I have posted here before about the use of butterbur extract in treating hay fever. Preliminary research pointed to this being a useful treatment; however there are recent warnings issued about butterbur toxicity being linked to carcinogenicity and severe liver damage: "The cases of liver toxicity appear to have occurred with extracts of butterbur where the PAs (pyrrlolizidine alkaloids) had been removed and only small amounts remained. There is some evidence that other constituents found in butterbur such as the sesquiterpene constituents for example petasin may be implicated in the liver toxicity." So even if the product the initial poster linked to had lower amounts of PAs, that still might not eliminate the risk of liver damage. I also see that the product comes from China. Personally, I would not risk taking any Chinese herbal product given the country's history of woefully slack regulation and frequent instances of adulteration of Chinese imports with harmful chemicals and unlisted pharmaceutical drugs. The problem of PAs is not limited to butterbur, but also is the reason for the banning of comfrey for internal use and limitations on use of borage. Promoters of these herbs often cite long historical use as evidence of safety - but given poor quality health surveillance and the often short life spans of people from other eras, it would be easy for chronic toxicity to be overlooked. Now that we are living much longer life spans in countries with better testing and medical followup, these problems are coming to light.

The traditional herb Alcanet, now mainly used as a dye, is in the same family (Boraginaceae) As implied by another poster, the bad taste could be from harmful alkaloids that borage can contain: "BORAGE SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY Borage seed oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults and children as long as it is free of dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Borage plant parts including the leaf, flower, and seed can contain PAs. PAs can damage the liver or cause cancer, especially when used in high doses or for a long time. Only use products that are certified and labeled PA-free. Special Precautions & Warnings: Pregnancy and breast-feeding: ItâÂÂs important to avoid borage products that might contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs are a risk to the mother because they can cause serious liver disease and might cause cancer. PAs are also a risk to the infant because they might cause birth defects and they can pass into breast milk. Researchers arenâÂÂt even sure if borage products that are certified PA-free are safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. ItâÂÂs best to stay safe and avoid using borage. Bleeding disorders: There is some concern that borage seed oil might prolong bleeding time and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder, use borage with caution. Liver disease: Borage products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) might make liver disease worse. Surgery: Borage might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking borage at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery." This WebMD article also has some interesting information regarding possible medical applications for some borage components in rheumatoid arthritis, lung disorders, and premature infant nervous system development, and also lists questionable uses. Here is a link that might be useful: Web MD

As usual, you are again promoting the use of herbal remedies without the mention of any potential side effects that may exist. You need to include the dangers that abound in using herbal products when you include your posts promoting this stuff. Are you trying to sell products and using GW forums to do so? Please read the information warning below before trying this idea Precautions Rosemary should not be used in medicinal preparations during pregnancy or breast-feeding, although it is safe to use in cooking in small quantities to season foods. Persons with high blood pressure, epilepsy or diverticulosis, chronic ulcers, or colitis, should not take rosemary internally for medicinal purposes. Rosemary acts as an emmenagogue, stimulating the flow of menstrual blood. The essential oil of rosemary was once used in folk practice in attempts to induce abortion. As with all essential oils, only small amounts of it should be used, either topically or internally. An overdose of essential oil of rosemary may lead to deep coma, vomiting, spasms, uterine bleeding, gastroenteritis, kidney irritation, and even death, according to the PDR for Herbal Medicines.

Hate to say it, but I agree you have already been told by this man that he does not want any more children - ever. Though they say vasectomies are reversible, it does not always work. If you want a child of you own in the future, Walk Now. Further more, any bond that you thought you had with this child was that of a care giver and not that of a parent in this child's eyes. Yes he may care of you. But for a child - at the age of 5, to state to you that 'he was talking to daddy and not you', and is already questioning your authority as to being able to give instructions, he is telling you that you are NOT his parent and he knows it. While I agree with others that he is being a boy and wanting to spend time with Dad is natural, these other behaviors are not. This child already is stating that you are an interloper in his eyes and if you have the child work experience you state, you would recognize his behavior as being confrontational. It is so easy to idealize a parent child relationship. It is also easy to idealize the step family - take it from me, most of us Stepparents started out like that! But reality is starting to set in for you. The baby is now starting to grow and things are going to change with him as you are going to deal with him feeling you are taking his Dad away etc. If you stay with this man, I would recommend counseling for the family unit and yourself for the grief you will need to work through for not having your own biological child that you want so badly.