There are two types of herbs when it comes to pregnancy: Those you can use, and those you can’t. Within the can-use category, herbs can be broken down by trimester. Some herbs are very safe for your entire pregnancy, and others shouldn’t be used until the third trimester. For a full comprehensive list you can visit your library or do an internet search, but I will touch on some of the more popular herbs here. Let’s start with the herbs you should AVOID, especially in early pregnancy.
Many herbs should never be used during pregnancy. Those containing high quantities of volatile oils, such as pennyroyal, or alkaloids such as barberry, can affect your central nervous system as well as interfere with the development of your growing baby. Herbs such as mugwort will strongly stimulate digestion and metabolism and should be avoided as well. Senna, buckthorn, and rhubarb are all strong laxatives. Herbs that stimulate digestion or that are laxatives can trigger uterine contractions. Goldenseal is also a uterine stimulant, and should be avoided until at least the last trimester. Some women use these uterine stimulants to start labor if they are overdue. Their use is usually not advised by practitioners.
It is also unwise to use herbs containing strong hormonal properties, such as sage and licorice. Using these may throw off your hormonal balance, which is dangerous to a growing fetus. Coltsfoot and juniper berries are possibly toxic to a fetus and may cause miscarriage in early pregnancy. Nutmeg is safe to use in cooking, but is slightly toxic and shouldn’t be used as a supplement. Herbs that encourage menstrual flow can also cause miscarriage in early pregnancy. This includes herbs such as wormwood, angelica root, and feverfew.
Cardiac stimulants such as pleurisy root and scotch broom can increase blood pressure. Hemostatics such as shepherd’s purse will constrict blood vessels, raising blood pressure as well.
There are no extensive studies done on the effects of most herbs. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent any disease, as you will see on most labels. If you’re going to use herbs during your pregnancy, you could locate a natural practitioner who can advise you on which are considered quite safe. Check out my next blog entry in which I discuss safe herbs:
Let’s Talk About Safe Herb Usage in Pregnancy
Also visit:
Herbal Supplements – Who Shouldn’t Use Them