Hi Cariboo,
I've never taken Angus Castus, but I seemed to have elected myself Chief Guilt Squasher so I'll step in with:
The reason you arent supposed to take it while TTC/pregnant/breastfeeding is because like millions of other supplements its never been tested on pregnant women and therefore cant be legally called "safe" That doesnt mean anyone has proved that it has done any harm either, its just that nobody knows if its safe or not, so they advise you not to use it.
Evening Primrose oil has the same warning on it, I am therefore intending to use it until ovulation (ha ha, assuming that I can work out when that is!) That is the most cautious approach, the next most cautious would be to use something until pregnancy and then stop. Being that we are all so obsessed, arent we likely to know at the very earliest moment and therefore avoid too much risk??
Although I have never taken Agnus Castus, I have however:
-taken bee polen, (also has same warning)
-done a big binge drinking sesh (at about 7 weeks Velvet)
-took double quanities (without realising) of Omega 3 for 4 months
-travelled on a plane at 2 months (twice)and 8 months preggas both long haul.
all with DS and he is just fine!
If you are really worried about it though, run it by your doctor next time you see her. She will give you a more personal answer than the warning on the label can.
xxxxxxxxxx