Herbs to avoid during pregnancy
Main herbs to avoid during pregnancy follow. First a few, commonsense rules concerning herbal remedies to avoid during pregnancy.
* There are several herbs mentioned below that may induce labor. Obviously, these should be avoided if they would bring on premature delivery. However, if the due date has passed, the same herbs can be taken to initiate the birthing process. Though generally safe, only do take uterine stimulant herbs with the consent of your doctor.
* Most herbs are probably safe to take in culinary amounts, amounts you cook with. However, any herbs taken in larger medicinal amounts should only be taken with your doctor’s approval. This isn’t the time to self-doctor.
* If you feel any adverse effects after taking any herb, in any amount, during pregnancy, don’t take again for the duration of pregnancy. Why take chances?
See our list of best herbs for pregnancy
The following list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy contains an initial list of herbal remedies to probably never take followed by a list of herbs you may take in small amounts.
Herbal remedies to avoid during pregnancy
Aloe vera is a natural laxative and laxatives can stimulate the uterus.Angelica has been implicated in menstruation & miscarriage. Arbor viae is another menstrual and uterine stimulant. Autumn crocus has been linked to birth defects. Barberry is a uterine stimulants. This herb can be used during labor. Basil oil is also a uterine stimulants that can be used safely during labor but is one of the herbs to avoid during pregnancy. Beet root is another uterine stimulants safe for use during labor. Black cohosh & Blue cohosh are both uterine stimulants that can be used safely during labor. Blood root may cause vomiting and is a uterine stimulant. Broom root causes uterine contractions. Bugleweed is also one of the herbal remedies to avoid during pregnancy because it affects hormone production. Clove oil is another uterine stimulant that can be used in labor. Coltsfoot contains alkaloids that could damage the fetus’ liver. Comfrey also contains alkaloids that may damage maternal and fetal livers. It may also contains toxins that can affect the placenta. Cotton root brings on uterine contractions. Devil’s claw is also a uterine stimulant. Dong quai is certainly one of the herbs to avoid during pregnancy because it is a powerful herb that stimulates the uterus. It has been linked to menstruation & miscarriage. Echinacea may be too concentrated for safe use while pregnant. False unicorn root is a powerful hormone stimulant. Feverfew may also cause premature contractions that can promote menstruation & miscarriage. Ginseng affects hormones and so should be avoided during pregnancy. Goldenseal, great for the immune system, is one of the herbal remedies to avoid during pregnancy as it can promote uterine contractions leading to premature delivery. However, it is safe to take during labor. Greater celandine is also a uterine stimulant that can be used during labor. Juniper, another uterine stimulant that can be used in labor. Lady’s mantle is a uterine stimulant that can be used in labor. Licorice affects hormones the during crucial stages of fetal development. Life root is also a uterine stimulant. But another reason for it being on the list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy is that it also contains toxins that can cross the placenta. Mistletoe is another uterine stimulant that hosts toxins that can cross the placenta. Mugwort is a powerful hertb that may be too concentrated for a fetus. It’s also a uterine stimulant. Should avoid during breast feeding. Palsatilla is a menstrual stimulant. Should not be used while breast feeding. Parsley speeds up delivery, in medicinal amounts, but is fine in culinary amounts. Pennyroyal can promote uterine contractions. Peruvian bark is one of the must herbs to avoid during pregnancy because it is toxic and can lead to blindness and coma. Pokeroot has been linked to birth defects. Pseudoginseng : one of the herbal remedies to avoid during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects. Red raspberry leaf tea , can cause contractions, so should be avoided during the 1st trimester. May be safe to use during labor. Rue should be avoided as it’s a uterine and menstrual stimulant. Sassafras is a uterine stimulants and linked to birth defects. Shepherd’s purse should also be avoided because its a uterine stimulant. Tansy can bring on menstruation and miscarriage. Valerian is a a powerful sedative that may be too concentrated for a fetus. Wild yam is a uterine stimulants and may lead to birth defects. Yarrow is also too powerful an herb to take during pregnancy. Herbs to take in moderation during pregnancy Take the following herbs only in small doses, preferably in consultation with your doctor. * American Hellebors * Apricot Kernels * Belladonna * Betony * Cascara Sagrada * Castor Bean * Clove * Coffee * Henbane * Jalap * Jamaica Dogwood * Jimson Weed * Karil Root * Mandrake * Monkshood * Tarragon * Peyote * Poison Nut * Pokeweed * Rye * Sage * Senna * Skunk Cabbage See our list of best herbs for pregnancy
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