Herbs to stay away from while pregnant

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Achillea millefolium	Milenrama, Yarrow	Stems, leaves, and flowers	Tea	May induce uterine contractions.
Actaea racemosa	Cohosh negro, Black cohosh	Root	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Adiantum capillus-veneris	Maidenhair fern, Culantrilllo de pozo	Fronds (leaves)	Tea	May induce uterine contractions
Aloe vera	Sábila, zábila, Aloe, babosa	Gel and latex	Cremas, Preparaciones, Hoja entera, Bebidas	Gel used topically is considered safe. Avoid ingesting whole leaf preparations as they may induce uterine contractions.
Alchemilla, xanthochlora	Lady’s mantle	Leaves	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions
Angelica archangelica	Angélica	Root	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Angelica sinensis	Angélica china, Dong Quai, Dang gui, Chinese angelica	Root	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Anthemis nobilis	Manzanilla romana, Roman chamomile	Flowers	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Artemisia spp.	Estafiate, Istafiate, Ajenjo, Wormwood	Leaves and stems	Tea	Various species of wormwood contain potentially neurotoxic ingredient known as thujone.
Capsella bursa-pastoris	Shepherd’s purse, Bolsa de pastor	Leaves, stems and flowers	Tea, tinctures	May induce uterine contractions.
Cascara sagrada	Cáscara sagrada, Sacred bark	Tree bark	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Caulophyllum thalictroides	Cohosh azul, Blue cohosh, squaw root	Root	Tea, capsules	May be toxic to fetus and induce uterine contractions.
Centella asiatica	Gotu kola, Centela	Steams, leaves	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Cinnamomum cassia	Canelón, Cassia	Tree bark	Tea	Occasional use as a condiment considered safe. Taken as tea may induce uterine contractions.
Claviceps purpurea	Ergot, Cornezuelo del centeno	Fungus (sclerotium)	Grows in various species of infected cereal grains (rare in industrialized countries)	May induce uterine contractions.
Cinnamomum verum	Canela, Cinnamon, true cinnamon	Tree bark	Tea	Occasional use as a condiment considered safe. Taken as tea may induce uterine contractions.
Datura spp	Estramonio, toloache Jimsonweed, stramonium, moonflower	Planta entera	Tea	Various species of Datura are toxic and hallucinogenic. Avoid use.
Dioscorea villosa	Wild yam, Cabeza de negro	Root and rhizomes	Tea, tinctures, capsules	Uterine stimulant
Dryopteris filix-mas	Male fern, Helecho macho, Dentabrón	Root	Tea, extracts, pills	May induce uterine contractions.
Dysphania spp	Wormseed, Mexican tea, Epazote, Paico	Leaves and stems	Tea	Occasional use as a condiment considered safe. Contains a toxic compound known as ascaridol; may induce uterine contractions. Avoid ingesting oil, as it is neurotoxic.
Foeniculum vulgare	Fennel, Hinojo	Seeds, root, leaves	Tea, pills, capsules, essential oil	High doses should be avoided, as they may induce uterine contractions
Harpagophytum procumbens	Devil’s claw, Garra del diablo	Root	Tea, pills, capsules	May induce uterine contractions
Humulus lupulus	Lúpulo, Hops	Fruits	Tea, pills, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Hydrastis canadensis	Sello dorado, Golden Seal	Root	Tea, pills, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Hypericum perforatum	Hierba de San Juan, corazoncillo, hipérico, St. John´s Wort	Flowers, Steams	Tea, pills, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Hypericum perforatum	Hierba de San Juan, corazoncillo, hipérico, St. John´s Wort	Flowers, Steams	Tea, pills, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Juniperus spp.	Sabino, Juniper berry	Berry	Tea	May induce uterine contractions.
Leonorus cardiaca	Motherwort, Agripalma	Stem, leaves, and flowers	Tea, tinctures, syrups	May induce uterine contractions.
Lycopus virginicus	Bugleweed, Menta de lobo	Stem, leaves, and flowers	Tea, tinctures	May induce uterine contractions.
Matricaria recutita	Manzanilla alemana, German chamomille	Flowers	Tea, capsules, Enema	May induce uterine contractions.
Mentha pulegium	Poleo, Pennyroyal	leaves, Steams and Flowers	Te, Aceite esencial	Essential oil should not be used internally; abortifacient and liver toxic.
Montanoa tomentosa	Zoapatle. Cihuapatli	Leaves and stems	Tea	May induce uterine contractions.
Nicotiana tabacum	Tabaco, Tobacco	leaves	Smoked, chewed	Castor oil used as laxative may stimulate uterine contractions. The seeds are very poisonous.
Ocimum basilicum	Basil, Albahaca, Albacar	Leaves and stems	Tea, essential oil	Safe as a condiment. Avoid essential oil during pregnancy.
Origanum spp	Oregano	Leaves and stems	Tea, essential oil	Occasional use as a condiment considered safe. Taken as tea may induce uterine contractions. Avoid topical use of essential oil during pregnancy; avoid ingestion of essential oil.
Panax ginseng	Ginseng coreano, Korean ginseng	Root	Tea, capsules	Safety for use during pregnancy not established.
Panax quinquefolius	Ginseng americano, American ginseng	Root	Tea, capsules	Safety for use during pregnancy not established.
Passiflora incarnata	Flor de la pasión, Passion flower	Flowers	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Pausinystalia yohimbe	Yohimbe	Tree Bark	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Peumus boldus	Boldo	leaves	Tea	Contains a toxic compound known as ascaridol and a hypnotic alkaloid, boldine.
Piper methysticum	Kava kava	Rhizomes, root	Liquid extracts, capsules	Safety for use during pregnancy not established.
Rhamnus purshiana	Espino cerval, Buckthorn	Corteza	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Rheum spp	Ruibarbo, Rhubarb	Root	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Ricinus communis	Ricino, Castor oil, palma Christi	Seeds	Oil	Castor oil used as laxative may stimulate uterine contractions. The seeds are very poisonous.
Rosmarinus officinalis	Romero, Rosemary	Steams and leaves	Tea, essential oil	Occasional use as a condiment considered safe. Taken as tea may induce uterine contractions. Avoid topical use of essential oil during pregnancy; avoid ingestion of essential oil.
Ruta graveolens	Rue, Ruda	Leaves and stems	Tea	Toxic internally, may induce uterine contractions.
Serenoa repens	Palma sabal, Saw palmetto	Berrys	Pills, capsules	Bark may induce uterine contractions. Unripe berries are toxic.
Symphytum officinale	Comfrey	Planta entera	Tea, capsules	Avoid prolonged use internally; can be liver toxic.
Tabebuia spp	Palo de arco, lapacho Pau d´ arco	Flowers, Arbol, Corteza	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Tanacetum vulgare	Tanaceto, Feverfew	Flowers, Steams	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Tanacetum vulgare	Tanaceto, Feverfew	Flowers, Steams	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Trifolium pratense	Trébol, Clover	Flowers, Steams	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Trigonella foenum-graecum	Alholva, fenogreco, Fenugreek	leaves, Semillas	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Turnera diffusa	Damiana, hierba de la pastora	Flowers, Steams	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Uncaria tomentosa	Uña de gato, Cat´s claw	Liana	Tea, capsules	May induce uterine contractions.
Ustilago maydis	Corn smut, Cuitlacoche, Huitlacoche	Fungus	Food	Safety for ingestion during pregnancy not established. Avoid especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Herbs to Avoid While Pregnant

Pregnancy- it's such a miracle if one thinks about it. Life begins to feel rich and steady when you are waiting for something to hatch. This ecstatic jubilant adventure changes your life in many ways, one of which is how you care for yourself. Now that a new company is breathing in your skin, you must be keen about what’s on the plate that could be harmful to you and your baby.

We all know how synthetic medicines have replaced the goodness of natural herbs, but masses still opt for herbal remedies for nutrition and relieving some usual discomforts during pregnancy. Many medical professionals still do not recommend taking herbs during pregnancy due to a lack of evidence and clinical literature. We always require a reliable set of information while dealing with such cases. Although there are loads of herbs that can be safely ingested during this time, sadly few of many are highly contraindicated as they compromise the safety of mother and baby.

Today, we are going to break down a series of natural herbs that you must watch out for in your supplements and plate.

Aloe vera

When topically applied, aloe vera gel does not cause any harm but its ingestion should be avoided during pregnancy. It contains anthraquinones that impart laxative action which may induce abortion.

Angelica

It is usually recommended to avoid taking angelica orally during pregnancy as it can threaten the life of the fetus by stimulating uterine muscle contractions that can lead to miscarriages.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is famous for inducing labor contractions, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. There isn’t enough data available that tells us whether it could harm a nursing baby. It is better to stay on the safe side and avoid its consumption.

Blue Cohosh

Taking blue cohosh orally during pregnancy can be toxic to the mother and be a big threat to the life of the fetus. It has been reported to produce birth defects and severe heart-related problems in the fetus if a mother ingests blue cohosh during the trimester of her pregnancy.

Bugleweed

Bugleweed should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it has its way with the hormonal activity that can disrupt their balance and threaten the fetus and milk production in lactating mothers.

Cascara sagrada

Cascara sagrada contains anthraquinone that has a severe purgative effect which can lead to miscarriage.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon doesn’t display any harm when it is taken occasionally as a condiment during pregnancy. However, cinnamon tea, capsules, and their respective supplements must be avoided because it's an emmenagogue that has the capability to contract the uterine muscles and kick-start menstrual bleeding.

Datura (Jimsonweed)

Jimsonweed is known by various names around the world. Such as thornapple, devil’s trumpet, and devil’s snare. Its leaves contain atropine alkaloids that proffer teratogenicity and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Ergot

Ergot is a fungus with wonderful benefits but it has been found to be harmful to an ongoing pregnancy. Its alkaloidal content, especially ergotamine tartrate and dihydroergotamine, can disrupt the blood supply to the fetus, which can lead to its death.

Fennel

Fennel is an all-rounder herb with myriads of medicinal benefits. However, its emmenagogue action isn’t suitable for the pregnant population and they must avoid it at any cost to escape the chances of menstrual bleeding and miscarriages.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is an absolutely safe herbal remedy for topical application however, its oral ingestion is prohibited during pregnancy as it is liable to produce liver toxicity which can be harmful to certain functions that are keeping the fetus alive.

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair fern is a herb that poses multiplicity of action. It is highly contraindicated during pregnancy due to its anti-implantation effect that prevents conception. It also shouldn’t be administered to women who are suffering from estrogen-positive cancer because it mimics the actions of estrogen.

Motherwort

Motherwort is bestowed by mother nature for addressing the issues of women all around the globe. But pregnant ladies must steer clear of it due to its labor-inducing effects that can lead to miscarriages or fetal death due to bleeding.

Oregano

Oregano is no doubt an essential ingredient of Italian cuisines, without which the dish seems incomplete. However, pregnant ladies must abstain from ingesting oregano medicinal amounts, both topically and orally, as it contains some harmful substances that can harm the pregnancy and result in miscarriages.

Wormwood

Wormwood contains thujone that can induce abortion by stimulating uterine muscle contractions. Its ingestion in greater amounts should be avoided, especially during the first trimester as some animal studies have reported developmental abnormalities.

Yarrow

Yarrow is a famous abortifacient of its time. It was anciently used as an emmenagogue (start menstruation), contraceptive, and for inducing voluntary abortions. It is well-known for stimulating uterine muscle contraction that leads to miscarriage.

These are just a few herbs that are possibly unsafe to ingest during pregnancy. A number of herbs that lack some clinical evidence for their safe usage during pregnancy are yet to be investigated. It is preferred to discuss your discomforts with your gynecologist and set forth the alternative treatment you want to start with to avoid compromising the health of you and your baby.

Herbs that are contraindicated in pregnancy

What herbs are not allowed for pregnant women?

6 main groups of herbs that should not be used during pregnancy

Affect the hormonal background.
Contains a large amount of essential oils.
Contains alkaloids.
Poisonous, toxic herbs (yes, sometimes used in small doses in herbalism). nine0009

Stimulates the muscles of the uterus.

Have a pronounced laxative or diuretic effect.

Exceptions are possible. After consultation with a herbalist, in some situations, herbs from the prohibited list can be taken, but you need to clearly understand the purpose of use and acceptable dosages.

Don't think that herbs can't do harm! Although the remedies are natural, but this does not mean that they are not strong! Statements like "I've been drinking and everything's fine!" should also not be taken seriously. nine0008

Manufacturers of herbal teas and teas do not always indicate contraindications on the packaging, please study the composition of the plants yourself before use.

Our lists are by no means complete and only the most commonly used herbs are listed.

A little more detail:

1. Influence the hormonal background

Ginseng
Golden root
Maral root
Eleutherococcus
Aralia
Licorice
Sage
Boron queen
Red brush
Hops
Clover
etc.

2. Contains a large amount of essential oils

Everything that smells fragrant belongs to this category. You should not panic if, after a couple of sips, a mint leaf was found in a cup of tea, but you should not drink such tea. Moreover, drink medicinal fees with a composition of fragrant herbs. nine0003

Oregano
Mint
Melissa
Thyme
Sweet clover
Anise lofant
Kotovnik
etc.

3. Contains different types of alkaloids

These herbs can affect the development of the baby, as well as provoke a miscarriage.
It is undesirable to take even in small doses!

St. John's wort
Ivan tea (non-fermented, low fermentation). You can drink ordinary fermented (which is dark in color) Ivan tea! nine0010
Coffee
Coltsfoot (recently reported to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that affect the liver).
Sagan-dayla
Lemongrass
Chinese tea
etc.

4. Toxic, poisonous herbs

Slightly toxic

Ledum
Tansy
Wormwood
Celandine
Peony
etc.

Highly toxic

Demoiselle
Larkspur
Sophora
Aconite
Hemlock
etc.

5. Increase uterine tone, may also cause miscarriage

Basil
Verbena
Oregano
Mirra
Juniper
Raspberry, leaf (but purposefully used in the last weeks of pregnancy!)
Shepherd's bag
Wormwood
Motherwort
Chamomile essential oil
Common thyme

6. May cause maternal or fetal kidney damage (strong diuretics)

Birch buds
Cowberry
Bearberry
Zimolubka
Cranberry
Madder dye
Juniper
Rhubarb
Pine
Bearberry
Poplar
Horsetail

Congestion of the uterus (laxatives)

Aloe
Joster
Castor oil
Buckthorn
Rhubarb
Senna

An important addition!

It makes no sense to use these herbs as abortifacients! Because in most cases, you will not get the expected effect, only harm your health and the health of the baby! nine0036
The information was prepared by: herbalist Olga.

03/15/2022

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10 prohibitions during pregnancy

What herbs should not be drunk during pregnancy and what procedures should be forgotten? BeautyHack asked the doctor of the Lapino Clinical Hospital.

Natalya Tsalko obstetrician-gynecologist, head of the admissions department of the Lapino Clinical Hospital: “Categoricalness in medicine and especially in obstetrics is a rarity. But there are things that are better to consciously limit the time of pregnancy. If you violated one of these points before you learned about your situation, do not rush to sound the alarm, just go to the doctor. nine0003

1) Antibiotics and other medicines

Antibiotics and teratogenic drugs are not recommended – as they can cause birth defects. Never self-medicate. Even if you just caught a cold, go immediately to the doctor. During pregnancy, you have to treat everything from appendicitis to pneumonia, and the doctor will help you choose the right remedy.

2) Extreme sports

Do not engage in extreme sports: diving, skiing. Equestrian sports and skydiving are also dangerous, there is a high probability of injury and falling on the stomach - in this case, you can lose the fetus. Doses of adrenaline will also be superfluous.

3) Herbal preparations

Herbs such as tansy, St. John's wort, aloe, anise, water pepper, cloves, serpentine, calendula, clover, wormwood, senna, can cause miscarriage.

4) Cosmetology

Cosmetic procedures are not recommended. It is better to refuse mesotherapy, Botox injections, photoepilation, the effect can be unpredictable.

5) Bath and sauna

Do not overheat the fetus. Steaming in a Russian bath or sauna is not the best idea during pregnancy, especially if you have never been there before it started.

6) Meat and fish

Be careful when choosing dishes in restaurants and when buying groceries. Thermally unprocessed meat, fish, seafood are dangerous with parasites. nine0003

7) Travel

If you have placenta previa or isthmic-cervical insufficiency (premature opening of the cervix), flights are prohibited during the entire period of pregnancy. If you are healthy, then it is forbidden to fly from the 36th week due to the risk of childbirth: airlines do not take on board.

In the first trimester it is important not to catch an infectious disease. Refrain from traveling to countries where the incidence of malaria, typhoid fever and Zika is high. nine0003

8) Infectious diseases

Childhood diseases such as chicken pox and rubella are dangerous. I advise you to spend less time in places where there are a lot of children (kindergartens, schools, sections).

9) Alcohol

Drinking alcohol regularly and in large doses is not recommended. And before 21 weeks, it is better to forget about alcoholic beverages altogether, until organogenesis (the formation of organs in the process of embryonic development) is completed.