Q I'm pregnant or breastfeeding—can I take an immune tonic?
A Since some herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy, you must disclose your pregnancy status and receive a proper prescription.
Detailed Answer
During pregnancy, blood-activating herbs such as Safflower and Peach Kernel are contraindicated, and Astragalus and Ginseng are also used with caution in early pregnancy. From the mid-to-late stages of pregnancy, a fetus-stabilizing (安胎) prescription is possible, but it must always be decided after a Korean medicine doctor assesses the gestational week and condition. During breastfeeding it is relatively safe, but the prescription is simplified considering the components transferred to the nursing infant.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
At Dongjedang, for pregnant and breastfeeding patients, we always confirm pregnancy status and gestational week at the first visit, and compose separate prescriptions for prenatal immune care and postpartum recovery purposes respectively.
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I'm an elderly resident of Incheon Dong-gu in my 70s—would a tonic still be effective for me?
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Is it okay to exercise while taking a tonic? Won't it drain my energy instead?
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I work in Incheon Dong-gu and frequently work overtime at night. Does that change how I should take a tonic?
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