Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy: What's Safe and What's Not for Moms-to-Be

Why are so many herbs off limits during pregnancy? It's the better safe than sorry theory. Herbs that are known or suspected to be strong purgatives or emmenagogues (substances that induce menstruation) may induce miscarriage or premature labor. Other herbs are known or suspected to affect the development of the baby. Relax, and know that there are plenty of alternatives that have been proven to be safe for pregnant women and their babies.

The following herbs are proven or suspected to have a stimulating effect on the body that could induce miscarriage or premature labor.

- Aloe Vera

- Arbor Vitae

- Bloodroot

- Cotton Root

- Devil's Claw

- Feverfew

- Greater Celandine

- Liferoot

- Mistletoe

- Mugwort

- Pennyroyal, American

- Pennyroyal, European

- Rue

Some herbs are useful during labor because they can bring on and encourage uterine contractions. For this reason, they should be avoided until labor. Your midwife or naturopathic doctor can give you guidance on their safe use.

- Barberry

- Basil Oil

- Beth Root

- Black Cohosh

- Blue Cohosh

- Clove oil

- Goldenseal

- Juniper and Juniper Oil

- Lady's Mantle

- Shepherd's Purse

- Wild Yam

Other herbs can be useful after the birth but should be avoided during pregnancy.

- Broom. Stimulates uterine contractions. Sometimes used to prevent postnatal blood loss.

- Dong Quai. Encourages contractions and menstruation.

These herbs are known or suspected to interfere with the body's function as it does the important work of building your baby cell by cell.

- Bugleweed. Affects pituitary gland function and can cause changes in hormone levels.

- Comfrey. Can cross the placenta and harm the fetus.

- False unicorn root. Interferes with hormonal function.

- Liferoot. Toxic to the fetus.

- Mistletoe. Toxic to the fetus.

The following herbs are suspected of causing birth defects:

- Autumn Crocus

- Mugwort

- Sassafras

- Southernwood

- Squill

- Tansy

- Wormwood

Some herbs are perfectly safe to use for culinary purposes but should be avoided in high, medicinal doses:

- Angelica

- Anise

- Bitter orange

- Caraway

- Celery seed

- Chamomile

- Chili

- Cinnamon

- Fennel

- Fenugreek

- Lavender

- Licorice

- Lovage

- Marjoram

- Nutmeg

- Oregano

- Parsley

- Rosemary

- Saffron

- Sage

- Thyme

Yes, the list of herbs to avoid is a mile long. The good news is that herbs can be used safely to promote well-being during pregnancy.

Ginger Root. Eases nausea.

Nettle Leaves (Urtica Dioca). Particularly high in Vitamins A, C, D, and K, calcium, potassium, iron, sulfur, and chlorophyll. Beneficial to the kidneys, which cleanse 1.5 times a woman's normal (non-pregnant) blood supply for most of the pregnancy. Relieves hemorrhoids, eases labor and post-birth pain, prevents post-birth hemorrhage, relieves leg cramps, promotes rich and abundant breastmilk.

Oats and Oat Straw. Taken for skin conditions and anxiety. Good source of magnesium and calcium.

Peppermint Leaf. Safe in low doses as a remedy for nausea and flatulence. Avoid peppermint oil, opting for the dry leaf.

Red Raspberry Leaf. Very beneficial, but some practitioners recommend its use during the second and third trimesters only. Tones the uterus, provides an excellent source of iron, soothes nausea, decreases labor pain, and reduces the incidence of interventions and complications during birth.

Slippery Elm Bark. The inner bark is taken in moderate amounts to address vaginal discomfort, heartburn, and nausea.

Herbs can bring amazing benefits to pregnant women. As long as you avoid potentially harmful herbs, you can nourish your body and baby safely with the very best nature has to offer.

Sources:

"Herb and Drug Safety Chart", Babycentre

"Natural Herbs and Vitamins During Pregnancy", American Pregnancy Association

Susan Weed, "Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems", Herbalgardens.com