Is parsley tea safe during 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.
Can You Drink Parsley Tea During Pregnancy?
Thanks to parsley tea’s impressive vitamin profile and anti-inflammatory properties, it has been associated with several health benefits.
Many pregnant people include herbal teas in their diet to help alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy, such as nausea, as well as ease labor pains and even induce labor (1).
This article explores the safety and potential risks of drinking parsley tea during pregnancy.
Parsley is an herb that originates in the Mediterranean region. It’s commonly used in various types of cooking for flavor, but it also comes with quite a few health benefits.
Parsley contains flavonoids, as well as vitamins A and C, both of which have strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress.
As such, foods containing them — like parsley — have been used to help treat and prevent many health conditions, including hypertension, cardiac disease, diabetes, and even some cancers (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
The anti-inflammatory properties of parsley may help lower your risk of developing kidney stones. It may even help treat urinary tract infections by promoting a healthy urine pH and healthy blood pressure, though the research on this is mixed (9, 10).
Parsley may also serve as an antimicrobial agent to help fight harmful bacteria in the body. It may also alleviate itching from insect bites (11, 12).
Additionally, parsley is high in vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. However, this means anyone taking blood thinners should moderate their intake of parsley, as vitamin K may interact with this type of medication (13, 14).
Lastly, parsley contains myristicin and apiole, two compounds that increase estrogen production. Therefore, they may be beneficial during menopause (12).
Parsley tea may seem like a natural remedy for some of the discomforts of pregnancy, especially because of its anti-inflammatory properties. However, at higher doses, it has been shown to cause complications (12, 15).
Myristicin and apiole are two compounds found in parsley that may cause uterine contractions and even lead to miscarriage when consumed in high doses. Additionally, parsley is known to decrease milk supply, so people should use the herb in moderation while breastfeeding (12).
Another area of concern with parsley tea during pregnancy is the potential for heavy metal toxicity, though the research on this topic is mixed.
Heavy metal toxicity may be an issue with parsley, specifically, due to the herb’s resorption of heavy metals from the soil during irrigation. However, while studies related to parsley intake have found heavy metals in blood samples, they did not reach toxic levels (16, 17).
While no data confirms that parsley is toxic during pregnancy, some evidence suggests it may increase your risk of miscarriage. Consuming parsley tea while pregnant is not recommended, and you may consider limiting other herbal teas, too (12).
Consuming large amounts of parsley or parsley tea should likewise be avoided during lactation, as it may hinder milk production (12).
Many women assume herbal teas are natural and safe during pregnancy, but there isn’t much research on the matter. Despite the lack of evidence, most resources consider herbal teas to be safe to drink in moderation while pregnant (1, 18, 19, 20).
Herbal teas are not held to the same regulatory standards as foods and medications, so they may contain unwanted ingredients, including heavy metals.
Due to the lack of regulation, herbal teas can not only become contaminated with heavy metals but also other herbs that are known to be unsafe during pregnancy (17, 20, 21, 22).
Research on your risk of consuming heavy metals from drinking herbal teas is mixed.
One particular study found that women who drank a lot of green and herbal tea in the first trimester had higher levels of lead in their blood than women who drank less tea, though blood lead levels never reached toxicity in either group (16).
On the other hand, there have been reports of lead poisoning related to herbal teas (20, 22).
Some herbal teas may interact with some medications, such as blood thinners and diuretics. Pregnant or not, people taking these medications should speak with their doctor before trying any herbal remedies, including tea (12, 18).
Lastly, there have been reports of other adverse events, including hyponatremia (when sodium levels in the body become too low) and perinatal stroke, related to drinking herbal teas (20).
Pregnant people should use caution and consider avoiding herbal teas due to the lack of evidence confirming their safety.
While herbal teas have been generally considered safe during pregnancy, there’s a lack of evidence surrounding this. Parsley tea, specifically, has been shown to cause uterine contractions and even miscarriage when consumed in high doses during pregnancy.
Pregnant people should use caution with herbal teas and first talk with a healthcare professional before adding them to their diet.
During pregnancy or otherwise, if you take medication, it’s important to run any herbal remedies by your doctor in case interactions may occur.
Photo: Picture-alliance/Phane
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Inga
November 18, 2018 9000,0002 A fragrant tea cup not only quenches thirsty but also helps to relax. What types of tea and types of medicinal herbs do experts from Germany recommend for pregnant women?
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Contrary to popular belief that pregnant women should eat and drink " for two " , experienced doctors and midwives advise otherwise. According to gynecologist Christian Windelen from Cologne, one and a half to two liters of fluid a day is enough. It is better to drink boiled water, berry, fruit juices and drinks, various teas.
But tea is different for tea, so the choice of a healing drink should be treated very carefully. A detailed study of the use of herbs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases is carried out by a special area of medicine - herbal medicine.
Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to thoroughly study the effect of herbal drinks on the body of pregnant women for ethical reasons, the German gynecologist explains.
However, based on years of observation, doctors recommend certain types of herbs during pregnancy. Moreover, herbal infusions can and should be used as a medicine, emphasizes Christian Vindelen. But black or green tea should not be carried away. The reason lies in theine, the so-called tea caffeine. With excessive use, it, like caffeine, can provoke a slowdown in intrauterine development of the fetus.
During pregnancy, no more than three cups a day
Based on the latest research on the benefits and harms of caffeine for pregnant women, the German Nutrition Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung) recommendations suggest limiting the invigorating drink to three cups ( black, green tea or coffee) per day.
Christian Vindelen advises his patients during pregnancy to replace black tea with herbal infusions that can have a similar invigorating effect - for example, rooibos.
Midwife Martina Höfel from Minden has been advising expectant mothers for many years. Her favorite is herbal infusion made from raspberry and blackberry leaves. Tea has a mild stimulating effect on the walls of the uterus. It is better to drink it warm, not hot, starting from the 37th week of pregnancy, and no more than three cups a day.
Don't get carried away with such favorite herbal teas in Germany as mint, hibiscus or ginger root. All of them can contribute to premature uterine contractions, explains Martina Höfel. Drinks from plants with pronounced abortive properties should be completely excluded. These include verbena, rosemary, parsley, calendula, oregano, sage. It is better to refuse from such herbs widely used in folk medicine as St.
The best recipe - variety
Linda von Glahn, consultant of the UGB Healthy Food Association in Berlin, believes that the secret to the correct use of herbal drinks during pregnancy is simple: they need to be rotated more often.
The recipe is not new at all, but effective. An ecotrophologist and expert in baby and pregnancy nutrition offers a range of well-known and undeniably useful plants to choose from.
These include, for example, fennel, chamomile, lavender and lemon balm, which have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile and lavender have bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, help to relax. After a cup of this tea, it is easier and faster to fall asleep.
Rosehip decoction - a healthy drink for expectant mothers Photo: imago/imagebroker/Kröger Rosehip decoction, like various fruit teas, is rich in vitamins and minerals. Freshly brewed infusions of fruits and berries strengthen the immune system. But the absolute favorite of ecotrophologist Linda von Glahn is rooibos (rooibos) tea. A drink made from the leaves of an African bush contains an impressive amount of antioxidants and various minerals. It is able to weaken the action of the stress hormone cortisol and positively influence the work of the happiness hormone serotonin.
This is a real elixir of good mood, emphasizes Linda von Glahn. The Berlin expert once again reminds: infusions and herbal teas are medicines that should be used in moderation and better after consultation with an expert.
See also:
10 things that affect your health
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Can I drink parsley tea during pregnancy?
Thanks to its impressive vitamin profile and anti-inflammatory properties, parsley tea has several health benefits.
Many pregnant women include herbal teas in their diet to relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, as well as ease labor pains and even induce labor.
1).
This article discusses the safety and potential risks of drinking parsley tea during pregnancy.
What is parsley?
Parsley is a herb native to the Mediterranean. It is commonly used in various types of cooking for flavor, but it also has quite a few health benefits.
Parsley contains flavonoids, as well as vitamins A and C, which have strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Thus, foods containing them, such as parsley, are used to treat and prevent many diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
Parsley's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the risk of kidney stones. It may even help treat urinary tract infections by promoting healthy urine pH and healthy blood pressure, although research on this is mixed (9, 10).
Parsley can also serve as an antimicrobial agent to help fight harmful bacteria in the body.
It can also relieve itching from insect bites (11, 12).
Parsley is also rich in vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. However, this means that anyone taking blood thinners should limit their intake of parsley, as vitamin K can interact with this type of medication. 13, 14).
Finally, parsley contains myristicin and apiol, two compounds that increase estrogen production. Therefore, they may be helpful during menopause (12).
Is parsley tea safe during pregnancy?
Parsley tea may seem like a natural remedy for some of the discomforts of pregnancy, especially due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it has been shown to cause complications at higher doses (12, 15).
Myristicin and apiol are two compounds found in parsley that can cause uterine contractions and even miscarriage when taken in high doses. In addition, parsley is known to reduce milk production, so this herb should be consumed in moderation while breastfeeding.
12).
Another concern with parsley tea during pregnancy is potential heavy metal toxicity, although research on this topic is mixed.
Heavy metal toxicity can be a problem in parsley, particularly because the grass absorbs heavy metals from the soil during irrigation. However, although studies involving parsley have found heavy metals in blood samples, they have not reached toxic levels.16,17).
Risks of drinking parsley tea during pregnancy
Although there is no evidence that parsley is toxic during pregnancy, some evidence suggests that it may increase the risk of miscarriage. Drinking parsley tea during pregnancy is not recommended, and you may want to limit your intake of other herbal teas as well (12).
Drinking large amounts of parsley or parsley tea during lactation should also be avoided, as this may interfere with milk production (12).
Is it possible to drink herbal teas during pregnancy?
Many women find herbal teas natural and safe during pregnancy, but there is not much research on this.
Despite the lack of evidence, most resources consider herbal teas safe to consume in moderation during pregnancy (1, 18, 19, 20).
Herbal teas do not meet the same regulatory standards as food and drugs, so they may contain unwanted ingredients, including heavy metals.
Due to lack of regulation, herbal teas can be contaminated not only with heavy metals, but also with other herbs known to be unsafe during pregnancy.17, 20, 21, 22).
Research on the risk of heavy metal intake from herbal teas is mixed.
One specific study showed that women who drank a lot of green and herbal tea in the first trimester had higher blood lead levels than women who drank less tea, although blood lead levels never reached toxicity in either groups.16).
On the other hand, there have been reports of lead poisoning associated with herbal teas (20, 22).
Some herbal teas may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners and diuretics. Pregnant or not, people taking these medications should talk to their doctor before trying any herbal remedies, including tea (12, 18).
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