Sage and pregnancy
Herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content5-minute read
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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 1300 MEDICINE on (1300 633 424).
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse.
Sources:
Australian Breastfeeding Association (Breastfeeding and herbal preparations), Babycenter Australia (Is it safe to drink herbal teas during pregnancy?), American Pregnancy Association (Herbal Tea And Pregnancy), healthline (Which Herbal Teas Are Safe to Drink During Pregnancy?), The Royal Women's Hospital (Herbal medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding), BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Safety classification of herbal medicines used among pregnant women in Asian countries: a systematic review), BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (Is it safe to take herbal medicines during pregnancy?), Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health (Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor), Healthline Parenthood (Is tea safe during pregnancy?)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: March 2021
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Related pages
- Complementary therapy during pregnancy
- Diet and medication while breastfeeding
- Foods to avoid when pregnant
- Medicines during pregnancy
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Is Sage or Clary Sage Safe for Pregnancy? Food, Tea + More
Written by Amy Kaczor, MS, RD in Beverages,Food Checker,Fresh Food,Produce, Fruit & Veg,Tea & Coffee
Sage is a popular herb used in different dishes worldwide.
However, some herbs are off-limits during pregnancy, so you might wonder if it’s safe for you.
Unfortunately, sage is not safe for pregnancy in any form because it contains thujone. Thujone is a component of sage that can trigger menstruation and cause a miscarriage.
Let’s talk more about the safety of sage for pregnancy and the risks that come along with it, as well as different sage varieties.
Covered in this Article:
Is Sage a Safe Herb to Eat When Pregnant?Sage is not safe to consume during pregnancy because it has the potential to cause menstruation, which can contribute to a miscarriage.
This risk of miscarriage is present primarily due to the presence of thujone, which is a biologically active compound found in sage. Thujone is also found in some other herbs, such as wormwood.
Thujone compounds have a stimulant effect on the muscles of the uterus. Therefore, even trace amounts of thujone are discouraged for women who are pregnant because of the possible health risks (source: Evergreen State College).
In addition, the European Medicines Agency released a public statement about the use of herbal products that contain the compound thujone. They recommended that pregnant women avoid herbal medicinal products that contain thujone.
To be safe, sage should be avoided, whether it is used as an herb, seasoning, fresh, or dried. However, you can often find sage in a wide variety of dishes, from savory entrees to sweet desserts to specialty beverages.
For example, sage is commonly paired with chicken and pasta (such as gnocchi or ravioli) or used to season soups. It is also often used to make sage tea — more on this below!
Sage is also available in supplemental forms, such as powder or tablets. These products should not be used during pregnancy.
Additionally, essential oils containing thujone (such as sage essential oil) have potentially toxic effects on pregnant women and should be avoided (source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences).
Are Clary Sage or Spanish Sage Safe for Pregnancy?Clary sage, which is also known as salvia sclarea, is a member of the mint family with some medicinal uses (source: Montana State University).
Clary sage essential oil is a popular aromatherapy oil, but it should not be ingested, and you should consult with a physician before using it topically. Do not use clary sage for any purpose before at least 37 weeks of gestation (source: Herbal Medicine).
Spanish sage (salvia lavandulifolia) does not contain thujone. Therefore, it is likely safe for pregnant women to consume (source: Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine). However, it is important to still speak with your physician before consuming Spanish sage.
Can I Drink Sage Tea When Pregnant?Since sage contains the toxic chemical thujone, which can have very serious risks to your pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid sage tea when pregnant.
As mentioned above, Spanish sage does not contain thujone, so it is likely safer for pregnant women. However, since many sage teas do not specify the exact type of sage used, it is best to avoid those products.
Some herbal tea blends may contain sage as an ingredient that is not well advertised on the product packaging.
Therefore, always check the ingredients list of any herbal tea or herbal product blend to ensure there are no dangerous herbs, such as sage.
Instead of sage tea, opt for a calming herbal tea, such as peppermint or ginger tea. These examples are safe herbal teas without risk to pregnant women or their babies.
I hope this article was beneficial in breaking down the safety of consuming sage during your pregnancy.
| This article has been reviewed and approved for publication in line with our editorial policy. |
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Is it possible to use sages during pregnancy
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rinsing a throat from a throat with a decoction of throat with a decoction sage
Sage is a medicinal plant used for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases, strengthening the immune system, maintaining body tone. From the point of view of traditional medicine, sage tea helps to rejuvenate the body and regulate the menstrual cycle in women.
Is it possible to use sage during pregnancy
Doctors tend to forbid the use of sage during childbearing, especially in the early stages, and there are reasons for this. With thoughtless use in the first trimester, the plant can provoke a miscarriage due to uterine contraction, and in the second trimester and later, it can lead to placental abruption.
Sage can be harmful during pregnancy
Even a simple bath with sage can adversely affect the bearing of a child, causing an allergic reaction. And when taken orally, the plant helps to reduce the production of progesterone in the body, which can lead to disruption of the normal course of pregnancy.
Despite so many possible side effects of sage, sometimes doctors still prescribe it to pregnant women because of its beneficial properties.
Sage when planning pregnancy
Despite the risk that sage can provoke during childbearing, when planning conception, the plant can bring tangible benefits. It contains substances similar to female sex hormones - it is thanks to them that sage evens out the menstrual cycle and increases libido.
If the long-awaited pregnancy does not occur due to problems in the gynecological area, a decoction of sage can eliminate them with regular use.
Use sage according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Buy sage tea from the pharmacy and prepare it according to the instructions. On the fifth day of the menstrual cycle, you need to start taking tea according to this scheme: divide a glass of broth into 4 equal parts and drink during the day at regular intervals.
Take the decoction for no more than 10 days. Every day, brew a new glass of the product, because yesterday's broth no longer contains the beneficial properties you need.
How to take lozenges
If it is necessary to increase immunity, the doctor may prescribe special lozenges from this plant during pregnancy. The regimen and dosage are prescribed exclusively by the doctor, self-medication and alternative treatment are categorically contraindicated.
Gargling with sage decoction
With sore throat and other colds during pregnancy, you can gargle with a decoction of sage. This is not forbidden, because the plant either does not get inside, or gets in very small quantities.
Before rinsing, make sure that you are not allergic to this plant.
Sage is a medicinal plant that should be used during pregnancy with extreme caution and only after a doctor's permission, otherwise it can provoke a miscarriage. The regimen is also prescribed by the doctor leading the pregnancy.
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medicinal properties, contraindications, use, reviews of doctors
For centuries, sage has been used to treat inflammatory diseases of both the skin and internal organs. This plant contains a lot of useful components and biologically active compounds that allow it to be used in the complex treatment of male and female problems.
Sage: what makes the plant unique
This small plant contains many useful substances. These are not only vitamins and minerals, but also a number of biologically active compounds. These are gum and resins, camphor, fruit acids, tannins, alkaloids, salven, flavonoids and phytoncides. Due to this composition, the plant has a number of therapeutic and prophylactic effects.
This is a perennial herb growing in Europe, our country and neighboring countries. It is grown as a cultivated plant in the fields, using it as a herbal raw material or as a component of cosmetics. On the basis of sage preparations are prepared against psoriasis, they treat patients with tuberculosis, relieve headaches and rheumatism, kidney problems and anemia.
In addition, sage as a spice is added to some dishes in cooking, it is also referred to as honey plants.
Medicinal properties of sage
Sage in the form of various forms of preparations is used as an external and local remedy. In addition, infusions, decoctions or tinctures can be used internally. The therapeutic effect of the plant is achieved through a combination of vitamin and mineral components and biologically active substances. Sage is used in the treatment and prevention of:
- inflammation, infections of the skin and mucous membranes;
- in gynecology;
- lesions of the upper respiratory tract, infectious and inflammatory processes in the bronchi;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- digestive disorders;
- disorders of the central nervous system and its autonomic divisions.
In addition, sage is used to normalize hormonal metabolism and metabolism against the background of weight loss.
Each disease has its own forms of phytotherapy, it is prescribed as part of complex therapy strictly on the recommendation of a doctor.
Sage contraindications
Although the drug is relatively safe and effective, treatment with it is permissible only after all possible contraindications to its use have been excluded. In some cases, it can adversely affect the condition, which must be taken into account in advance when drawing up a treatment plan. Among the key contraindications are:
- Allergy or individual intolerance to the components of phyto raw materials;
- all trimesters of pregnancy and lactation;
- any form of epilepsy;
- development of endometriosis;
- under 2 years of age;
- hypotension;
- period of exacerbation of chronic pathologies of the urinary system;
- increase in the concentration of estrogen in the blood;
- any kind of tumor;
- lesions of the thyroid gland;
- the presence of bronchial asthma.
In these cases, the drug, including as part of fees, must be discarded.
The use of sage
In women
In the treatment of female diseases, sage is used quite often. It helps improve menopause by reducing the severity of hot flashes, night sweats, nervousness and mood swings, and memory problems. This is achieved by influencing estrogen levels. Infusions and decoctions are used in the complex therapy of infertility, to regulate estrogen levels. It is useful to use infusions immediately after menstruation and before the period of ovulation. This increases the chances of pregnancy.
Sage helps stimulate female libido, fights cell damage, and is used to prevent cancer of the cervix, uterus, breast, skin, and intestines. It is used in the complex treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes of the small pelvis, the local application of decoctions helps in the fight against thrush, suppressing irritation and itching. Sage helps in the treatment of chronic cystitis, it is used in the form of sitz baths and decoctions inside.
During pregnancy, only topical application of a decoction of sage for rinsing the mouth and throat in infectious diseases is permissible. When taken orally, it can increase the tone of the uterus and provoke bleeding, miscarriage or premature birth.
During lactation, sage reduces milk production and its only use is at the end of the nursing period. When taking sage, you can smoothly reduce the amount of milk to zero in a couple of weeks.
In men
This drug helps to increase the production of testosterone, normalizes blood circulation and metabolism, eliminates blood stasis from the genital area, stimulates the formation of seminal fluid. Sage helps in improving the functioning of the prostate, increasing male strength and sexual desire, and is used in the complex treatment of urinary tract infections. This drug will be useful in preparation for conception.
In children
Sage is used for colds and tonsillitis, nervous disorders.
From the age of 2, it is used topically and externally, after 5 years - inside.
When using sage in the treatment of any pathologies, the types of preparations (infusions, decoctions or tinctures, lotions, etc.) are determined only by a doctor. He also determines the exact dosage and duration of therapy, the combination of sage with certain drugs.
Types of medicinal compositions with sage
Sage infusions can be used both internally and topically (in the form of inhalations, rinses) and externally (for lotions, skin treatment, baths). Inside, sage infusions are used to stimulate bile secretion in order to eliminate flatulence, normalize the digestive system, and fight inflammation.
Infusion
2 tbsp. spoons of flowers or sage leaves in a ratio of 1:10 pour 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 1 hour, then strain, dilute with 200 ml of water. In order to preserve all the beneficial compounds of the infusion, it is prepared in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Take 30 ml 40 minutes before meals. The infusion can be drunk up to 3 times a day in courses up to 2 weeks.
Tincture
3 tbsp. spoons of grass pour 500 ml of vodka. Place the mixture in a dark glass bottle, close tightly and let it brew for 28 days. Then strain, pour into a clean opaque container. Take 20 drops thrice daily diluted in 200 ml of water, or as directed by a physician in another dosing regimen.
Decoction
2 tbsp. spoons of dry raw materials pour 200 ml of boiling water, place in a water bath and cook for 15 minutes. Then let it brew until it cools completely, strain and add boiled water to 250 ml. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. Take 1/4 cup twice daily, or as directed by a physician. The course is no more than 2 weeks.
Decoctions are used both for external treatment and for oral administration. They are useful for digestive problems, colds or urinary tract infections.
Tea
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves in 1 cup boiling water.
Insist 5 minutes. You can use pharmacy filter bags, then you need to take 1 bag per glass of tea. Tea is taken hot, adding a spoonful of honey and lemon.
Tea with the addition of sage helps to strengthen the immune system, combat fatigue, and digestion problems. It is drunk in order to calm the nervous system, reduce the severity of fever, and eliminate headaches.
Doctors' opinions about sage
Olga Zorina, pharmacist, teacher of pharmacology, chief editor of MedCorr:
– Infusions of sage officinalis are mainly used externally for skin and dental diseases. It is also included in lozenges for sore throats, solutions and infusions for rinsing the mouth and throat. It is a strong antiseptic.
Important! Among the contraindications are only hypersensitivity and a tendency to allergies, however, when applied externally, irritation of the skin and mucous membranes is possible, in general, there are no age restrictions.
