Mint 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.
Is it possible for pregnant women to have tea with mint
Medicinal mint is one of the most famous natural remedies that has been used for the treatment of various ailments from time immemorial.
It consists of various essential oils, trace elements and vitamins that really have an effect on the human body. Moreover, their influence may not always be positive.
Particular attention should be paid to various herbal preparations during pregnancy. During this period, the body of a woman undergoes tremendous changes. Therefore, it is important to understand whether mint tea is possible for pregnant women and how it affects the body of the future mother. nine0003
Mint decoction in normal states:
- is an anti-inflammatory agent;
- relieves nausea;
- relieves spasm;
- promotes vasodilation;
- reduces blood pressure, so it is recommended to drink with hypertension;
- has a calming effect;
- helps to cope with colds.
Mint exposure during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the expectant mother's immunity decreases. To prevent the development of colds, mint tea is recommended.
In addition, in the early stages, it helps to cope with toxicosis and heartburn. It is an effective remedy for constipation and flatulence. Relieves headaches and muscle pain. Also, tea helps to normalize sleep and reduces nervousness. Another property of mint infusion that not everyone knows about is an increase in libido, which is reduced in some pregnant women. nine0003
Many argue that mint tea has no contraindications. However, this is not quite true. Therefore, before using it on a regular basis, it is better to consult a doctor in order to exclude possible risks for yourself and your unborn child.
The negative effect of crushed tea on pregnant women
The substances contained in the plant can not only help, but also harm the body of a woman during pregnancy. So estrogens, which are part of mint, in rare cases lead to premature birth. However, to avoid this, a pregnant woman can drink no more than one cup of tea a day and take breaks in taking it for 1-2 days every 3-4 days.
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In addition, the use of a flavored mint drink in the last stages can reduce lactation. To provide the baby with enough milk a month before birth, mint tea should be abandoned.
Also, people with low blood pressure and chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys should not use mint drinks. Varicose veins are a contraindication. Often there are allergic reactions to mint, which are highly undesirable during pregnancy.
How to use mint for pregnant women?
In order to please yourself with a fragrant, refreshing drink, mint is brewed and a weak infusion is drunk. The recommended proportions are 1 teaspoon of dry collection in a glass of hot water. Mint can be combined with other plants - raspberries, lemon balm, currant leaves.
To reduce the unpleasant symptoms of toxicosis, it is advised to pour a glass of dry mint collection with a liter of boiling water and insist for an hour. I drink the resulting broth in small sips. The recommended dose is 0.
5 cup every 4-5 hours. The Seven Cups store sells high-quality tea varieties and herbal preparations. In our catalog you can pick up non-tea drinks for various occasions and conditions. Pregnant women and those who want to get rid of insomnia, reduce nervousness, will definitely like herbal tea "Evening", "Legends of Altai", "Summer Mood", "Old Monastery Collection", etc. Customers can pick up sweets, dishes and other goods for drinks . nine0003
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 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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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 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. nine0010
nine0010 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. nine0003
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 restrictions:
If a pregnant woman has diseases or disorders in the liver or kidneys, mint is not recommended.
Excessive consumption of peppermint tea can provoke spontaneous abortion or cause premature birth due to the fact that mint has an increased content of estrogens. nine0003
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.
