Herbs to Avoid In Pregnancy

Herbs to avoid when you are pregnant.

As you seek to nourish yourself and your baby as fully as possible the question of which herbs to avoid in pregnancy is probably at the forefront of your mind.

Above all, when we’re pregnant, we want to make choices that will not harm our own bodies or our growing baby’s. Unfortunately, this fear can lead many of us to stay away from herbal preparations during pregnancy, one time in our lives when herbs can be amazing allies.

The truth is that many herbs fall into the category of nourishing herbs, will have no ill effects, and can offer great benefits.

Susun Weed’s Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year is a great place to start gathering knowledge about the benefits and cautions around using herbs for health.

On her list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy are:

• Antihistamines like Ma-huang and osha root

• Diuretics like Buchu, Horsetail, and Juniper Berries

• Steroids and herbs containing steroid-like factors: Agave, Ginsing, Licorice, Hops, Sage

Then there are some herbs to use with caution, being aware of the risks:

1. Emmenagogues (especially in the first and last trimester) These are herbs that can help bring on the menstrual cycle:

Angelica, fresh lemon balm leaves, Bethroot, Birthwort, Black Cohosh root, Blue Cohosh root, European Vervain, Ergot fungus, Feverfew plant in flower, ginger root, Hyssop leaves, Liferoot plant in flower, Lovage root, Marijuana female flowers, Mistletoe leaves, Motherwort, Mugwort, Fresh Parsley, Pennyroil plant, Peruvian bark, Rosemary plant in flower, Rue leaves, Saffron stigmas, Sumac Berries, Sweet flag root, Tansy plant in flower, Fresh wood Sorrel plant

2. Common cooking herbs that may encourage miscarriage (avoid during first trimester and use only in small quantities in later pregnancy):

Basil, Caraway seeds, Celery seed, Ginger, fresh Horseradish, Savory, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Saffron. Sage, Parsley, Tarragon, Thyme, Watercress

3. Golden Seal root: stresses liver and kidneys, raises white blood cell count, and can cause uterine contractions.

This simple list was very empowering for me.

Secure in my knowledge about which herbs to avoid in pregnancy, I was free to play and learn about all of the many other herbs and the benefits they could offer to me and my growing babies.

It will SURELY increase you confidence in your ability to help your child naturally. The kit and course teach you herbal nourishment foundations and much more!