Natural Herbs and Vitamins During Pregnancy

Although medicine has replaced almost every natural supplement with a synthetic substitute, there is a debate about the effectiveness of natural herbs and vitamins in providing essential nutrition to pregnant women as well as aiding in the relief of some common discomforts. Many herbalists believe that herbs are often better, cheaper and healthier than their medical counterparts. However, most medical professionals do not recommend herbal remedies for pregnant women, since safety has not been established through adequate research.

Unlike prescription drugs, natural herbs and vitamin supplements do not have to be tested to prove they work and are safe before they are sold. As a result, the quality and strength of an herbal supplement can vary between two batches of the same product and between products from different manufacturers. Consumers have little way of knowing if a product will do what the label claims and if it is safe. In addition, reliable information about the product may be hard to find which can lead to questions on safety and effectiveness.

What are possible complications of taking herbs during pregnancy?

Although herbs are natural, not all herbs are safe to take during pregnancy. The FDA urges pregnant women not to take any herbal products without talking to their healthcare provider first. These products may contain agents that could harm the mother and the growing fetus, and cause problems with the pregnancy. Many contain substances that can cause miscarriage or premature birth, uterine contractions, injury to the fetus, or jeopardize the mother s health. Few studies have been done to measure the effects of various herbs on pregnant women or a developing fetus.

What are some herbs I should be cautious about during my pregnancy?

Depending on the source, some information will list an herb as being safe to consume during pregnancy whereas another source will list the same herb as not being safe to take. Therefore it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any natural medicine or other drugs during pregnancy.

According to Herbs for A Healthy Pregnancy : From Conception to Childbirth by Penelope Ody, the herbs in the following chart should NOT be used at any time during pregnancy or when pregnancy is even a possibility.

Herbs to Completely Avoid During Pregnancy:

Herb:

Reason to Avoid:

Aloe Vera

The leaves are strong and should not be taken by mouth.

Arbor vitae (Thuja occidentalis)

A uterine and menstrual stimulant that could damage the fetus.

Autumn crocus (Colichicum autumnale)

Can affect cell division and lead to birth defects.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Contains high levels of berberine, known to stimulate uterine contractions.

Basil oil

A uterine stimulant; use only during labor.

Beth root (Trillium erectum)

A uterine stimulant; use only during labor.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosus)

May lead to premature contractions; avoid unless under professional guidance. Safe to use during childbirth.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

A uterine stimulant that in quite small doses also causes vomiting.

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

A uterine stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance. Safe to use during childbirth.

Broom (Cytisus scoparius)

Causes uterine contractions so should be avoided during pregnancy; in parts of Europe it is given after the birth to prevent blood loss.

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)

Interferes with hormone production in the pituitary gland, best avoided.

Clove oil

A uterine stimulant used only during labor.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Contains toxic chemicals that will cross the placenta; do not ingest orally.

Cotton root (Gossypium herbaceum)

Uterine stimulant traditionally given to encourage contractions during a difficult labor, but rarely used medically today.

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Uterine stimulant

Dong quai (Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis)

Uterine and menstrual stimulant, best avoided during pregnancy; ideal after childbirth.

False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)

A hormonal stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Uterine stimulant; may cause premature contractions.

Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Uterine stimulant; may lead to premature contractions but safe during childbirth.

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus)

Uterine stimulant; may cause premature contractions.

Juniper and juniper oil (Juniperus communis)

A uterine stimulant; use only during labor.

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla xanthoclora)

A uterine stimulant; use only in labor.

Liferoot (Senecio aureus)

A uterine stimulant containing toxic chemicals that will cross the placenta.

Mistletoe (Viscum album)

A uterine stimulant containing toxic chemicals that may cross the placenta.

Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding.

American pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides)

Reputed uterine stimulant to be avoided during pregnancy.

European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding.

Peruvian bark (Cinchona officinalis)

Toxic used in excess may cause blindness and coma. Used to treat malaria and given during pregnancy only to malaria sufferers under professional guidance.

Pokeroot (Phytolacca decandra)

May cause birth defects.

Pseudoginseng (Panax notoginseng)

May cause birth defects.

Pulsatilla (Anemone pulsatilla)

Menstrual stimulant best avoided during pregnancy; limited use during lactation.

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Uterine and menstrual stimulant; may cause premature contractions.

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects.

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

A uterine stimulant; use only during labor.

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding.

Squill (Urginea maritima)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects.

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects.

Wild yam (Diascorea villosa)

A uterine stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance; safe during labor.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding.

According to Herbs for A Healthy Pregnancy: From Conception to Childbirth by Penelope Ody, the following chart of herbs should only be used in moderation during pregnancy. But it is always best to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or herbal remedy.

Herbs That Can Be Used in Moderation During Pregnancy:

Herb:

Possible Caution:

Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)

Should not be taken in high doses or for long periods.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb.

Anise and aniseed oil (Pimpinella anisum)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely.

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantiam)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or in moderate use.

Caraway (Carum carvi)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb.

Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana)

Should not be taken in high doses or for long periods.

Celery seed and oil (Apium graveolens)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb.

Chamomile oil

The oil is a potent uterine stimulant to be avoided, but the dried or fresh herb is safe in moderation.

Chili (Capsicum spp)

Avoid high doses as they may lead to heartburn; can flavor breast milk when breast-feeding. Moderate culinary use is fine.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid the essential oil completely.

Cowslip (Primula veris)

A uterine stimulant in high doses

Elder bark

Should not be taken in high doses or for long periods.

Fennel and fennel oil

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or during labor

Garlic (Allium sativa)

Avoid high doses as they may lead to heartburn; can flavor breast milk when breastfeeding. Moderate culinary use is fine.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

Possible uterine stimulant; use in moderation for occasional teas only.

Jasmine oil

A uterine stimulant best reserved for childbirth to ease labor.

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Clinical reports suggest that high doses in pregnancy can lead to androgynous babies (caused by overstimulation of male sex hormones); use for short periods only.

Lavender (Lavendula argustifolia)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or for moderate use.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

High doses can worsen high blood pressure; safe in moderation.

Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

A uterine stimulant traditionally used in slow and difficult labor; safe as a culinary herb.

Marjoram and marjoram oil (Origanum vulgare)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labor.

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol)

A uterine stimulant that may lead to premature contractions; avoid high doses.

Nutmeg and Nutmeg Oil

Inhibits prostaglandin production and contains hallucinogens that may affect the fetus; once erroneously regarded as an abortifacient. Safe in normal culinary use.

Oregano (Origanum X marjoricum; O. onites)

A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Uterine stimulant that may also irritate the fetus in high doses; safe in normal culinary use.

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)

A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe for moderate use.

Peppermint oil

A uterine stimulant; avoid the oil entirely, although low doses of the dried herb can be used.

Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final six to eight weeks and during labor.

Rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum)

Should not be taken in high doses or for long periods.

Rosemary and rosemary oil

A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe in moderation and normal culinary use. Avoid using the oil entirely.

Saffron (Crocus sativa)

A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe in normal culinary use.

Sage and sage oil

A uterine and hormonal stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely.

Senna (Senna alexandrina)

Should not be taken in high doses or for long periods.

Tea, black (Camellia sinensis)

Limit to two cups a day, as excess can lead to palpitations and increased heart rate.

Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris)

Some reports claim that it acts as a uterine stimulant, though the research is disputed; the herb is quite safe in cooking.

Vervain (Verbene officinalis)

A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labor.

White horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

Reputed uterine stimulant; safe in moderation in cough drops.

Wood betony (Stachys officinalis)

A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labor.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labor.

What are safe and useful herbs to take during pregnancy?

The following herbs have found to be useful during pregnancy; however it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before trying them.

• Alfalfa: plant containing a good source of vitamin K (necessary for blood clotting). This herb also contains enzymes, minerals and high quantities of vitamins A, D and E.
• Chamomile: This herb is a great calming agent and helps with nausea and also contains some anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nettles: this herb contains high levels of calcium, iron, and is helpful in providing nourishment to the mother.
• Oatstaw: herb that is high in calcium and magnesium which can be an effective remedy for infections and to decrease stress/tension.
• Red Raspberry Leaf: herb rich in iron that has also been effective in helping in the production of milk, decreasing nausea, preventing miscarriage, and easing labor pains.
• Rose Hips: Great source of vitamin C that also helps with infection and exhaustion.

Is herbal tea safe to drink during my pregnancy?

Since the effect of herbs used in pregnancy has not been well researched, the FDA has urged caution on the use of most herbal teas in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It is recommended to stay away from herbal teas while you are expecting unless instructed differently by your healthcare provider. You can make sure your tea is free of any herbs by reading labels carefully, or stick to regular (black) tea that comes already flavored. You can also mix your own tea by adding oranges, apples, pineapples, or other fruit juices, lemons, cinnamon, limes, pears, or mint leaves to boiling water or decaffeinated tea. Also, you should not brew a homemade tea from a plant growing in the backyard unless you know exactly what it is and if it is safe to consume during pregnancy.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, green tea is possibly unsafe when used orally in large amount because it contains caffeine. It is recommended that pregnant mothers closely monitor their intake of green tea to ensure moderate consumption. Some evidence suggests that high doses of caffeine might be associated with premature delivery, low birth weight, and loss of the fetus.

For More Information on Alternative Medicine:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; 1.888.644.6226
www.discoverherbs.com
www.naturaldatabase.com

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