4 1/2
month old that is exclusively breastfed. I just don't want to mess anything
up with her. TIA


Erin
Wife to Dave - 3/23/01
Mommy to Hope - 11/4/01 (I'm almost 2!!!!)
Mommy to Rebekah - 5/20/03

[Spanannie]

Dr. Hale's website says that it's not a good idea:
http://neonatal.ama.ttuhsc.edu/discus/messages/71/679.html

Here's what he says:

Avlimil is an herbal mixture of a lot of different products.

I have attached below the description from their website. I do not think
this would be a suitable product for a breastfeeding mother due to the sage
content (used sometimes to reduce milk production) and estrogens ( which are
known to suppress milk production).

Tom Hale, Ph.D.

----------------- From Avlimil Website ---------------------

Salvia officinalis (Sage leaf)
A primary component of Avlimil, sage leaf has a long history for its use as
a medicinal herb. Sage Leaf helps relieve mental exhaustion and enhances the
ability to concentrate. Refreshed and alert, women are better able to enjoy
the physical and emotional pleasures of being with their partners.

Sage also contains estrogenic substances and is a natural antiperspirant. It
has been traditionally used during menopause to help the body deal with
hormonal changes and hot flashes.

Rubus idaeus (Red raspberry leaf)
Red Raspberry has been dubbed the "Vine of Female Vitality." The leaf of the
vine is the part that is most often used as herbal medicine. Medical
journals have published studies describing the normalizing effect Red
Raspberry Leaf extract has on the uterus. Traditionally, midwives and
herbalists claim that it also helps tone the ligaments of the uterus to ease
childbirth and regulate menstrual flow.

Isoflavones (from kudzu root extract and red clover extract)
Avlimil provides isoflavones derived from Kudzu Root and Red Clover
extracts. If estrogen levels are low, these isoflavones are reported to act
as "weak estrogens."

Morella cerifera (Bayberry fruit)
Bayberry Fruit a strong herbal stimulant, bringing a sense of heat and
vitality to the body. Bayberry has many useful properties for the body,
assisting with circulation and toning all the tissues it contacts. It is
especially beneficial for uterine and vaginal health.

Capsicum annuum (Capsicum pepper)
Capsicum Pepper has been used for centuries to enhance blood circulation.
Capsicum contains capsaicin, a chemical that stimulates various
neurotransmitters. A small amount of capsaicin excites the nervous system
into producing endorphins, which promote a pleasant sense of well-being and
heighten sexual responsiveness.

Turnera diffusa (Damiana leaf)
Damiana Leaf is an uplifting and energizing South American herb that has
been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac. For more than 100 years, Damiana'
s use has been associated with enhancing sexual function. It helps estrogen
production and can be helpful for menopausal problems. It also helps support
muscle activity, which is a part of healthy sexual activity.

Zingiber officinale (Ginger root)
Ginger Root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 2,500 years.
It supports a healthy cardiovascular system. Homeopathic practitioners
recommend it to assist with sexual health.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root)
Licorice Root is known to act as a sexual stimulant, bringing oxygen to the
genital area and increasing endurance and vitality. The herb contains plant
estrogens, producing mild estrogenic effects that have been helpful for
women with menopause and for women dealing with menstruation. It does this
by helping to strengthen the adrenal glands and helping them to produce
their hormones. Licorice Root is also an excellent anti-stress herb.

Valeriana officinalis (Valeriana root)
Valerian Root has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is good for the
entire circulatory system and soothes muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
Additionally, Valerian Root helps promote normal sleep patterns.

Actaea racemosa (Black cohosh root)
Black Cohosh Root contains a natural estrogen that is similar to human
estrogen and helps with joint function, blood pressure, stress, menstruation
and menstrual cramps, and estrogen levels in women. (A low level of estrogen
is linked to loss of sexual desire in women.) And best of all, Black Cohosh
Root has no known cancer-causing agents. Black Cohosh Root is the most
popular herbal supplement in Europe for women experiencing premenopause
symptoms. It provides isoflavones and other constituents that help support a
woman's health during this phase of her life.
"Dave" > wrote in message
...
> Hi everyone! I got a free sample of the avlimil and I don't know if I can
> take it or not. So could someone let me know if I can. I have a 4 1/2
> month old that is exclusively breastfed. I just don't want to mess
anything
> up with her. TIA
>
>
> Erin
> Wife to Dave - 3/23/01
> Mommy to Hope - 11/4/01 (I'm almost 2!!!!)
> Mommy to Rebekah - 5/20/03
>
>