Alecrim. Romeu

Leaves and floral summits of shrub are used. It contains essential oil (eucalyptol, camphor), flavonoids, terpene. Scientifically non-proven effects: digestive, carminative, cholagogue. Oral use and topically used as anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.

Herb that is widely used as a condiment for culinary purposes and also as infusion for medicinal purposes. In some cultures (Eastern Europe), it is often consumed in pregnancy without reported harm effects.

Eucalyptol is neurotoxic and may induce seizures ^{(Burkhard 1999)}. The varieties from the Maghreb have a high content of eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts ^{(Kirsch 2012)}, although it does not cause problems or cause rejection in infants. ^{(Kirsch 2013)}

An occasional consumption of infusion would be compatible with breastfeeding. There is no risk of topical use and consumption as a condiment at usual doses.

The essence of Rosemary or essential oil would better be avoided while breastfeeding because of the convulsant property of Camphor. Alcoholic solutions (vg. rosemary alcohol) should be avoided near the chest and areas in contact with the infant.

Precautions when taking plant preparations ^{(Anderson 2017, Powers 2015, Posadzki 2013, Efferth 2011, Kopec 1999, Hsu 1995)}:

• Make sure they are from a reliable source: poisonings have occurred due to confusion of one plant with another with toxic properties ^{(Hsu 1995)}, poisonings due to containing heavy metals extracted from the soil, and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi. ^{(Anderson 2017)}
• Do not take in excess; follow the recommendations of expert phytotherapy professionals. “Natural” products are not good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can cause poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if consumed in quantity or for an exaggerated time because they contain phytoestrogens. ^{(Powers 2015, Zava 1998)}