Pine is known to cause abortion in cattle. What compound would make pine dangerous for pregnant women ?
Pine is known to be potentially harmful to cattle, particularly due to a compound called isocupressic acid. This compound is found in certain species of pine trees and can lead to abortion in pregnant cattle.
In humans, however, the research on the effects of pine or its compounds like isocupressic acid during pregnancy is not as extensive. While it's always important for pregnant women to be cautious about what they consume or come into contact with, there isn't a direct correlation established between pine exposure and risks during human pregnancy as clearly as it is in cattle.
If a pregnant woman has concerns about exposure to pine or any other substances, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.
Does Eastern white pine contain isocupressic acid ?
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) does not contain isocupressic acid. Isocupressic acid is primarily found in certain species of the Cupressaceae family, such as the Monterey cypress (macrocarpa). Eastern white pine, belonging to the Pinaceae family, does not have this compound. Each tree species has its own unique set of chemicals and compounds, and isocupressic acid is not a common component across all pine species. Therefore, the concerns related to isocupressic acid and its effects on cattle, or potentially on pregnant women, would not apply to Eastern white pine.
Would an Eastern white pine tincture of 20% alcohol be dangerous for pregnant women when Consumed at 5 drops per day ?
Consuming any substance containing alcohol, including a tincture made from Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) that is 20% alcohol, is generally advised against during pregnancy. The primary concern with alcohol during pregnancy is that it can pose risks to the developing fetus, potentially leading to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).
While the amount of alcohol in 5 drops of a 20% alcohol tincture might be small, there is no established safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. It's important to consider both the potential effects of the alcohol content and the active compounds in the pine itself. Even though Eastern White Pine does not contain isocupressic acid, the safety of its other components for pregnant women may not be well studied.
Given the potential risks and the lack of clear safety information, it would be prudent for pregnant women to avoid this tincture. It's always best for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider before using any herbal preparations, tinctures, or supplements to ensure safety for both the mother and the developing baby.
What about breast feeding women. ?
When it comes to breastfeeding, similar cautions apply as with pregnancy, though the concerns can be somewhat different.
• Alcohol: Alcohol does pass into breast milk, and its consumption by breastfeeding mothers is generally advised to be limited. While the amount of alcohol in 5 drops of a 20% alcohol tincture might be small, it's still recommended to be cautious. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that an occasional alcoholic drink is considered acceptable for breastfeeding mothers, but the timing of alcohol consumption in relation to breastfeeding should be managed to minimize its concentration in breast milk.
• Eastern White Pine Components: As with pregnancy, there's limited specific research on the safety of Eastern White Pine for breastfeeding women. While this pine species doesn't contain isocupressic acid, other compounds in it might not be well studied in the context of breastfeeding.
Breast milk can transmit compounds from the mother's diet or medications to the baby, so it's important to consider the potential impact of any supplement or herbal preparation.
Given these factors, it's advisable for breastfeeding women to consult with a healthcare provider before using an Eastern White Pine tincture or any other similar preparations. The healthcare provider can consider the specifics of the situation, including the health of the mother and baby, to provide personalized advice.
