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Although herbs are natural, not all herbs are safe to take during pregnancy. Some herbal products may contain substances that are contraindicated during pregnancy and should also be avoided if you are trying to conceive.
Herbs may contain substances that can cause uterine contractions that can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, or injury to the fetus. Few studies have been done to measure the effects of various herbs on pregnant women or a developing fetus. Consult a qualified herbalist if you are in doubt.
Herbs for pregnancy serve mostly as a nutritive advantage because they offer minerals in a very natural and easy to assimilate form. Some herbs have a more specific action such as help prepare the uterus for delivery, aid digestion, sleep and relieve nausea.
Other herbs are fine when consumed in small amounts like in your seasoning (sage, rosemary, garlic, ginger, and turmeric) but can be harmful if ingested in large amounts.
Useful Herbal Teas for Pregnancy
Herbal teas are a great way to keep hydrated and uptake important nutrients. My favorite one is Tea-for-Two, which contains a special tea bland for morning sickness and to strengthen the uterus before delivery. The ingredients in this tea are not only very safe for pregnant mothers, but also very useful. They contain only natural organically grown herbs that are going to help your body gain a great sense of wellness and strength during your pregnancy.My traditional Chinese Doctor told me when I was pregnant that in ancient China, pregnant women were told to sip herbal teas through the day in order to prevent diseases and give birth easily and to health babies. I think that the wisdom of ancient times can still teach us a lot. Also, the power of nature plays an important role in maintaining health during pregnancy and beyond.
If you suffer from morning sickness, freeze your pregnancy tea into ice pops to alleviate severe nausea and prevent dehydration.
Tea-for-Two, contains the following herbs for pregnancy that are completely safe and also very soothing and useful during pregnancy and postpartum:
Strawberry leaf, Alfalfa, Dandelion leaf , Oatstraw ,Ginger and Lemon verbena. As you can see from the following list these herbs are safe when taken during pregnancy and provide nutritive support, morning sickness support, and uterine support.
List of Useful Herbs During Pregnancy
Alfalfa
This herb is very rich sources of nutrients such as calcium, iron, carotenes, and vitamin C. When taken as a tea during pregnancy, it helps provide natural source of minerals and vitamins. Alfalfa is particularly rich in vitamin K, a known blood-clotting agent. A diet rich in vitamin K may help reduce the risk of post-partum hemorrhage.Ginger
Ginger is an effective digestive aid and it used during pregnancy to alleviate nausea and digestive upset. In these circumstances it is always best to seek advice from a qualified practitioner.Kelp
Kelp is high in vitamins and minerals and can help regulate the thyroid gland. If you have a thyroid dysfunction makes sure to seek advice from a qualified practitioner.Nettle
This herb is also very rich in many vitamins and minerals especially iron. During pregnancy and lactation, it is important to have high iron intake. This herb can be safely taken during this time to ensure high iron storage.Chamomile
This flower is useful during pregnancy but should not be taken in high amounts. An herbal tea can lift the spirits and calms the nerves. It is also useful for digestive disorders during pregnancy. It is high calcium content as well as an anti-inflammatory properties.Raspberry
Among all the herbs for pregnancy, this is definitely the most used because it tones and nourishes the uterine muscles by helping the uterus contract more efficiently during delivery. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and B vitamins and it can be a great support throughout pregnancy and post-partum. It also increases milk flow during lactation.Partridge
Partridge berry has actions similar to raspberry leaf in that it helps tone and prepares the uterus for birth. It can be used to hasten miscarriages and during labor it can reduce uterine spasms.Lemon Balm
This herb has a very soothing aroma and it is very useful during pregnancy. It helps calm the nerves, reduce nervous tension and promotes relaxation. It can help in hypertension cases and digestive problems.Oatstraw
Oatstraw is particularly high in calcium and magnesium, which are important minerals during pregnancy. It also has a calming and relaxing effect.Dandelion
Of this herb both the leaves and the root are used. It has a high source of vitamins and minerals. Dandelion is a very versatile herb. The leaves are known to strengthen kidney function and help eliminate the body of excess water with its diuretic action. The root has a more specific action on the liver. It is a very mild and gentle liver tonic safe to use during pregnancy but it should not be used in high quantities ,like capsules (tea is fine) and for prolonged periods of time without the advice of a qualified herbalist. It also aids in digestion.Herbs to Avoid in Pregnancy
There are many reasons why herbs for pregnancy are not indicated. Many herbs contain steroids that can affect the fetus development during gestation. Others may present risk of toxicity and other may be a strong uterine stimulants.
Please, take herbs for pregnancy only under supervision to be certain of their safety, unless the tea bland is specifically designed to support a healthy pregnancy.
Note: Some women may have allergies to certain herbs because they are sensitive to specific herbal compounds.
Angelica
Stimulates suppressed menstruation.Agnus castus
It can support the first trimester and be helpful to bring on the milk, but it should be discontinued during the second and third trimester. Some practitioner recommend stopping Vitex as soon as a positive pregnancy test is obtained.Black Cohosh
Uterine stimulant. Should be avoided during pregnancy but it can be useful during delivery.Blue Cohosh
Also a very strong uterine stimulant that can be used to induce labor.Borage Oil & Evening Primrose Oil
Uterine stimulant that can be used in the baby is overdue to stimulate labor.Comfrey
Affects the liver and should be avoided. It can be useful in external applications for strains and sprains.Dong Quai
Can cause bleeding during pregnancy.Fenugreek
Uterine relaxant. Very useful during lactation to increase milk supply.Goldenseal
It stimulates the immune system but it is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.Licorice
Avoid if you have high blood pressure or water retention.Mugwort
Uterine stimulant can cause uterine contractions during pregnancy.Nutmeg
Stimulates uterine contractions.Pennyroyal
Stimulates uterine contractions.Rue
Can cause miscarriages.Uva Ursi
May affect blood glucose.Yarrow
Uterine stimulant can cause miscarriage.Saw Palmetto
It has hormonal activity, mostly on testosterone levels.Pay D' Arco
Anti-parasitic herb that can be toxic.More on Herbs for Pregnancy and Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy.
Herbs During pregnancy Advice
Some herbs can be taken during pregnancy only for short periods of time and under the supervision of a herbal medicine practitioner.Make sure to double check your prenatal vitamin supplements as well, because some contain additional herbs or essential oil that may not be indicated while pregnant or nursing.
Also, if you have allergies to pollen or other plant substances be extra careful when taking herbs, even if they are safe during pregnancy. Listen to your body!
"Pregnancy is a magical time of growing a new life within. It is also a time when a woman's body needs extra nourishment. Herbs are used in many traditional cultures to help the pregnant woman and are a perfect way to support optimum health for both mother and child."
Learn More:
Fertility Tea
Restore Poor Egg Quality
Increase Your Fertility With Herbal Remedies
Getting Pregnant With Fertility Vitamins
Restore Poor Egg Quality
Increase Your Fertility With Herbal Remedies
Getting Pregnant With Fertility Vitamins
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