Dear John,

I'd love to pick your brain re: herbs and breastfeeding:  I have a mom whose Chinese mother has been recommending herbs for her, and I have no idea if they're safe with breastfeeding.  Any thoughts?

1) Codonopsis pilosula root (Dang Shen)

2) Wolfberry

3) Angelica sinensis (Dang gui)

4) Dried longan

5) Red dates

6) Black dates

Hope all is well!

                                     Berkeley Pediatrician

Dear  Berkeley Pediatrician,

The formula is very safe for nursing. The wolfberry, longan, and the two dates are essentially the chinese multivitamin and mineral supplement.  They are an addition to many Chinese nourishing formulae.  Very easy to assimilate. Very high in Vit A, B, C, E.  Also a fabulous source of easy to assimilate iron.  Potassium and magnesium also in good amounts.  The wolfberry is particularly antioxidant dense.

The Dang Gui is used in many postpartum and post miscarriage formulas. It is in the "blood nourishing" category with blood moving properties as well.  Very beneficial effect on microcirculation.  One of top 3 herbs for women.

The Cordonopsis is in the spleen "qi building" category.  Spleen is a poor translation to English.  Good action to support function of pancreatic and digestive enzymes and to lower small intestine inflammation and increase general energy.   

                         - Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM, FABORM