Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Our Herbal Products: What You Need to Know

Many women turn to natural remedies during pregnancy and breastfeeding for added support. While herbal tonics and extracts have been used for centuries, it’s important to approach them with awareness and informed decision-making.

At Great Spirit, we value transparency and empowering you with knowledge. Below, we outline key considerations for pregnant and breastfeeding women when using Iron Restore Tonic, Native Reishi Tincture, and Brain & Nerve Restore Blend—including traditional wisdom, modern insights, and factors to keep in mind.

Iron Restore Tonic – A Midwives’ Tradition

Iron Restore is an organic liquid iron tonic based on an age-old midwives’ recipe. It contains:
✅ Yellow Dock Root – Traditionally used to support iron absorption
✅ Dandelion Root – A gentle digestive tonic
✅ Blackstrap Molasses – A natural source of iron and minerals
✅ Spring Water – Pure and mineral-rich

Considerations for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

The main consideration for pregnant women is Yellow Dock Root, which contains anthraquinones—natural compounds that may have a mild laxative effect. Some herbal texts caution that, in high doses, anthraquinones could theoretically stimulate the intestines and, by extension, the uterus.

However, it’s important to note:
🔹 Yellow Dock has never been proven to pose a risk in pregnancy—concerns stem from theoretical assumptions rather than clinical evidence.
🔹 Iron Restore contains Yellow Dock in a balanced, small dose, ensuring a gentle formulation.
🔹 Historically, midwives intentionally used Yellow Dock to support iron levels, digestion, and overall wellbeing during pregnancy and postpartum.

While many pregnant and breastfeeding women have used Iron Restore with great results, we always recommend checking with your trusted midwife, naturopath, or healthcare professional to determine if it’s right for you.

Native Reishi Tincture – Alcohol Extraction Considerations

Our Native Reishi Tincture is a potent extract of Ganoderma steyaertanum, the Australian “Mushroom of Immortality”, known for its adaptogenic and immune-balancing properties.

Considerations for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

🔹 Alcohol Content – The tincture is made using an alcohol-based extraction method, which ensures the full range of beneficial compounds are drawn from the mushroom. While the alcohol content is minimal per dose, some women choose to limit or avoid alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

🔹 Reishi & Pregnancy – While traditional Chinese medicine has long used Reishi as an immune and stress-supporting herb, there is limited clinical research on its safety during pregnancy. Some herbalists recommend caution due to its immune-modulating effects.

🔹 Breastfeeding & Reishi – Many women use Reishi postpartum for its potential to support recovery, resilience, and hormonal balance. However, individual tolerance varies.

Options:

• If avoiding alcohol, you can reduce the alcohol content by adding the tincture to hot water or tea and letting it sit for a few minutes before consuming.
• As always, consult your trusted health professional before introducing any new herbal product.

Brain & Nerve Restore – A Lion’s Mane Blend for Cognitive Support

Brain & Nerve Restore is a full-spectrum Lion’s Mane extract blend, featuring:
✅ Beta-Glucans – Immune-supporting polysaccharides
✅ Hericenones – Found in the fruiting body, studied for cognitive support
✅ Erinacines – Found in the mycelium, explored for nerve regeneration

Considerations for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

🔹 Lion’s Mane & Pregnancy – There is currently no established research on the safety of Lion’s Mane during pregnancy. While traditionally used for mental clarity and nerve support, its effects on foetal development have not been well studied.

🔹 Postpartum & Breastfeeding Benefits – Many new mothers turn to Lion’s Mane for mental clarity, focus, and nerve health, particularly in the postpartum period.

🔹 Adaptogenic & Neurotrophic Effects – Lion’s Mane is unique in that it contains nerve growth-stimulating compounds rather than traditional hormonal adaptogens. Some herbalists see this as beneficial; others recommend waiting until after birth.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and considering Brain & Nerve Restore, we recommend:
✔️ Speaking with your healthcare provider
✔️ Starting with a small amount to assess your body’s response

Final Thoughts – Trust, Tradition & Informed Choices

Each of our products is developed with deep respect for traditional herbal wisdom and modern safety considerations. While natural remedies can be a powerful ally, every woman’s pregnancy and breastfeeding journey is unique.

Our Commitment at Great Spirit:

✔️ Transparency – We share all relevant information so you can make an informed choice.
✔️ Quality & Purity – Every batch is third-party lab tested to ensure it’s free from heavy metals, pesticides, and contaminants.
✔️ Respect for Traditional Herbalism – We honour the history of these formulations while ensuring they meet modern safety standards.

For those navigating pregnancy or breastfeeding, the best approach is one of awareness, discernment, and professional guidance. Whether you choose to incorporate our products now or wait until after birth, we support you in making the best choice for your body and your baby.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.