Herbs to avoid during pregnancy

 

There are several herbs mentioned below,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.

List of herbs 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 pregnancybecause 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 topremature 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 thelist 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.

 

List of best herbs for pregnancy

* A highly recommended herbal tea for pregnancyis partridge berry tea. It is used by native Americans to make delivery safer and less painful. It is best used in the days right before delivery and just before delivery.

* Another good herbal tea for pregnancy israspberry leaf tea. Raspberry leaf contains ingredients that help relax the uterus. This may help avoid miscarriage, morning sickness and other typical discomforts of pregnancy. Enjoy the tea for several weeks before delivery.

* Yet another good herbal tea for pregnancy isblack haw effective for treating severe menstrual cramps and the incidence of miscarriage. It too works by soothing the uterus.

* Peppermint (mentha piperita) is one of the wonderfully calming herbs forpregnancy. It helps support digestion and promotes the flow of bile. It’s especially good for nausea & recent studies show it calms and settles the stomach. Enjoy peppermint tea several times daily

* Ginger is one of the true master herbs, having a long history use in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Recent studies confirm its ability to relieve nausea and to tone the digestive system. Click for our page on thebenefits of ginger

* Finally, tincture of Shepherd’s purse taken after birth constricts blood vessels and so helps stop the bleeding.

 

Pregnancy herbs to reduce chances of birth defect

* Jute provides folate which reduces the chances of the baby suffering from the spinal disease, spina bifida.

* Another high folate veggie is spinach which may also help prevent spina bifida.

 

Herb oils for pre & post delivery

St.-John’s-wort oil is extremely good for rubbing on the area between the vagina and anus during pregnancy, delivery and after birth. It’s anti-inflammatory action calms the burning feeling, reduces swelling and speeds healing.

* Mandarin Oil is a marvelously soothing oil that helps the skin keep in moisture and nutrients which increases elasticity.

* Neroli Oil is also a relaxing oil and has a terrific balancing effect on all skin types. Neroli oi also helps the skin regenerate skin cells.

* Patchouli Oil is also regenerative properties and widely used as a luxurious skin tonic.

* Rose Geranium Oil supports & rejuvenates healthy skin. It is often recommended for use on scars and for stretchmarks and cellulite. This essential oil also helps maintain hormonal and fluid balance in the body.

* Rosehip Oil is nourishing and soothing. It is often recommended duringpregnancy for its promotion of skin health in particular.