12 Herbs Commonly Used During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Herbs are amazing and a valuable gift to us when used with knowledge and skill.

I will list all the SAFE herbs widely used during pregnancy and lactation in a moment.

But first a list of those not for the season of pregnancy and lactation. There are exceptions to some of these when under the care of a trained midwife, functional doctor, herbalist, naturopathic or homeopathic doctor.

Depending on your source, some list an herb as safe to consume during pregnancy, while another source may list the same herb as unsafe. Most importantly, never try to self-dose a problem or diagnose with any medications, including herbs.

Commonly Used Western Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Angelica Root
Basil* (in very large amounts) Lemongrass* (in very large amounts)
Beth Root Licorice Root
Birthroot Lobelia
Black Cohosh Loveage
Black Walnut Ma-Huang
Bladderwrack Marijuana
Blessed Thistle Mistletoe
Blue Cohosh Mugwort
Blue Vervain Myrrh
Boneset
Borage Osha Root
Buchu PN-6 capsules/tea
Buckthorn Parsley* (in very large amounts)
Burdock Root Passionflower
Butcher’s Broom Pau d’Arco

Butternut* Pennyroyal

Calendula Pleurisy Root
California Poppy Poke Root
Cascara Sagrada

Catnip Roman Chamomile
Chaparral Rosemary* (in large amounts)
Cinnamon (*in very large amounts) Rue
Coltsfoot Saffron
Comfrey Leaf Sage* (in large amounts)
Comfrey Root Sarsaparilla
Cotton Root Bark Sassafras
Damiana Saw Palmetto
Dong Quai Senna
Elecampane Shepherd’s Purse

Echinacea

Ephedra St. John’s Wort
False Unicorn Sumac
Fenugreek Tansy
Feverfew Thyme*
Ginger *(in large amounts) Turmeric* (daily in food is very safe)
Ginseng (Siberian Ginseng aka Eleuthero is fine, except for those with high blood pressure)
Goldenseal Uva Ursi
Gotu Kola Vitex
Hops Wild Cherry Bark
Horehound Wormwood
Horsetail Yarrow
Jamaican Dogwood Yohimbe
Juniper Berry
Kava Kava Root

Avoid During Lactation

Black Cohosh Juniper Berry
Black Walnut Kava Kava Root
Bladderwrack Kelp
Borage Licorice Root
Buchu Ma-Huang
Buckthorn Mugwort
Cascara Sagrada Myrrh
Chaparral Oregon Grape Root (in jaundiced newborns)
Coltsfoot Pleurisy Root
Comfrey Leaf Rue
Comfrey Root Sage*
Damiana Sarsaparilla
Elecampane Saw Palmetto
Ephedra Senna
Ginseng (Siberian Ginseng aka Eleuthero is fine, except for those with high blood pressure)
Horsetail Sumac
Jamaican Dogwood Turkey Rhubarb Uva Ursi Wormwood

*When used in cooking, the culinary herbs listed above are considered safe. It is known that adding sage, basil, parsley or rosemary in your tomato sauce is certainly not a risk to you and your baby. Large dose, like that used in medicinal amounts, is not best.

12 Herbs Most Commonly Used in Pregnancy

The following herbs have been used safely during pregnancy at least back to pioneer days or longer. Also included are the Herbs listed above with an asterisk (*) such as garlic, thyme, ginger, sage, and turmeric when used in amounts normal in food or tea.

• Red Raspberry Leaf – Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth. You may see pregnancy teas that are made from red raspberry leaf to help promote uterine health during pregnancy. There is some controversy about whether this should be safe in the first trimester or only in the second and third trimester, so many health care providers recommend using it after the first trimester. Read my post on it!

• PeppermintLeaf – Peppermint is helpful in relieving nausea /morning sickness and flatulence

• Ginger root – Helps relieve nausea and vomiting

• Slippery Elm Bark – (when the inner bark is used orally in amounts used in foods) Used to help relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations

• Oat Straw – Rich in calcium and magnesium; helps relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin

• Cayenne – when used topically and appropriately

• Dandelion – Rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron; dandelion root and leaf can also help relieve mild edema and nourish the liver

• Chamomile – High in calcium and magnesium; also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints

• Nettles – High in vitamins A, C, K , calcium, potassium, and iron. Used in many pregnancy teas because it is a great all around pregnancy tonic.

• Cranberry juice – unsweetened is magnificent for urinary health.

• Tulsi – As a tea tulsi helps digestion, combat anemia, stress, the common cold, swelling, bloating and water retention

• Garlic, organic only– Moderate amounts in meals helps regulate blood flow, helps digestion, keeps your blood sugar in check and improves your blood pressure.

If you have not yet, begin to research for yourself and to grow in knowledge! Ask questions of a herbalist because each pregnancy is different.

For More Information On Alternative Medicine and Herbs:

The American Botanical Council

HerbMed

National Center for Complementary and Intergrative Medicine or (888) 644-6226

Natural Medicines Database

Do you know of any more safe herbs to include in this list?

***For the Full Spike Protein Protocol to protect from transmission from the “V” and to help those who took the “V”, go here.

Deep Roots At Home now has a PODCAST! We are covering everything from vaccines, parenting topics, alternative medicine. Head over today and like, share and download a few episodes!

I’d love to stay connected with you, and here is one way…

Censorship is real. My Pinterest account was suspended; but surprisingly part of my main board is still available through this link, and it scrolls down a long way!

You can also find me on Facebook, Gab, MeWe, X (Twitter), Instagram, and look for me on IG Stories.

And please join me for my FREE newsletter. Click here.