A safer way to use it:
According to the Infant Risk Center, elderberry syrup is probably safe if it’s homemade with fresh, ripe berries only. With dried berries, it’s impossible to tell if they were ripe, so it’s best to avoid while breastfeeding. Since elderberry products are not evaluated by the FDA, Dr. Hale suggests to contact an herbal authority before ingesting while breastfeeding.
While we encourage finding a natural solution whenever possible, and always advocate for less exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, it is important to remember that natural does not always equal safe. This is extra important to remember when it comes to children and babies, which is the purpose of this article. There have not been any adverse affects reported, but without solid research confirming that it is safe, best practice is to refrain from using elderberry syrup while breastfeeding.
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