Herbs to Avoid during Pregnancy
In every field of medicine, nutritional supplementation has come to play a central role in our daily health regimen. Now more than ever, nutritional supplements have taken center stage in the realms of fertility health and infertility therapy. Validated by science, new fertility-enhancing supplements [1] are leading to dramatic increases in conception rates and providing a healthful alternative to conventional infertility treatments.
Fertility supplements [1] often include fertility supporting herbs like vitex agnus castus (or chasteberry), as well as green tea, red clover blossom, as well as a number of other ingredients that have been scientifically established to support reproductive health. To read more about fertility herbs [2], click here [2]. To read a review of fertility supplements [3], click here [3]. To shop for fertility-enhancing supplements [1], click here [1].
However, all herbs or herbal treatments (with the exception of a very few) should be regarded with a critical eye once you become pregnant. And then there are herbs that should be viewed with caution. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy.
| 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. |