Schizandra Use During Pregnancy: Exploring Safety And Effects

Schisandra is a plant native to northern China, and its fruit is used as food and to make medicine. It is considered an adaptogen, which means it is believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. However, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it might cause the uterus to contract, which could lead to miscarriage. There is also not enough information to determine whether it is safe for women who are breastfeeding.

Schisandra may cause uterine contractions, leading to miscarriage

Schisandra is a plant native to northern China. Its fruit is used as food and also to make medicine. Schisandra is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is some evidence that it might cause the uterus to contract, and this might lead to miscarriage.

Schisandra has been used in pregnancy to assist with childbirth due to its oxytocic and uterine contracting effects. It may also reduce postpartum hemorrhage. However, it is best to avoid using Schisandra during pregnancy unless otherwise directed by a qualified midwife, herbalist, or healthcare provider.

There is not enough reliable information to know if Schisandra is safe to use when breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Schisandra may be unsafe for breastfeeding women

Schisandra is a plant native to northern China. Its fruit is used as food and also to make medicine. It is considered an adaptogen, a class of natural substances believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors.

Schisandra has been used to treat a wide range of health issues, including menopause, exercise performance, and pneumonia. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. While Schisandra has been used safely for up to 12 weeks, it can cause side effects such as heartburn, upset stomach, decreased appetite, and itching.

It is important to consult a doctor before taking Schisandra, as it may not be appropriate for everyone. It is known to be unsafe for pregnant women, as it may cause the uterus to contract, leading to miscarriage. Additionally, people with gastric conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should avoid Schisandra, as it may worsen their condition.

Schisandra may cause allergic reactions, such as itching or skin rashes

Schisandra is a plant native to northern China. The fruit is eaten as food and also used to make medicine. Schisandra is considered an adaptogen, a nontoxic substance that increases the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning. However, it may cause allergic reactions in some people, such as itching or skin rashes.

Schisandra allergies have presented as a rash on the hands, chest, and lower back in people allergic to the plant. In addition to itching and rashes, other allergic reactions may include decreased appetite, heartburn, upset stomach, and stomach pain. While these reactions are not common, they can occur in individuals with sensitivities to Schisandra.

It is important to note that Schisandra has a long history of medical use throughout Asia and Russia, and it is generally considered safe when taken appropriately. However, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as it may cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage.

If you suspect an allergic reaction to Schisandra, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and discontinue use.

Schisandra may worsen conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Schisandra is a plant native to northern China, and its fruit is used as food and to make medicine. It is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body resist the damaging effects of stress and promotes normal physiological functioning.

However, schisandra may not be safe for everyone. It is not recommended for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as it may worsen their condition.

GERD is a common condition in which the contents of the stomach, including acid, move up into the oesophagus (gullet). This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. It is usually caused by a weakening of the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus.

Schisandra may increase stomach acid, which can make GERD symptoms worse. It is important to note that this effect has not been extensively studied in humans.

If you have GERD, it is recommended that you avoid taking schisandra. You can often control GERD symptoms by making lifestyle changes and taking over-the-counter medication. However, if your symptoms are severe or do not improve with treatment, you may need stronger prescription medication or surgery.

It is important to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, including schisandra, to ensure they are safe for you.

Schisandra may increase the effects of certain medications

Schisandra may interact with the following drugs:

• Drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2, 3A4, or 3A5: In vitro and animal studies suggest schisandra can affect how these drugs are metabolised. Clinical relevance has yet to be determined.
• Drugs that are substrates of P-glycoprotein: Lab and human studies suggest schisandra can inhibit P-glycoprotein activity and may interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs.
• Tacrolimus: Schisandra might increase how much tacrolimus is absorbed from the gut. Taking schisandra along with tacrolimus might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus.
• Talinolol: Schisandra might increase how much talinolol the body absorbs. Taking schisandra while taking talinolol might increase the effects and side effects of talinolol.
• Warfarin: Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Schisandra might increase the breakdown and decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting.
• Midazolam: The body breaks down midazolam to get rid of it. Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down midazolam. Taking schisandra along with midazolam might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.
• Phenobarbital: Taking schisandra along with phenobarbital might increase the effects and side effects of phenobarbital.

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