Herbs to Avoid When Pregnant

Posted on Sep 7, 2012 | Blog Posts, Pregnancy Health Category | | Print This Article

The usefulness of certain herbs during pregnancy is acknowledged by many people. Herbs can be used to help alleviate some of the more uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, and are thought to help relive things like morning sickness. That being said, there are some herbs that really shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy.

Here’s a list of some of the herbs you should think about avoiding while you’re pregnant:

* Arbor vitae.  This one is a uterus-stimulating herb that could harm your baby.

* Autumn crocus. This herb is thought to possibly cause birth defects.

* Barberry.  Barberry is also believed to be stimulating to the uterus.

* Basil oil.  You can use basil oil during labor, but not while you’re pregnant.

* Beth root.  See basil oil.

* Black Cohosh.  Black Cohosh is believed to cause premature contractions.

* Blood root.  This also stimulates the uterus, and can cause vomiting.

* Blue cohosh.  Also stimulates the uterus.

* Broom. Can cause uterine contractions.

* Bugleweed.  This one interferes with the hormones produced by the pituitary gland.

* Clove oil.  Also stimulates the uterus.

* Cotton root.  Also stimulates the uterus.

* Devil’s claw.  Also stimulates the uterus.

* Dong Quai.  Also stimulates the uterus.

* Feverfew.  A uterine stimulant that can also cause contractions.

* Golden Seal.  A uterine stimulant, safe during childbirth.

* Greater celandine.  A uterine stimulant that can also cause contractions.

* Juniper and juniper oil.  A uterine stimulant.

* Lady’s mantle.  A uterine stimulant.  Can be used during labor.

* Liferoot.  Contains toxic chemicals that can pass to the unborn baby.

* Mistletoe.  Contains toxic chemicals that can pass to the unborn baby.

* Mugwort.  Is known to cause birth defects.

* American pennyroyal.  A uterine stimulant.

* European pennyroyal.  A uterine stimulant, and it can cause birth defects.

* Peruvian bark.  An excess amount of this herb can cause comas or blindness.

* Pokeroot.  Pokeroot can cause birth defects.

* Pseudoginseng.  Pseudoginseng can cause birth defects.

* Pulsatilla.  A stimulant used for menstruation.

* Rue.  Rue is a uterine stimulant.

* Sassafras.  A uterine stimulant.  It can also cause birth defects.

* Shepherd’s purse.  A uterine stimulant.  It can also cause birth defects.

* Southernwood.  A uterine stimulant.  It can also cause birth defects.

* Squill.  A uterine stimulant.  It can also cause birth defects.

* Tansy. A uterine stimulant.  It can also cause birth defects.

* Wild yam.  Wild yam is a uterine stimulant.  It is safe during labor.

* Wormwood.  A uterine stimulant.  It can also cause birth defects.

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