Is Arnica safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Arnica. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A 9-day-old breastfed (extent not stated) infant developed hemolytic anemia 48 hours after his mother had begun drinking tea made from Arnica flowers. The infant's total bilirubin was 41 mg/dL, with a direct bilirubin of 5 mg/dL and a hemoglobin of 5 grams/L. The infant was otherwise healthy with normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) status. After exchange transfusions and phototherapy, the infant's anemia corrected and bilirubin lowered to 9.9 mg/dL. The mother stopped drinking the tea and resumed breastfeeding with no further hemolysis.[ 4 ] The infant's hemolysis was probably caused by the Arnica tea.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.