There are a number of herbal plants around the world which have fantastic healing qualities about them. Most, if not all of them however should be avoided during your pregnancy because they could be detrimental to your pregnancy for a number of reasons.
They may irritate the placenta, cause mutation of the developing fetus and stimulate muscular contractions of the uterus amongst others. Before taking any herbal remedies during your pregnancy you should consult your healthcare provider or a qualified herbalist.
There are around 560 plants which we know have the ability to cause miscarriage or other defects during pregnancy – although only around 50 of these plants are commonly used in the United States today. These plants can be broken down into the following groups:
Alkaloid Containing Plants
This group of plants is known to constrict blood vessels and cause an increase in blood pressure:- Coffee
- Tea
- Barberry
- Ephedra
- Golden Seal
- Mandrake
- Tobacco
- Sanguinaria
Diuretics
This group of plants is known to encourage water loss:- Buchu
- Horsetail
- Juniper Berries
- Uva-Ursi (large doses)
Emmenagogues
Induces loss of uterine lining — may cause miscarriage:- Angelica spp.
- Basil, oregano, marjoram (OK in “normal” amounts as spices)
- Black Cohosh (Safe in the last six weeks)
- Blue Cohosh (Safe in the last six weeks)
- Ginger (okay in “normal” amounts)
- Hyssop
- Motherwort (OK in small doses)
- Mugwort
- Myrrh
- Nasturtium
- Osha
- Parsley
- Squaw Vine (small amounts okay)
- Pennyroyal
- Rue
- Sage
- Shepard’s Purse
- Tansy
- Wormwood
Bitters
This group is known to lead to fetal defects and/or miscarriage:- Barberry
- Cascara Sagrada
- Celandine
- Feverfew
- Gentian
- Golden Seal
- Mugwort
- Rue
- Tansy
- Wormwood
Laxatives
- Aloes
- Castor Bean
- Barberry
- Buckthorn
- Cascara Sagrada
- Coffee
- Senna
Steroid Precursors
- Dong Quai
- Ginseng
- Licorice
- Sarsaparilla
Oxytocic
- Blue Cohosh
- Golden Seal
- Black Cohosh
- Mistletoe
- Blue Flag
- Uva-Ursi
- Cotton Root Bark
Although there may be some of these herbs which may be safe to taken when used by a skilled professional, you must consult with a professional before taking in any of these herbs and know what you may be in for if you do take them.
Herbal Remedies
