Herbs are nature’s gifts that have been used for a long time to cure illnesses and stay healthy. However, you should be aware of some herbs to avoid during pregnancy as they may have adverse effects such as miscarriage, development delays, or premature labor. Although herbs have several health benefits, their use during pregnancy is uncertain. You cannot take herbal medicines without the advice of a healthcare provider because they have not undergone extensive testing and research like synthetic medicines. This post provides you with an extensive list of safe and unsafe herbs for pregnant women.
Risks Of Using Herbs During Pregnancy
Yes, herbs are natural. But unlike modern medicines, herbs, and herbal preparations do not go through extensive tests. What this means is that there is no scientific research to prove the safety of these herbal medicines, making its use a risky proposition during pregnancy. There are categories of herbs to avoid while pregnant. The FDA recommends that pregnant women avoid using herbal products without consulting their healthcare professionals. The ingredients that go into making herbal potions are not always well known. It is a distinct possibility that some of these ingredients may cause problems during your pregnancy. Some of the risks associated with using herbs while pregnant include:
Miscarriage Premature labor and birth Injury to the fetus
Herbs may cause several other health hazards, which remain obscure due to the lack of scientific data.
Herbs To Avoid During Pregnancy
According to research by numerous herbal companies, the following herbs are unsafe for use during pregnancy:
1. Saw Palmetto:
The oral intake of this medicinal herb can trigger hormonal activity.
2. Goldenseal:
If you are pregnant, you should avoid consuming goldenseal. It can cross the placenta and adversely affect the development of the brain in the fetus.
3. Dong Quai:
Pregnant women should stay away from Dong quai as it can cause uterine contractions and lead to a miscarriage.
4. Ephedra:
The oral use of this herb can cause uterine contractions and premature labor. So, do avoid herbal products that contain ephedra when you are pregnant.
5. Yohimbe:
The herb can cause poisoning and endanger the life of your unborn baby. Please, stay off the herb when you are pregnant.
6. Pau D’arco:
Large doses of the herb can spell danger during your pregnancy.
7. Passionflower:
Passionflower offers a host of health benefits. But during pregnancy its use is avoidable.
8. Black Cohosh:
Another herb to avoid during pregnancy is black cohosh. It can trigger uterine contractions and cause premature labor.
9. Blue Cohosh:
Blue cohosh has abortifacient properties and may have teratogenic and embryotoxic effects. It is unsafe for use while expecting (1).
10. Roman Chamomile:
Consumption of Roman chamomile even in medicinal amounts can increase the risk of miscarriage.
11. Pennyroyal:
The use of pennyroyal during pregnancy is unsafe. It can cause miscarriage and fetal death due to brain and liver damage. Other herbs that may pose a danger to your health and your baby’s growth during pregnancy include:
Aloe Ginseng (American & Korean) Evening Primrose Feverfew Kava Kava Senna (2)
Herbs Safe For Use During Pregnancy
Don’t let this list make you believe that all herbs are unsafe during pregnancy. Here are some herbs that can prove beneficial during pregnancy:
1. Red Raspberry Leaf:
Here’s a herb that can make you enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Rich in iron, red raspberry leaf can decrease nausea and ease labor pains. So, you can enjoy a cup of red raspberry leaf tea without any worries.
2. Peppermint Leaf:
Do you enjoy a cup of peppermint tea every day? Don’t worry, it won’t cause your pregnancy any harm. In fact, it can help relieve nausea and flatulence.
3. Slippery Elm Bark:
A moderate use of the slippery elm bark will not cause any harm to your unborn baby. It can help relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritation. Some other safe herbs that you can use during pregnancy include:
Blond Psyllium Black Psyllium Garlic Cayenne Dandelion Chamomile (German)
