Caution: Please use caution with this stuff. I'm merely an information source, not a trained herbalist or medical practitioner. I assume no responsibility for the medicinal use of herbs by anyone but myself.
What follows is a partial listing of herbs that are considered safe during pregnancy, as well as those that should be avoided because of possible complications or problems. I've tried to check these with three or more sources before including them in the listings. You should double check anything you might consider taking. The safest thing to do is find an experienced, knowledgeable herbal practitioner and pick their brain. If you really must diagnose and prescribe for yourself, get a GOOD recent book you can trust. Better yet, get two so you can double check the first one. If in doubt, do not use that particular herb medicinally. Now is not the time to experiment and hope for the best. What ever you take will pass the placental barrier and be shared with your baby. And their blood would test at around 70% of whatever the amount in your system.
You shouldn't need to worry overmuch if you're used to cooking with some of these herbs. Herbs you would normally use in a tea are also probably safe, unless you use an incredible amount of the stuff. Culinary and medicinal quantities are vastly different. And I shouldn't have to tell you to stop using recreational drugs. Right?
There are some basic categories of herbs its generally best to avoid. Emmenagogues promote menstruation and are used to bring on a late cycle. Abortifacients are essentially stronger versions of the emmenagogues and are, as the name would suggest, used to induce an abortion. Galactagogues promote milk production and flow, which cause the uterus to contract. So don't take 'em while pregnant. Strong diuretics should also be avoided, in spite of swollen feet and hands, because you shouldn't deplete your body of necessary fluids.
Oxytocins stimulates uterine contractions and, if taken at the proper time, can help hasten labor. Your body will produce this substance naturally during delivery. Also, the drugs used to induce labor (Pitocin) are very strong oxytocins.
DISCLAIMER:
Remember folks, I'm not a practicing herbalist or medical practitioner.
These lists are provided for information and knowledge only. If you really
want to use some of the herbs lists, it would be a very wise idea to get
the advice of someone who knows what they are doing, especially when it
comes to usage and dosages.
Birthwort - causes uterine contractions. Birthwort is also used to relieve menstrual problems.
Black Cohosh - strong emmenagogue.
Celery - celery juice promotes menstruation, so use this in moderation. I've found a stalk of celery, with some peanut butter, gives me a little extra protein and helps me get enough fiber to avoid some other problems that can be caused by pregnancy.
Dill - a galactagogue.
Fennel - a galactagogue, promoting milk flow.
Heather - constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure.
Hyssop - strongly promotes suppressed menstruation and can be a dangerous abortifacient.
Lovage - promotes menstruation.
Ma Huang - contains large amounts of ephedra which can boost the metabolism, something that's already working overtime at the moment. Ma huang also works as a uterine vasoconstrictor, raising blood pressure in that area and limiting the blood supply to the fetus.
Mandrake - this stuff is just hard on your body. American mandrake may cause birth defects and European mandrake plays with your blood pressure, raising it, then lowering it and making your pulse race. It can also cause heart damage.
Milkwort - stimulates milk flow.
Motherwort - helps relieve menstrual complaints and may provoke labor.
Nettle - will promote milk flow and help relieve excessive menstruation.
Oregano, or Wild Marjoram - works like marjoram.
Pennyroyal - emmenagogue. Native Americans used to ease menstrual cramps and pain. Large doses may damage fetus. The needed dosage for abortion will also cause irreversible kidney damage. Do not use while pregnant!!!
Peppermint - stimulates milk flow which may promote early labor.
Rosemary - raises blood pressure.
Shepherd's Purse - aids various menstrual problems, including excessive or difficult menstruation. Used to induce uterine contractions during labor. Promotes intestinal cramping, leading to a purging of the bowels. Raises blood pressure.
Uva Ursi - works as a uterine vasoconstrictor, limiting blood flow to the uterus. Uva Ursi also causes uterine contractions.
Willow - contains the active ingredient found in aspirin.
Wintergreen - contains methyl salicylate, which is a close relative of aspirin.
Almond - the oil massaged onto the tummy and other expanding areas is supposed to help alleviate stretch marks. Mix it with a little geranium oil and massage onto legs to help relieve swelling.
Barley - the powered juice is an excellent blood builder, high in B1, C, and calcium. It's also good for hemorrhoids and in neutralizing toxins, including mercury and lead. Barley juice powder works as a tonic for the internal digestive systems.
Bee Pollen - is balanced with vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and amino acids. It's supposedly great for allergies and minor respiratory problems and is an energy booster. Personally, I can't see taking it, considering the problems the honey bees are having now fighting off extinction here in the United States. The choice is up to you. (I've the same opinion on shark cartilage. Do you know how they harvest that stuff?)
Bilberry- fruits improve the circulation and work as mild diuretic for those swollen hands, legs, and feet.
Blessed Thistle - excellent tonic, helping balance hormones, strengthen circulatory and respiratory systems, as well as aiding in digestion. Also reduces cramping and stimulates lactation, which might come in handy after delivery.
Burdock - builds up the blood and helps reduce joint swelling. Burdock can also help reduce jaundice in your newborn.
Butcher's Broom - works as a mild diuretic and helps fight inflammations. It also keeps circulation flowing to the arms and legs.
Echinacea - purifies the blood and builds the immune system. Also helps detoxify your body.
Red Raspberry - excellent for toning the uterus throughout the pregnancy. However, if you notice some spotting, discontinue use, especially in the first trimester. (Some herbals say it's completely ok, but many newer ones take the side of caution.)
Spearmint - made into a tea will help relieve nausea.
Yellow Dock - is rich in iron and minerals. It helps balance body chemistry and boost the immune system.
Goldenseal - helps relieve nausea, but take with care, as it's also a laxative. A herbalist friend recommends the following: one teaspoon steeped for twenty minutes in one pint of water. Take no more than six tablespoons during the day. This herb gets some mixed reviews, with some herbalists claiming it ages the placenta. It does work as a strong diuretic and laxative, so don't use a full dosage. (The above formula is a mild dosage, so don't worry.)
Jasmine - Excellent massage oil for easing labor pains and speeding contractions. The aroma also helps ease or dispel postpartum depression. Don't use until your in labor though.
Kotu-kola - may ease the wear and tear on the uterus and birth canal during labor, but don't use it until the end of your pregnancy.
Originally
composed 13 June, 1996.
This
page last updated and revised 25 July, 2000.
Copyright
Laurel Reufner, 1996. Comments? Email me!