Hi David- I'm working with a client who is a nursing mother and struggling with low energy and low libido as well as noticing a bit of depression. Her child is almost a year and a half and she is wanting to get pregnant again in the near future. She is otherwise in good health and I think she just needs some nourishing and some libido support. I'm curious what your thoughts are in using adaptogens for a woman who is nursing? A lot of the products I've looked at recommend not using them during pregnancy or breastfeeding. One that I think might be a good fit would be shatavari. It seems that this would be a safe herb to use while nursing, correct? Would you recommend discontinuing when she is ready to conceive? Are there any other adaptogens that are safe while nursing? And I'm assuming they should be discontinued during pregnancy? Thanks!

I also meant to ask about Shatavari: Would you recommend using it as a powder as opposed to a tincture when the goal is to use it as a nutritive tonic? Thanks!

I’m curious what your thoughts are in using adaptogens for a woman who is nursing? A lot of the products I’ve looked at recommend not using them during pregnancy or breastfeeding. I also think restorative tonics such as Goji berry, Processed Rehmannia, Prince Seng, Codonopsis would be ok to use One that I think might be a good fit would be shatavari. It seems that this would be a safe herb to use while nursing, correct? Yes, it would Are there any other adaptogens that are safe while nursing? again almost no information, I would be very comfortable giving Shatavari which is also a galactogogue during lactation Would you recommend discontinuing when she is ready to conceive? There is little if any research to give a definite answer, but I would not be terribly concerned about using Shatavari at that time. Here is typical CYA info on Shatavari: According to 2003 research, ayurvedic medicine considers shatavari “absolutely safe for long term use, even during pregnancy and lactation.” Still, there’s not much scientific research on the side effects of shatavari supplementation. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use it until more studies are done and it’s proven safe. I also meant to ask about Shatavari: Would you recommend using it as a powder as opposed to a tincture when the goal is to use it as a nutritive tonic? Thanks! Either works as a nutritive tonic, but during pregnancy I would use the powder rather than a tincture