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    12 Herbs Commonly Used During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    19.5KViews Modified: Mar 22, 2021 · Published: Aug 27, 2014
    By Jacqueline 15 Comments

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    12 Herbs Commonly Used During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Dried herbs being stored in glass jars.

    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 used throughout pregnancy or just in the second and third trimester, so many health care providers remain cautious and only recommend using it after the first trimester. Read my post on it!
    • Peppermint Leaf – 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. 

     

    Recommended Reading

    Naturally Healthy Woman by Shonda Parker

    The Naturally Healthy Pregnancy by Shonda Parker

    Mommy Diagnostics by Shonda Parker

    2 books by Shonda Parker

    The Naturally Healthy Pregnancy by Shonda Parker

     

    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?

    12 Herbs Commonly Used During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Dried herbs being stored in glass jars.
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    Related

    Hi! I’m Jacqueline!

    Thanks for being part of this journey with me.
    Welcome to my own little place on the internet! Home is where I love to be. I feel there is no greater place to incubate souls. These days you’ll find me using my experiences here to write about herbal remedies and natural health research — a big passion of mine. But being a wife and mother is not easy. It is challenging and potentially lonely. I get that. I wanted to create a place to connect with and support other moms for creating a natural, healthy, and fulfilling home life.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Charlotte Moore

      January 28, 2016 at 6:54 am

      I would never have thought any herb should be avoided during these times. I will be sending this on to a few people.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline

        January 28, 2016 at 1:03 pm

        Hi, Charlotte, dear friend! It’s my pleasure to share these things. If it only helps one or two Mamas, I am thankful. Glad for you to share it!! (((Hugs!)))

        Reply
    2. Hannah J

      January 28, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      What about garlic? It wasn’t listed and I’ve been using it to treat a yeast infection in my first trimester(as a suppository, recommended by midwives), along with apple cider vinegar.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline

        January 28, 2016 at 1:01 pm

        Hannah, eating garlic actually reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia. http://www.babycenter.com/400_is-it-safe-to-eat-garlic-during-pregnancy_2900580_88.bc
        God bless you and your baby, dear Mama!

        Reply
    3. Georgia

      January 29, 2016 at 12:58 am

      Sage, Thyme, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Basil? The Italians should all be dead? I don’t get why those are on the list. If you are consuming crazy amounts maybe, but that is of anything. The Green Pharmacy author explains this. I am not convinced those herbs are dangerous in normal amounts. I have consumed in cooking quite a bit of those herbs and have had no miscarriages, and no troubled pregnancies.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline

        January 29, 2016 at 2:49 am

        Hi, Georgia!
        I agree LOL but it is stated in the post that the warning was not for amounts used in food. I hope that helps 🙂

        Reply
      • Carissa

        January 29, 2016 at 7:07 pm

        I had to laugh at this too. I’m Sicilian and totally would have commented the same thing. =P

        Reply
    4. JES

      January 30, 2016 at 4:45 pm

      This is helpful to have all in one spot! I want to make a pregnancy tea for a friend and will consult this list 🙂 Hope your winter is nice and cozy!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline

        January 30, 2016 at 8:47 pm

        Thank you, JES! It was interesting research. You might look at Bulk Herb Store’s Pregnancy tea for ingredients and ideas: http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Mamas-Red-Raspberry-Brew#a_aid=deeprootsathome It is awesome!
        I miss you! (((Hugs!)))

        Reply
    5. Brook

      October 02, 2016 at 12:53 am

      I’ve learned that Some midwives say Pau D Arco capsules are safe during pregnancy for UTI’s.
      So is it safe or not? I am confused and need to take some for a UTI.
      And is Pau D Arco safe while breastfeeding?
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Jacqueline

        October 02, 2016 at 9:19 pm

        Brook,
        I would not risk using Pau D’arco when pregnant or nursing. Here is a site to support this: http://www.paudarco.org/cautions.php
        God bless you! Glad you asked 🙂

        Reply
    6. Kim

      September 23, 2019 at 10:24 am

      Why must sumac be avoided during breastfeeding and not during pregnancy. Is it safe to use as a spice for food? Or to add a little into tea? Also I had a miscarriage years ago caused by eating fennel soup. ? No one ever talks about fresh fennel.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline

        September 23, 2019 at 12:47 pm

        Kim, I do not know why it is listed in one and not the other. I just referred to reliable information. If there is a question,I would avoid it at this time. I am so sad that you miscarried, but I do not feel that fennel alone (1 meal?) could do that, honestly. That is so hard, friend. I pray you are healing emotionally and physically from that <3
        Warmly, J

        Reply
    7. Ray

      June 21, 2020 at 7:19 am

      Hi there,
      My name is Ray I’m the founder of pregnancy and parenting blog Stork Mama.
      I’m reaching out as we just published a huge list of breastfeeding benefits that I thought your readers may be interested in. (This is the link https://www.storkmama.com/benefits-of-breastfeeding/)
      It talks about over 50 benefits that breastfeeding has for baby, mom and society as a whole.
      A couple of interesting ways you can promote this to your audience is:
      • Knowledge – Some moms or moms-to-be have never been informed of the benefits breastfeeding can have for them or their baby. Information can have a beautiful butterfly effect amongst new moms.
      • Support – Breastfeeding can be a tough journey for some moms. Knowing the benefits she is bringing to her baby, herself and others can be the difference between persevering and stopping altogether.
      • Empowerment – Knowing the benefits of breastfeeding can help some moms feel empowered to tackle those who attack their feeding decisions.
      • Informing Choices – Knowing the benefits of breastfeeding may make even one mom decide to ‘try it out’ and start them on their breastfeeding journey.
      I’d be more than happy for you to share this article with your readers. I’ll be happy to help out with any more info you need.
      Thank you so much for your time,
      Ray
      Founder, StorkMama.com

      Reply
    8. Cassie

      February 06, 2021 at 9:46 am

      I’m wondering if you know why to avoid Butternut and Cascara and what those can cause?

      Reply

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