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Pregnancy and Herbs
If you are pregnant, or planning on being pregnant, and are going to use herbs there are many things you need to be aware of. Just because herbs are "natural" doesn't mean that they can't harm you or your baby. There are many safe and useful herbs available that promote a healthy pregnancy and an easy delivery. There are also many herbs that should be avoided.
The information in this brochure is provided only to educate and inform. This information is not intended to take the place of proper medical attention, nor is it intended to diagnose or prescribe. Please see your health care professional before taking ANY kind of medication, herbal or otherwise, while you are pregnant.
Herbs to Avoid
There are many herbs that should be avoided at any time during pregnancy, some to be avoided until birth is imminent, and others to avoid during certain trimesters. Please be aware that even "innocent" cooking herbs can interfere with a pregnancy.
The following commonly used cooking herbs may encourage miscarriage and should be avoided during the first trimester, and used sparingly during the remainder of the pregnancy:
Basil, Caraway Seed,· Celery Seed,· Ginger,· fresh Horseradish,· Savory,· Marjoram,· Nutmeg,· Rosemary,· Saffron,· Sage,· Parsley,· Tarragon,· Thyme Doesn't make food sound as tasty, but considering the end result well worth exercising a little caution.
If you are trying to become pregnant, it is best to avoid the following herbs, before pregnancy and during the first trimester, some have been known to prevent conception while others are uterine contractors:
Pennyroyal ( NOTE: This herb, in tincture, infusion or oil should be completely avoided before and throughout pregnancy. Even the oil massaged into the skin has been known to cause abortion. Never, never take the oil internally, it can be fatal.) Wild Carrot Seed,· Rue,· Buckwheat,· Elder,· Smartweed, Ginger root, Tansy, · Angelica,· Lemon Balm,· Bethroot,· Black Cohosh,· Blue Cohosh,· Cotton Root Bark,· European Vervain ,· Ergot fungus,· Feverfew (in flower), Hyssop,· Liferoot (in flower),· Lovage,· Marijuana· Mistletoe· Motherwort Mugwort· Osha Peruvian Bark Rosemary (in flower)· Rue Saffron· Sumac Sweet Flag· fresh Wood Sorrel Birth defects are something that is in every mother-to-be's thoughts. The following list of herbs are considered to be teratogens, that is substances that can cause birth defects. These are just as important a consideration as alchohol, caffeine, smoking or any other of those vices we give up for the sake of our babies.
Ma Huang (Ephedra)· Osha· Flax seed· Senna· Aloes· Castor Oil· Turkey Rhubarb· Buckthorn· Cascara Sagrada· Buchu· Horsetail· Juniper berries· Agave· Ginseng· Licorice· Hops· Sage
Herbs Generally Considered Safe
By now you are probably asking just what herbs you CAN use. There are many that for years have been used safely and indeed regularly throughout pregnancy to promote a healthy pregnancy and an easier delivery. However, since every woman and every pregnancy is an individual please consult your health care professional before using any herbs, even those generally considered safe. Red Raspberry (thought to aid fertility in men and women when combined with Red Clover, considered safe during all phases of pregnancy by the FDA, tones and nourishes the uterine muscles, may enrich and increase the flow of milk, aids in restoring the system following childbirth) Nettle (rich in calcium, iron and many other vitamins and minerals, mild diuretic, used by Native Americans throughout pregnancy and because of it's Vitamin K content it may aid in cases of hemorrahaging during delivery) Anise, Peppermint, Spearmint or Fennel Tea (for morning sickness) Wild Yam (for morning sickness, and preventing threatened miscarriage) Black Haw, False Unicorn (for preventing chronic miscarriage) Burdock (mild diuretic, full of vitamins and minerals, an excellent herb for the liver) Blessed Thistle (may stimulate blood flow to the mammary glands, it's hemostatic properties may reduce the chance of hemorrhaging) Sarsaparilla Squaw Vine (used by the Native Americans to tone and nourish the uterus) Chamomile ( lifts the spirits, relieve stress, calming and soothing, may help with digestive problems, has a high calcium content) Black Haw (may prevent miscarriage, calms the uterine muscles eases uterine contractions) Cramp bark (herbalists consider this one of the best herbal remedies for preventing miscarriage) Dandelion (high content of vitamins and minerals, to aid digestion, mild diuretic and has a high potassium content) Lady's Mantle (used for toning the uterus, helpful in reducing the chance of hemorrhage, eases morning sickness) Oat straw (high in calcium and magnesium, eases nervous stress and tension) Strawberry leaf (may be used to prevent miscarriage, for fevers and diarrhea)
Other Sources of Information
This list is by no means complete or inclusive. There are many excellent books published on the subject. Please take the time to read one or better yet, several. Two excellent choices are Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar and Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed. Both books are very well written and full of good information and sage advice. The Gladstar book is for women of all ages from puberty to menopause with an excellent section on pregnancy and childbirth. She includes many suggestions and recipe's. Susan Weed's book is specifically about pregnancy and childbirth, including getting pregnant and baby's first year. Both books cover simple problems such as morning sickness, heartburn, and leg cramps and many other common conditions as well as more serious issues like miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and problems during delivery.
Please be sure to get medical attention and advice during your pregnancy. Exercise and a well balanced diet are essential as well . It cannot be stressed too often that this information is for educational purposes only. It is not a complete or inclusive list of herbs either beneficial or harmful. There is no intention by the author to supplant regular medical care, nor is the author recommending, suggesting, diagnosing or prescribing any herbal remedy for use during pregnancy, or any other time.
I wish for you a healthy pregnancy, an easy labor, a successful delivery and a fine bouncing baby. Be healthy, happy and smart; use all the resources at your disposal (including offers of help from friends and family).
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
HORMONE IMBALANCE: During those stress-filled times of puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and even for male "change of life": BLACK COHOSH, SARSAPARILLA, GINSENG, LICORICE, FALSE UNICORN, HOLY THISTLE and SQUAW VINE.
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