Is mint safe for pregnancy
Herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Many women choose to drink herbal tea to help with annoying symptoms when they're pregnant or breastfeeding. Some herbal teas are safe to drink while you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as long as you limit it to 1 or 2 cups a day and check with your doctor or midwife first.
Are herbal teas safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Even though herbal teas contain natural ingredients, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe. The amounts of substances they contain may vary, and they may also contain ingredients that aren’t listed on the label. These ingredients may pass on to your baby, or they may interfere with other medicines you are taking.
Like other complementary medicines, herbal teas are not studied scientifically like other medicines and they aren't regulated in Australia, so it’s good to use them with caution.
There are mixed opinions on the safety of herbal teas, for both pregnant and non-pregnant women.
Most commercial brands of herbal teas are thought to be safe for anyone to consume in reasonable amounts. The herbal teas that are considered unsafe are those that are not made commercially, those made with excessive amounts of herbs (amounts larger than those found in common foods or drinks), and those made with herbs that are known to be toxic.
It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor and midwife before you take any natural therapy, including herbal teas.
About herbal teas
Some teas claim to soothe an upset tummy, calm you down if you have anxiety, prepare your uterus for labour, or help you sleep. Some teas are prepared especially for pregnancy, and claim to help with complications like pre-eclampsia and prepare your body for labour.
Herbal teas are made from the roots, berries, flowers, seeds, and leaves of plants. Unlike black or green tea, they don’t contain caffeine. They can be bought from supermarkets and health food stores.
Drinking herbal tea safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The best advice is to only drink 1 or 2 cups of herbal tea a day.
Different teas contain different ingredients, so mixing up the flavours and drinking different types of tea on different days will limit the substances that your baby is exposed to. Don't drink the same herbal tea continually throughout your pregnancy.
If you're breastfeeding, keep an eye on your baby for any unusual side effects. If you notice anything that worries you, talk to your doctor or maternal child health nurse.
It's always a good idea to check before you take any herbs while you're breastfeeding, especially if you are also taking prescription medicine.
Which herbal teas to choose during pregnancy and breastfeeding
As a general rule, choose teas that are made from fruits and herbs you would use in cooking. Never make your own herbal tea from plants you've collected while you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Large amounts of some herbs may possibly start contractions and increase your risk of preterm labour, or they may affect your baby.
Likely or possibly safe herbal teas
Peppermint tea: Peppermint is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines in pregnancy.
Studies have shown it doesn’t harm the mother or baby, although you should avoid very large amounts and avoid in the first trimester because it can promote menstruation.
Red raspberry leaf tea: Some women drink raspberry tea during the last trimester to help them prepare for the birth. It should be safe in pregnancy, but some studies have shown it can stimulate contractions so it’s a good idea to be cautious during the first trimester.
Ginger tea: Ginger can help relieve nausea. It should be safe in moderation while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Green tea: Green tea isn't a true herbal tea. It contains caffeine, so you should limit how much you drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Chamomile tea: A cup of chamomile tea before bed may relax you, but again, avoid drinking large quantities. There is a suggestion it could stimulate the uterus or lead to circulation problems in your baby.
Teas where there is insufficient information about safety
Rose hip tea: There isn't enough information on rose hip tea to know whether it's safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Dandelion tea: There isn't enough information on dandelion tea to know whether it's safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Lemon balm: This tea is considered possibly safe and commonly used to relieve anxiety, irritability and insomnia. However, no study could be found to support these uses, and its safety hasn’t been studied in pregnancy
Which herbal teas to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Sage tea: It’s OK to use sage in cooking, but you should avoid sage in concentrated forms during pregnancy such as in teas. It’s been linked to miscarriage and high blood pressure.
Parsley tea: Avoid parsley tea during pregnancy. If you drink large amounts, it may increase your risk of miscarriage and affect how your baby develops.
Where to get more information
For information on prescription, over the counter and herbal medicines, call the NPS Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424)
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Is It Safe to Drink Mint Tea or Eat Mints During Pregnancy?
Last Updated on December 4, 2021
Mint, and in particular peppermint, can have benefits for common pregnancy complaints, so it’s understandable if you reach for a soothing cup of peppermint tea.
Drinking mint tea or eating mints is safe during pregnancy. It’s a good idea to check if there are other herbs or additional ingredients in mint tea blends.
There are some periods in pregnancy where mint can be particularly helpful, too.
Covered in this Article:
Is Mint Tea Safe to Drink When Pregnant?
Generally speaking, it is safe to drink mint tea when pregnant, as mint is not on the list of herbs that are considered unsafe to consume while pregnant (Source: UTEP).
When choosing herbal teas, check the label to make sure the ingredients are all safe to consume. Many herbal teas have blends of more than one herb.
Also, choose organic where possible, as you can avoid the pesticides that have been used in growing the tea plants.
Here are some specific types of mint tea that you are likely to come across, along with specific recommendations.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is one of the most popular herbal teas for expecting mothers as it is safe to drink when pregnant.
Peppermint leaf can be helpful for morning sickness and for problems with flatulence (Source: APO).
It’s the most common type of mint made into tea, but it’s also safe to drink spearmint or water mint too.
Jade Citrus Mint Tea
Popular at Starbucks, this tea contains green tea, lemon verbena, lemongrass and spearmint.
Lemon verbena is classified as having insufficient evidence to know for sure whether it is safe to consume during pregnancy (Source: IJPR).
Lemongrass didn’t show any toxic properties when administered to pregnant rats in one study, but there is not enough evidence on human subjects to say for sure if it is safe to consume or not (Source: ScienceDirect).
In the absence of any further information, it’s probably fine to drink Jade Citrus Mint in moderation.
Mint Majesty
Another popular Starbucks tea, Mint Majesty has spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena.
As with the Jade Citrus tea above, you may want to stick to small amounts of this tea, as there is not enough evidence to know for sure if lemon verbena is safe when pregnant (Source: IJPR).
Honey Citrus Mint Tea
Honey Citrus Mint Tea contains Jade Citrus Mint Tea along with a touch of honey and Peach Tranquility herbal tea. Because of the Jade Citrus, the same caution applies because of the lemon verbena.
Moroccan Mint Tea
This tea is made by steeping fresh mint leaves in hot water, and is safe to drink when pregnant.
Mint is the umbrella term for peppermint, spearmint, orange mint and more, and peppermint has been shown to be safe to drink while pregnant (Source: FP).
The mint leaves should be washed thoroughly before steeping, to remove traces of bacteria.
Can I Eat Mints or Mint Leaves During Pregnancy?
Mint comes in several forms besides tea, most of which are fine to consume while pregnant.
- Eating mint leaves. Eating fresh mint leaves is fine provided you are not eating excessive amounts. Small amounts of mint sprinkled on salads or put into drinks is fine – just make sure they’re thoroughly washed!
- Mint sauce. Mint sauce is fine to eat during pregnancy, but be aware of sugar levels and other additives. Check the label before consuming.
- Eating mints. Mints are considered safe to eat during pregnancy, but as with mint sauce, consider the sugar levels and any other additives.
- Packets of Mints: Popular brands are Polo mints, Life Savers, Mentos, Altoids and Tic Tacs, all of which are fine when pregnant.
- Peppermint candy. Peppermint candy is safe to eat when pregnant, but be aware that any candy is likely to be high in sugar.
- Mint chocolate, including mint hot chocolate. Mint chocolate is also safe to eat in pregnancy, so you can enjoy your chocolate treats guilt-free!
Once again, anything high in sugar, though, is best consumed in moderation. You should also check the caffeine content of chocolate as it might count towards your daily total.
Is It OK to Have Mint Gum When Pregnant?
Mint gum is fine to chew when pregnant, but be aware of the sweeteners and additives used. Do check the label before purchasing.
Sweeteners that are considered safe to consume in pregnancy are aspartame, stevia, xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol (Source: AP).
There are no studies that show any particular benefits of chewing mint gum while pregnant, although gum chewing has been shown to potentially reduce stress (Source: Hindawi).
We have a dedicated article on gum during pregnancy, as well as information on accidentally swallowing it.
Is Mint Good for Morning Sickness or Nausea?
The smell of peppermint – such as smelling the essential oil – has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (Source: JFMPC).
You may want to give this a go to see if it helps you. In the study, women smelled four drops of peppermint oil on a piece of cotton wool twice a day for seven days.
The cotton was placed in a glass vial (you could use a jar) and women breathed in the aroma for 20 minutes. Definitely worth a try!
The only contraindications were if women noticed anything unusual, such as a runny nose, headache, burning eyes or a skin rash. This is rare, but if you experience any unusual symptoms, then ask your healthcare provider.
If you’re suffering from nausea often, you should check out our article on foods that can fight pregnancy nausea, too.
Overall, mint is not only safe during pregnancy, but can also help with digestion issues and pregnancy nausea. It’s also a soothing, caffeine-free hot drink to enjoy at any time of day.
This article has been reviewed and approved for publication in line with our editorial policy.
90,000 is it possible to drink mint tea during pregnancy 9000 a woman is forced to completely reconsider her lifestyle, diet and drinking regimen.
Expectant mothers worry about whether some of the mother's habits and foods consumed will harm the baby. So, an important question arises that is relevant for women: is it possible for pregnant women to have mint tea? It is far from news that the essential oil of this plant has a powerful effect, so you need to use it carefully. Let's figure out what properties mint has during pregnancy and how it affects the body of the expectant mother and fetus. Peppermint Tea Features
Peppermint essential oil is very concentrated. It has a high content of various organic acids, menthol, tannins. The exact composition will depend on the weather conditions in which the mint was grown, how it was harvested, how it was stored, and how the essential oil was extracted.
One way or another, doctors agree that mint essential oil concentrate is prohibited for pregnant women. In some cases, only local use of oil, slightly diluted with water, is allowed (for example, to relieve inflammation on the skin).
But as for whether it is possible for pregnant women to drink tea with mint, then medicine cannot unequivocally prohibit this drink from being consumed.
This is because this tea is prepared with the addition of a small amount of leaves, stems and flowers. In total, they contain not so much essential oil, so he will not be able to harm mom and baby. The main thing is not to overdo it. Peppermint tea or decoction is not such a harmless drink that can be consumed uncontrollably and in unlimited quantities. 1-2 cups of mint tea are allowed per day. This volume is the most optimal.
So, we figured out that pregnant women can have mint tea. But now you need to figure out in which cases this drink will help, and in which it can do more harm than good.
Benefits of mint tea during pregnancy
We have already determined what features mint tea has, how to drink it and in what concentration. Drinking it solely for the sake of pleasure is not worth it. The intake of this drink is indicated in special cases, as it helps to cope with a number of problems that arise during pregnancy: .
To help cope with the symptoms of toxicosis, such as nausea and dizziness, you can gradually drink weakly brewed green tea with mint. Lemon is also believed to help some women with nausea (in small amounts, in the absence of bowel disease or allergic reactions to citrus fruits). In this case, you can combine the two methods into one and use tea with lemon and mint.
Mint for tea should not contain harmful substances and chemical additives. To buy a natural product that has passed a thorough radiological control, you need to buy a phyto-drug in trusted pharmacies. This is the only way to be sure of the safety of the purchased mint.
Can mint tea harm pregnant women?
The use of mint is far from safe in all cases, despite the fact that many claim the unconditional benefits of this plant.
Then the question arises as to whether it is always possible to drink such tea or are there any contraindications for use? It is amazing, but those components that in one case are very useful, in another they can greatly harm the body of the baby and mother.
Mint tea during pregnancy has a number of restrictions:
If a pregnant woman has diseases or disorders in the liver or kidneys, mint is not recommended.
Excessive consumption of mint tea can provoke spontaneous abortion or cause premature birth due to the fact that mint has an increased content of estrogens.
In the presence of hypotension, that is, low blood pressure, the amount of mint tea consumed should also be controlled.
Naturally, if you have an allergy to mint or a predisposition to allergic reactions, it is strictly forbidden to consume any drinks or products containing this plant.
There is one more important question: can a nursing mother have tea with mint? It is known that milk production is inhibited under the influence of substances that make up mint. It is necessary to limit the use of mint tea not only after the birth of the baby, but also in the third trimester of pregnancy so that in the future there will be no difficulties in establishing full lactation.
So, we figured out that mint tea during pregnancy can both benefit and harm, if you do not follow the recommendations for taking. Having a powerful effect, mint for pregnant women in some cases can be a real salvation for the expectant mother. In addition, this fragrant drink will be able to both perfectly refresh in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
Source : https://prochaj.ru
All aspects of the use of mint tea during pregnancy. What is dangerous mint for pregnant women
In different sources, opinions about the use of mint in the process of bearing a baby differ. The main warning concerns the content in mint of a large amount of the hormone estrogen, which can provoke premature labor.
However, doctors themselves consider mint to be medicinal plants approved for use during pregnancy. Being a natural aphrodisiac, mint helps to restore libido, which decreases in at least forty percent of expectant mothers.
If you are in an interesting position and you are tormented by the question: "Can you take mint during pregnancy?", consult a gynecologist.
Most likely, the answer will be positive. The plant relieves frequent headaches, is effective in the treatment of cough and ear pain. The smell of mint helps with fainting and dizziness. Mint has healing properties in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, relieving stomach cramps, intestinal colic, normalizing stools, improving bile secretion. Few people know about the benefits of mint in the treatment of muscle pain, heart pain, and also as a remedy for itching.
Mint during pregnancy: contraindications
Fans of fragrant mint should be careful during pregnancy. Uncontrolled intake of any medicinal plant has its own unpleasant consequences, especially in the process of gestation.
Mint during pregnancy contraindications are associated primarily with the presence in the plant of the female hormone estrogen, which affects uterine contraction and contributes to premature labor.
The property of mint to lower the tone of venous vessels should warn admirers of a fragrant plant with low blood pressure.
In the presence of varicose veins, it is also not recommended to use mint. The essential oil contained in mint can cause allergic reactions and is prohibited during pregnancy.
Mint tea during pregnancy
Obstetricians and gynecologists advise taking mint in the fight against common ailments - toxicosis, heartburn, bloating.
Peppermint tea is most beneficial and effective during pregnancy. Women in position can drink up to four cups of a fragrant drink a day, prepared from a fresh and natural plant. When buying ready-made formulations, give preference to pharmacy counterparts with quality control to avoid all sorts of impurities and additives. It is good to combine mint with lemon balm, blackcurrant, rose hips, strawberries and currants.
Pregnant women drink mint tea with pleasure and note only beneficial effects. Mint tea solves the problem of constipation, normalizes sleep and relieves the effects of nervous overwork.
Peppermint during pregnancy
Of all the existing species and subspecies of mints, peppermint is the most widespread due to the strongest aroma.
On its basis, cosmetic products, medicines are prepared, the plant is also used in cooking.
Before the flowering period, the plant contains the maximum amount of essential oil - menthol, which can have a negative effect on the fetus. It is this fact, especially at the end of pregnancy, that makes women in a position to be more careful and not abuse or even delay taking mint.
Peppermint during pregnancy will help get rid of painful toxicosis and restore appetite. To prepare a decoction, you need a glass of dry raw materials, a liter of boiling water and about an hour of patience. It is recommended to drink the infusion in small sips (100 ml each) at intervals of several hours.
Peppermint should not be pampered if one of its components is intolerant. Mint during pregnancy is prohibited for admission with low blood pressure and a tendency to varicose veins.
Mint and lemon balm during pregnancy
Professional herbalists agree with the public opinion that adding mint or lemon balm to tea has a beneficial effect on the health of the nervous system, metabolism and sleep quality.
However, they make some adjustments:
- mint and lemon balm teas should be taken in courses, no longer than three months, with a mandatory break. A fragrant drink is drunk at bedtime, as it has a pronounced relaxing and sedative effect;
- three large or five small leaves of mint or lemon balm are enough for tea;
- Lemon slice is a mandatory addition to mint tea for gastritis with low acidity.
Peppermint and lemon balm are used together during pregnancy to relieve symptoms of toxicosis, in order to increase appetite and normalize stools. Melissa has medicinal properties similar to mint. It has a pleasant lemon aroma and helps to cope with flu or colds during pregnancy, when taking pills is undesirable. The diuretic effect of lemon balm relieves pregnant women of puffiness.
Melissa, like mint during pregnancy, has its own contraindications:
- tendency to allergic manifestations;
- low pressure;
- hormonal changes.
Peppermint decoction during pregnancy
Peppermint during pregnancy in the form of an infusion will help to improve the condition of flaky, loose skin prone to acne and pimples. A decoction is prepared from 1 tbsp. dry raw materials, filled with a glass of boiling water. Used to wipe the skin of the face and body.
A decoction of mint during pregnancy with valerian root, yarrow herb and marigold flowers is an excellent remedy for toxicosis. Each component is taken in 2 tsp, poured with two glasses of boiling water and filtered after thirty minutes. Take 60 ml up to six times a day. You can add mint leaves to food or chew them after a meal to avoid the urge to vomit.
Peppermint oil during pregnancy
Aromatherapy during pregnancy can be an alternative to medical treatment if necessary. Smells help to find peace of mind, relieve fatigue, create a festive atmosphere, protect against viruses and relieve colds.
Most of the common problems during pregnancy, such as back pain, varicose veins, swelling, toxicosis, stool disorders, increased emotionality, can be healed with essential oils.
There is a big but here: the fact is that aromatherapy can negatively affect the developing fetus. The list of prohibited compositions includes peppermint oil during pregnancy, which contains a large amount of menthol. Essential oil increases hormonal activity and can cause bleeding.
An undesirable effect can be achieved by using lemon balm oil, which has a diuretic effect and promotes menstruation. Peppermint oil has toxic and abortive properties.
The degree of toxicity is determined by the method of application and the quality of the essential oil itself. The most dangerous technique is oral, so pregnant women are not allowed to take oils inside.
Peppermint essential oil during pregnancy
The waiting period for a baby is the time when you should be careful about familiar products, cosmetics and popular aromatherapy. Essential oils are often used for inhalation by means of an aroma lamp. The effect of esters on the course of pregnancy has not yet been studied.
It should also be taken into account that essential oils are concentrated extracts that have no analogues in the natural world. Therefore, they cannot be considered natural.
Peppermint essential oil during pregnancy is included in the group of the most dangerous due to the embryotropic action, that is, it negatively affects the fetus, even leading to its death.
Peppermint when planning a pregnancy
Doctors recommend giving up any form of mint if you are just thinking about having offspring. This warning is due to the content of menthol in mint, which suppresses gonadotropic activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary system, reducing the effect of hormones necessary for conception and the normal course of pregnancy.
However, there is an opposite opinion that mint is useful when planning pregnancy, as a means of normalizing the work of the gastrointestinal tract, strengthening the immune system and the nervous system.
Preference is given to freshly picked or self-dried mint.
There are very few things in the world that would suit everyone without exception, except for clean ones - water and air. So it is with medicinal plants. Mint during pregnancy in any form should be used carefully and competently, based on the individual characteristics of the body.
A long-awaited pregnancy forces every woman to be careful when formulating her diet. Most moms-to-be choose to use only natural ingredients for food and drink preparation. Such natural products include a variety of plants and herbs, on the basis of which healthy teas are made. Doctors even recommend replacing potent medicines with some of them.
One of these herbs is the beloved mint. Is it possible for pregnant women to mint? In moderate doses, mint during pregnancy is used both dry and fresh. With its help, women get rid of many ailments that often occur during the period of bearing a baby.
Benefits of mint for pregnancy
Among the many good qualities of mint, there are several properties that are especially useful during pregnancy:
- Calming .
The plant is recommended for frequent tensions, stress, insomnia. Since most sedatives should not be taken during pregnancy, mint is a great alternative to such medications. Its use relieves women of anxieties and fears, which has a positive effect on the health of the unborn child. - Diuretic . With the help of mint, they normalize the functioning of the kidneys, removing fluid from the body and removing stones. Grass is an excellent therapeutic and prophylactic agent for edema, which often affects women in position.
- Painkiller . The plant is able to quickly relieve pain, colic and spasms.
- Antiemetic . Very often, mint is prescribed for toxicosis, as it suppresses nausea, heartburn and dizziness. To relieve these symptoms, fresh leaves of the plant or decoctions are used, adding them to food and drinks.
- Antiseptic . A cold during pregnancy excludes treatment by conventional means. The antiseptic properties of mint will help relieve inflammation, eliminate cough and runny nose.
- Relaxing . The herb has the ability to correct the work of the stomach. It perfectly relieves intestinal spasms, relieving diarrhea, bloating and constipation.
- Whitening . Many women during pregnancy begin to appear and increase age spots on the skin of the face and body. Mint infusions help to eliminate them.
The use of mint decoctions
During pregnancy, mint is most often consumed in the form of decoctions or ready-made tea, which is often found on the shelves of pharmacies. When choosing the latter, care must be taken. The product must have a good shelf life, a quality control mark and be free from foreign additives and impurities.
Peppermint tea during pregnancy can also be prepared from dried leaves of the plant, which, depending on the desired result, are mixed with other useful herbs.
A drink containing fresh mint is used not only for treatment - it is rich in important vitamins.
But you can’t stop drinking, because they are still not enough in the composition of tea.
Depending on the purpose, mint decoctions are prepared in different ways:
- Weak tea . One large spoonful of a dry plant is infused for several minutes in 1 liter of boiling water. This decoction is taken in small quantities as a sedative and diuretic. Two to three cups a day will be enough.
- Healing decoction . Two tablespoons of the plant should be mixed with 1 cup of hot, but not boiling water. The mixture is allowed to stand for an hour and a half. The decoction is drunk 1 large spoonful only during meals for stomach problems.
- Mint and berry tea . For colds, pregnant women are advised to drink a decoction of mint and rose hips. To prepare it, take half a tablespoon of mint, the same amount of rose hips and brew them in 1 liter of boiling water. Drink one cup several times a day. Rosehip during pregnancy not only treats colds, but also enriches the body with important vitamins.
- Mixed decoction . As a sedative, a mixture of herbs is brewed. Yarrow, mint, valerian and marigold flowers are brewed with one glass of boiling water. Plants will need 1 tsp. Infused for about half an hour and filtered broth is taken 4 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. According to the same scheme, they take a strong decoction of mint, which is prepared from 1 tbsp. l. herbs and 1 cup hot water.
Strong mint teas are also rubbed on the skin to eliminate pigmentation.
When using mint as a substitute for drugs, you must strictly follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, the effect of using this natural product will be the opposite of what is expected.
Peppermint oils and pregnancy
Peppermint essential oils are very concentrated and have many contraindications. They are often included in the composition of any caring cosmetics. But the content of oils in cosmetics is very small and a pregnant woman should not have any worries about this.
But it is not recommended to use peppermint oil in its pure form during the gestation period, as the product negatively affects the production of breast milk. Also, mint during early pregnancy, used in the form of an essential oil, provokes the appearance of uterine tone and can cause complications. Therefore, the product should not be added to baths and massage mixtures.
Expectant mother can only treat headaches with peppermint oil. To do this, 1 drop of the product must be diluted with any cream, which is rubbed in small amounts into the temples.
Peppermint oil during pregnancy is strictly forbidden to use inside.
Harmfulness of mint during pregnancy
The use of mint during pregnancy is contraindicated in:
- low blood pressure;
- varicose veins;
- diseases of the kidneys and liver;
- any form of allergic reaction.
Also, the product is not recommended to be consumed in large quantities: in the early stages of gestation, this can provoke a miscarriage, and in the last months of pregnancy, lead to a decrease in milk production.
The question "is it possible to take mint during pregnancy" requires an individual approach. At this time, the female body is prone to the most unusual changes, so before you start taking this herb, you should consult a specialist.
During pregnancy, a woman is forced to completely reconsider her lifestyle, diet and drinking regimen. Expectant mothers worry about whether some of the mother's habits and foods consumed will harm the baby. So, an important question arises that is relevant for women: is it possible for pregnant women to have mint tea?
It is far from news that the essential oil of this plant has a powerful effect, so you need to use it carefully . Let's figure out what properties mint has during pregnancy and how it affects the body of the expectant mother and fetus.
Mint tea features
Peppermint essential oil is very concentrated. It has a high content of various organic acids, menthol, tannins . The exact composition will depend on the weather conditions in which the mint was grown, how it was harvested, how it was stored, and how the essential oil was extracted.
One way or another, doctors agree that mint essential oil concentrate should not be used by pregnant women . In some cases, only local use of oil, slightly diluted with water, is allowed (for example, to relieve inflammation on the skin). But as for whether it is possible for pregnant women to drink tea with mint, then medicine cannot unequivocally prohibit this drink from being consumed.
All because this tea is prepared with the addition of a small amount of leaves, stems and flowers. In total, they contain not so much essential oil, so he will not be able to harm mom and baby. The main thing is not to overdo it. Peppermint tea or decoction is not such a harmless drink that can be consumed uncontrollably and in unlimited quantities. . 1-2 cups of mint tea are allowed per day. This volume is the most optimal.
So, we figured out that pregnant women can have mint tea. But now you need to figure out in which cases this drink will help, and in which it can do more harm than good.
Benefits of mint tea during pregnancy
We have already decided on the characteristics of mint tea, how to drink it and in what concentration. Drinking it solely for the sake of pleasure is not worth it. The intake of this drink is indicated in special cases, as it helps to cope with a number of problems that arise during pregnancy: . To help cope with the symptoms of toxicosis, such as nausea and dizziness, you can gradually drink weakly brewed green tea with mint. Lemon is also believed to help some women with nausea (in small amounts, in the absence of bowel disease or allergic reactions to citrus fruits). In this case, you can combine the two methods into one and use tea with lemon and mint.
Worried about the successful outcome of pregnancy and the health of the baby, the expectant mother can be in a state of nervous tension. As you know, a child in the womb is able to experience emotions, his mood also changes. Since he has a very close contact with his mother, her emotional state is transmitted to him. To calm down, normalize sleep, reduce anxiety, moderate consumption of mint tea is indicated. Mint for tea should not contain harmful substances and chemical additives. To buy a natural product that has passed a thorough radiological control, you need to buy a phyto-drug in trusted pharmacies .
This is the only way to be sure of the safety of the purchased mint.
Can mint tea harm pregnant women?
The use of mint is far from safe in all cases, despite the fact that many claim the unconditional benefits of this plant.
Then the question arises as to whether it is always possible to drink such tea or are there any contraindications for use? It is amazing, but those components that are very useful in one case, in another they can greatly harm the body of the baby and mother.
Mint tea during pregnancy has a number of limitations:
- Mint is not recommended if the pregnant woman has liver or kidney disease or problems.
- Excessive consumption of mint tea can provoke spontaneous abortion or cause premature birth due to the fact that mint has a high content of estrogens.
- In the presence of hypotension, that is, low blood pressure, the amount of mint tea consumed should also be controlled.
- Naturally, if you have an allergy to mint or a predisposition to allergic reactions, it is strictly forbidden to consume any drinks or products containing this plant.
Conclusion
There is one more important question: can a nursing mother have tea with mint? It is known that milk production is inhibited under the influence of substances that make up mint . It is necessary to limit the use of mint tea not only after the birth of the baby, but also in the third trimester of pregnancy so that in the future there will be no difficulties in establishing full lactation.
So, we figured out that mint tea during pregnancy can both benefit and harm if you do not follow the recommendations for taking . Having a powerful effect, mint for pregnant women in some cases can be a real salvation for the expectant mother. In addition, this fragrant drink will be able to both perfectly refresh in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
It has long been known that mint during pregnancy can have a positive effect on the body of the mother and fetus. That's just the right way to use this plant. It is used in gastronomy, cosmetology, medicine.
Smells during pregnancy during pregnancy
Medicinal properties antiseptic Medicinal
Perhaps there are few women in the world who did not use mint during pregnancy. Some just like its smell and taste, while others use the plant as a medicine. You can use shoots, flowers, mint leaves. They contain vitamins with mineral salts, essential oil, sugar, phytoncides, biologically active substances. Peppermint tea during pregnancy has magical properties. The drink is able to cope with a cold, calm an alarmed mom.
But the plant can be not only useful, but also dangerous, if you do not follow the rules of use. Some products are strictly prohibited while carrying a baby. Let's see if mint can be used during pregnancy.
Why is the plant dangerous?
Peppermint may be used during pregnancy, but with caution.
Exceeding the dosage threatens with serious consequences that many expectant mothers have already experienced. There are several contraindications to the use of mint during pregnancy:
- reduced pressure;
- varicose veins;
- individual intolerance.
Useful plant
In these diseases, the use of mint can only make you feel worse. In the early and late periods of bearing a child, the plant can affect the body of a woman as follows:
- contraction of the uterus due to the large number of estrogens;
- inducing preterm labor;
- decrease in blood pressure;
- decreased tone of venous vessels;
Tea with lemon balm and mint is very useful during pregnancy. It is useful for bloating and constipation, effective for normalizing the digestive tract and relieving nausea. However, even here there are pitfalls. The period of bearing a baby is always very unpredictable, so some women may become allergic to this plant.
It sometimes causes:
- dizziness;
- rash;
In addition, many people use a drink from a medicinal plant to relieve excitability, but there have been cases when tea caused irritability. Therefore, during pregnancy, no one will answer your question whether it is possible to drink mint tea. You need to focus only on your well-being. Is it possible.
Many girls are fans of peppermint essential oil, but during pregnancy it can cause allergies. The main component of the essential oil from this plant is menthol. Its use is highly undesirable during childbearing, especially during the first months.
In any case, everything here is very individual. There are no reliable facts that could confirm the harm of the plant. For some girls, mint during pregnancy helped a lot with gestation, while for others it caused allergies. The plant can be used, but very carefully, especially if you have not practiced its use before. It is best to consult a gynecologist who will instruct you in detail and tell you how to use the plant correctly so that there are no problems
Useful properties of the substance
Be sure to ask your doctor if you can drink mint tea during pregnancy.
This medicinal plant has a lot of useful properties. It has a calming, analgesic, antiemetic, vasodilating, antispasmodic, choleretic, antiseptic, diuretic effect. Also, the plant is known for the following properties:
For the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
Despite the listed properties that mint is famous for, used during pregnancy, it must be used with caution in the early stages. Be careful with the dosage and be sure to consult your doctor. This is the only way to achieve the desired result and not get various side effects.
Permitted and prohibited substances
The plant can be both indicated and contraindicated for expectant mothers. It all depends on the type of product being used. Be careful with lollipops, which may contain harmful "chemistry". You should not abuse them. But chewing gum perfectly relieves the symptoms of toxicosis.
Peppermint tea can be drunk during any trimester of pregnancy.
The drink is very healthy and saturates the body with useful substances. You can brew the leaves of the plant yourself or buy ready-made green tea with mint, which is also useful during pregnancy.
Many people like to use the essential oil from this plant. It perfectly copes with nausea, manifestations of a cold, increases appetite, improves intestinal motility. But during pregnancy in the early and late stages, mint essential oil is prohibited. As already mentioned, the product contains a large amount of menthol and estrogen, which is extremely dangerous for expectant mothers.
It is useful to inhale and rinse with a decoction of the plant. We'll talk about this a little later. Thus, there are several ways to use the plant.
- Delicious tea.
- Gum.
- Rinse and lotion solution.
- Inhalation.
Folk recipes for colds
Peppermint tea can be prepared to relieve cold symptoms during pregnancy. The drink is prepared very easily, and its warming properties will be useful for a cold body.
Needed:
- 5 mint leaves;
- glass of water.
Product should be consumed hot. It is best to drink healing tea at night.
- Brew tea.
- Add sugar or lemon (optional).
Rinse solution works effectively. All you need is:
- a glass of mint tea;
- teaspoon of salt.
Gargle with the remedy several times a day. The procedure time is about 5 minutes.
- Add salt to tea.
- Stir.
Inhalations will be very useful for inflamed respiratory organs. Take:
A pregnant woman's diet should consist exclusively of wholesome foods. To provide the baby with the vitamins that he needs for full development, the expectant mother has to give up many of her favorite foods. For example, snacks with sausage will no longer bring satisfaction, but only disrupt the digestive system. This article discusses mint, an aromatic herb that is popular with a large number of women.
Mint and Its BenefitsMint is a natural medicine. It can be beneficial, but only in moderation. Mint for pregnant women has a calming effect, promotes healthy sleep. After drinking just a cup of mint tea, a woman can sleep peacefully, forgetting about insomnia.
With heartburn and bloating, mint tea during pregnancy will relieve discomfort and eliminate discomfort. The herb has anti-inflammatory effects, so it is actively used in the treatment of colds. Peppermint tea helps to relieve swelling during pregnancy, improve the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system.
Another benefit of mint tea for pregnant women is that it helps eliminate nausea in case of toxicosis. Surely, many expectant mothers have heard that mint candies help to survive a difficult time at the initial stage of pregnancy. In fact, the herb calms the digestive tract, normalizes its functioning and ensures good health. So can pregnant women drink mint? Yes, and even very useful.
Contraindications
However, when asked if pregnant women can drink mint, they categorically state that it is not.
This is explained by the content of estrogens in the grass, which stimulate the uterus, cause it to contract. And as a consequence of this - premature birth or miscarriage. Peppermint does have estrogens in its composition, but there are quite a few of them. To cause uterine contractions, you need to drink at least three liters of strong infusion per day.
To prepare a delicious mint tea for a pregnant woman, no special skills and knowledge are needed. The herb is brewed like regular tea leaves. It is necessary to rinse the mint, put it in a teapot, pour boiling water over it and let it brew under a closed lid.
You can buy mint at any pharmacy. It is sold dried in a box. But the most effective is fresh grass plucked from your own garden.
How to drink mint tea?
Pregnant women can drink mint at any time of the day. Just do not forget that it has a calming and relaxing effect, so you should drink regular tea in the morning. But before going to bed, such a drink will bring great benefits, especially if you suffer from insomnia.
