Good Herbs, Bad Herbs (during pregnancy)

[Rævyn Cigány]

Bee Pollen - Start with small doses of this!! Bee pollen is a very
balanced "herb" in itself, having a nice balance of vitamins, minerals,
carbohydrates, enzymes, and amino acids. It is also a blood builder and
balances the endocrine system. It is wonderful for allergies, bronchitis,
colds, and sinusitis - great for using for these as drugs are
definitely not recommended during this time. Also wonderful for raising energy
levels - sometimes a real problem during pregnancy.

Bilberry Fruit - This improves circulation, helps spider veins, and is
a mild diuretic, making it wonderful for the extra retention of water.

Blessed Thistle - Blessed Thistle balances the female hormones, reduces
cramps, helps alleviate headaches, strengthens the heart and lungs,
aids circulation to the brain, reduces and controls fevers, is a general
tonic for the digestive system, AND... stimulates lactation in nursing
mothers.

Burdock - Excellent to use during pregnancy, as burdock contains a
mineral-rich hormone which prevents jaundice in newborns. It is also a
blood builder and can be used to reduce joint swelling. Also good for sore
throats, abcesses, coughs, colds, and tonsilitis.

Butcher's Broom - This herb eliminates swelling of ankles, legs, etc.
with it's diuretic properties. It is an anti-inflammatory, and is useful
in promoting circulation to the brain, arms, and legs. It lowers
cholesterol. It is also wonderful for one going into surgery, as it prevents
many post-op problems such as thrombosis, so if you're headed for a
C-section, consider Butcher's Broom.

Echinecia - Also known as the "King of Blood Purifiers," echinecea is
very potent for strengthening the immune system. It has
anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-viral tendencies and will increase white blood
cells, thus destroying virii. Echinecea also expels toxins and poisons
from the system, and is therefore one herb which is rather benficial
during pergnancy.

Fennel - Fennel is one of those "can't do without" herbs. It improves
digestion, relieves hiccups, clears mucous from the liver and lungs,
eliminates gas, is a wonderful tissue cleaner and enriches milk in
lactating mothers.

Fenugreek - Stimulates milk in nursing mothers. Lowers blood sugar
levels, and is useful in bronchitis and pneumonia.

Red Raspberry - EXCELLENT herb for the mother-ro-be! It is good to use
during every stage of pregnancy. It strengthens the wall of the uterus,
as well as the entire female reproductive system. It alleviates morning
sickness and nausea; tones and regulates the system before, during and
after childbirth. It assists labor, making delivery easier, relieves
afterpains, and has been used as a preventative for hemorhhaging during
labor. Also prevents miscarriage.

Yellow Dock - Very beneficial as it builds iron, therefore preventing
infant jaundice and helping to remedy anemia. Also has a high mineral
content, builds the immune system, and balances body chemistry.
DANGERS OF CERTAIN HERBS DURING PREGNANCY
Black Cohosh - Contracts the uterus and can therefore cause miscarriage

Cascara Sagrada - May be taken in small doses for constipation, but
anything more than a very small amount can cause harmful side-effects or
miscarriage

Fenugreek - If you are trying to become pregnant, avoid fenugreek, as
it is a natural pregnancy preventative.

Parsley - DO NOT take large doses during pregnancy! Not only can
parsley congest the uterus, it dries the milk of lactating mothers.

Psyllium Hulls - As most pregnant women have problems with water
retention, psyllium hulls will clog the system, therefore causing
constipation and aggravating hemorrhoids. Since psyllium hulls are also used for
weight loss, and problems can easily result from improper use, it is
best for the prenant woman to completely avoid it.

Uva Ursi - This herb can cause miscarriage, as it causes the uterus to
contract.

[Mairwen]

Pennyroyal is an abortive.

Interesting about the parsley. I didn't know that. :rolleyes: Makes me wonder. .... *sigh*

[Sunday's Child]

I didn't know that about parsley either.. What about St. Johns Wort, hasn't it been shown to cause miscarriages?

[Mairwen]

That's a new one on me.

[Emerald Sky]

Originally posted by Sunday's Child
I didn't know that about parsley either.. What about St. Johns Wort, hasn't it been shown to cause miscarriages?

It doesn't cause miscarriages - it causes birth defects.

[Sunday's Child]

What kind of birth deffects?

[Emerald Sky]

Sorry, I don't know exactly. All I know is that it causes birth defects if taken while pregnant. :( Maybe you can do a search on the internet.

[tarajane]

please keep the info comming i found the information you gave already very helpful since i don't like to take any drugs that are not natural and keeping to that while i'm pregnat has been a challenge because i'm not sure what i can take. i can definately agree with the red raspberry though when i posted my thread on nausea it was the only thing that helped

[Myst]

Some things NOT to take include blue cohosh, black cohosh, dong quai, parsley, pennyroyal, etc.

Pleaseeeee visit this site, which I HIGHLY recommend and have been consulting for years, which contains fertility awareness and herbal contraception and other related information - a must see for women; we have the right to know our options!

http://www.geocities.com/sister_zeus/

(P.S. I do not suggest I agree or have tried the suggestions on the site, but it is in my opinion a very valuable resource!)

[EasternPriest]

Useful Herbs in Pregnancy
The following list of herbs have been used traditionally for various reasons during pregnancy. Choosing which herbs to use depends on individual circumstances. It is not necessary to use all the herbs in the hopes of avoiding all possible problems that may occur during a pregnancy. Use only those herbs, singly or in combinations as teas or tinctures, which fit your needs. As always be in contact with your health practitioner if you are experiencing serious problems or discomfort.

The information given is not meant to be used to diagnose a problem, and the herbs listed here work well in combination with allopathic medicine. It may be necessary to use more than one medical system to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) -- rich in calcium, trace minerals and vitamins E, K, and carotene



Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) -- tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth;
-- use only during third trimester



Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) -- helps relieve leg cramps; helps prevent possible miscarriage



Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) --tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth;
-- use only during third trimester



Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) -- reduces constipation with regular use; calming -- 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses



Cleavers (Galium aparine) -- diuretic to reduce edema (fluid build up esp. in feet and wrists; helps decrease high blood pressure



Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) -- antispasmodic (relieves muscle cramps); helps prevent possible miscarriage



Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinales) -- rich mineral source; root tea or tincture decreases constipation; root & leaf tea are diuretic decreasing edema and raised blood pressure



False Unicorn Root, a.k.a. Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteum) -- helps prevent possible miscarriage; eases nausea



Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) -- reduces constipation, carminative (relieves excess gas)



Ginger (Zingibar officinalis) -- relieves nausea; -- very high amounts may lead to miscarriage



Hawthorn (Cratageus spp.) -- improves circulation; decreases high blood pressure



Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) -- rich mineral and silica content for strong bones; long-term use requires thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation



Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) -- calming; relieves nausea -- 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses



Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) -- calming; relieves nausea; carminative



Nettles (Urtica dioica) -- rich mineral source



Partridge Berry, a.k.a. Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens) -- tones uterus to prepare for birth



Peppermint (Mentha piperita) -- carminative



Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) -- tones uterus; improves contractions; decreases constipation



Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) -- calming



Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) -- relieves contipation; nourishing



Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) -- relieves uterine pains




Where did this info come from:

McIntyre, Anne, The Complete Woman's Herbal, Henry Holt Co., New York, 1994, pp. 121-132.

Naturopathic Handbook of Herbal Formulas, Herbal Research Publications, Ayer, MA, 1995, pp.90-126, 176.

[EasternPriest]

Herbs to Avoid in Pregnancy
The following list of herbs are considered unsafe to use internally during pregnancy due either to their actions on reproductive organs or because of certain naturally-occurring substances found in them. Herbs listed as anthraquinone laxatives should be avoided due to their stimulating effects on smooth muscle which can include uterine tissue causing a potential miscarriage. Herbs listed as uterine stimulants should be avoided for the same reason. Herbs listed as abortifacients have a strong potential to cause a miscarriage. Herbs listed as emmenagogues help promote and regulate menstruation, something to avoid in pregnancy. The herbs listed as having alkaloids, bitter principles or essential oils in them should not be used because of the effects these principles have on functions in the body of the mother or the fetus. Culinary herbs like oregano and thyme are safe in the small amounts used in cooking but not in the larger doses used for teas or tinctures. If you are unsure about an herb or what a safe amount is, it is best to avoid the herb or seek the advice of a herbal practitioner or naturopath.

Aloe (Aloe spp.) -- anthraquinone laxative

American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) -- uterine stimulant; abortifacient

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) --alkaloids and bitter principles

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) --uterine stimulant; may use to prepare for labor in last 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.

Blue Cohosh (first 2 trimesters) (Caulophyllum thalictroides) --uterine stimulant; may use to prepare for labor in last 5-6 weeks of pregnancy; black cohosh is better choice.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) --uterine stimulant; alkaloids and bitter principles

Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) -- anthraquinone laxative

Calamus (Acorus calamus) --uterine stimulant; bitter principles and essential oils

Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) --anthraquinone laxative; uterine stimulant; emmenogogue(regulates menstruation)

Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) --uterine stimulant; essential oils

Celandine (Chelidonium majus) alkaloids and bitter principles

Cinchona -- alkaloids and bitter principles

Cotton-root Bark (Gossypium herbaceum) --emmenogogue

Docks (curled) (Rumex crispus) --anthraqinone laxative

Ephedra (Ephedra vulgaris) --alkaloids and bitter principles

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) --uterine stimulant; essential oils

Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) -- uterine stimulant


Flax Seed (Linum usitatissimum) --uterine stimulant


Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)—emmenagogue, uterine stimulant


Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) --uterine stimulant; alkaloids and bitter principles

Juniper (Juniperus communis) --essential oils and bitter principles

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) --essential oils and bitter principles

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue

Marjoram (therapeutic doses) (Oreganum vulgare) --essential oils

Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) --uterine stimulant; bitter principles

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale) --bitter principles; laxative; emetic

Mistletoe (Viscum album) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)—emmenagogue, uterine stimulant

Oregano (therapeutic doses) (Origanum vulgare) --essential oils

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; essential oil

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue

Poke Root (Phytolacca americana) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Rhubarb (Rheum spp.) --emmenogogue;uterine stimulant; alkaloids

Rosemary (therapeutic doses) (Rosmarinus officinalis) --essential oils

Rue (Ruta graveolens) --emmenogogue

Sage (Salvia officinalis) --uterine stimulant; essential oils; bitter principles

Senna (cassia acutifolia) -- anthraquinone laxative; emmenogogue; uterine stimulant

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Thuja (Thuja occidentalis) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; essential oils

Thyme (therapeutic doses) (Thymus vulgaris) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; essential oils

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina) --uterine stimulant; bitter principles

Wormwood (Artemisia spp.) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) --emmenogogue; essentials oils; bitter principles


Where did this info come from:

Dictionary of Modern Herbalism, Mills, Simon Y.,Healing Arts Press, 1988.

A Modern Herbal, Grieve, M., Dover Publications, 1971, Vol. II, p.700.

Naturopathic Handbook of Herbal Formulas, Herbal Research Publications, Inc., 1995, fourth ed.

The Yoga of Herbs, Frawley, Dr. David and Vasant, Dr. Lad, Lotus Press,1992.

[EasternPriest]

The previous two lists are found at:

http://www.sbherbals.com

Blessings.....

[Emy]

well this is from the herbal warning page on www.spiritonline.com :

If you are pregnant, DO NOT USE any of the following herbs for any reason. Many can cause early contractions, birth defects, and even miscarriage. Make sure you check and see what herbs food and drinks contain before ingesting them. Check with your doctor or an herbalist if possible as well.

Angelica
Belladonna
Burdock
Cinnamon essential oil
Cow Parsnip
Hyssop
Immortal
Mistletoe
Motherwort
Oshá
Pennyroyal
Peony
Rue
San qi
Shepherd's Purse
Thyme oil
Vervain
Wood Betony
Wormwood
Yarrow
Yerba

And now, herbs that EVERYONE should be leary of. Some can be used in small doses. Note that if you are allergic to any herb regardless of whether it is on this list, avoid it.

Angelica
Belladonna
Chaparral
Comfrey
Datura
Germander
Hellebore
Hemlock
Henbane
Jin Bu Huan
Lobelia
Ma huang

Blessings

[Yvonne Belisle]

Let me make this easier on you. Presto chango it is now .............................a stuck thread. :D

[Angelwulfe]

thanks so much for posting this thread. i just recently found out i'm pregnant(i'm about 3-5 weeks along) i had heard before red raspberry helps with morning sickness or in my case all times of the day sickness.but i was'nt sure it was safe. also thanks so much for listing herbs to avoid.
brightest blessing,
angelwulfe:)

[Kristin Ann]

Congratulations AngelWulfe, :).

Hehe, I was posting specifically to find out about the rasberry too. I drink rasberry tea all the time and wanted to know for future reference.

Love & light always,
Kristin Ann

[Angelwulfe]

thanks kristin ann.

[Yvonne Belisle]

Congrats on the future little Wulfe:)

[MammaStar]

ANGELWULFE!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!! You & Shadow must be VERY Happy!!!!! I'm so excited for the both of you. :heartthro :heartthro :heartthro

BTW, thanks for the list everyone, my best friend is pregnant, feeling a little lost, so I'm sending her this thread to check out. I'm also trying to get her to join MW too, so maybe this thread will lead to it. :D

[Lavender]

Congrats, Anglewulf!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

A future mysticwickian! :sunny: :sunny:

[Shadowulfe]

Originally posted by Wildchild
Congrats, Anglewulf!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

A future mysticwickian! :sunny: :sunny:

yes a future mysticwickan indeed. Our little one will be spoiled rotten too!!!!
(just in case someone didnt know, im the daddy)

[Sage Witch]

Parsely is probably a good one to avoid if you are pregnant. Some people use it to induce their period early. I've also read that Black and Blue cohosh are good herbs to take right before you deliver because they stabalize contractions and open things up.

A good book for anyone who is pregnant is Misconceptions by Naomi Wolfe. It will give you a good idea about what to expect and if you are knowledgable about what is supposed to happen in the hospital you can avoid a lot of the unnecessary medical procedures that western medicine is so fond of. (According to the author a lot of hospitals are C-section happy and perform them without properly determining if there is really a need.) It's an eye-opening book.

[Pagecrd]

i would also like to add that using primerose oil/tablets in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy is very effective in dialating and effacing the cervix. it doesnt work overnight so it has to be done daily for weeks. at bedtime you place 2 gelcaps of primerose oil into the vagina as close to the cervix as possible and go to bed. this can be messy if you stay up a while! but do not use before 34 weeks gestaion. also black cohosh is effective if taken daily in the last two weeks of pregnacy. i dont remember the exact dosage tho :(. another thing is castor oil. taken at the right time (aftr the cervix is dialated to at least 2 and over 25% effaced) it works magic. however taken before this time it will keep you up all night with the runs and you will accomplish nothing.

I used these methods because i was having a home birth and chose a duala (spelling?) over a conventional ob/gyn. dont use any of these methods unless told to do so by your doctor as they can have adverse reactions when combined with other medications.


another note....absorbic acid as stated on the posted website is not an effective protection from pregnancy. it only taks a few minutes for sperm to reach an egg and sperm can live up to 72 hours. Placing a tablet inside the vagina would take about 25-45 minutes to disolve in which case pregnancy may have already occured. And changing the acidity of the vagina could get you nothing more than a nasty yeast infection. :)

[Ravensnest]

Personally I didn't want to use anything herbal or otherwise.. I mean why take any risks. The fact is that unless you have done extensive research and really know about herbs you are taking chances. I've seen several abortives mentioned on previous posts as "safe" during pregnancy. Yes, blue cohosh and black cohosh can be used during pregnancy but, not until the very end.. they are BOTH abortives. Other abortives:
pennyroyal, tansy, rue, licorice and goldenseal.

Agrimony, burdock, comfrey, lavender, valerian, hops, wintergreen, mugwort... all are muscle relaxants.. would you take a muscle relaxant while you are pregnant? Just because it's herbal doesn't make it any safer.

Balm, catnip, comfrey, dill, valerian, chamomile, hawthorn, passion flower, thyme, hops, skullcap and lavender are all sedatives.. you wouldn't take a sedative while you are pregnant.. again just because it's herbal doesn't make it any different.

Fennel, guarana, kelp, kola nut, bee pollen... all appetite suppresants.. basically diet pills...you wouldn't grab a diet pill and pop it while you're pregnant.

Not all rx drugs are synthetic and even those that are have quite often been based on their plant counterparts. The fact is that unless you're seeing a reputable herbalist or an ob/gyn that knows about herbs you probably should just stay away from them period. I mean, why take chances? People think because it's herbal "natural" it must be safe but, it's not always. Be very cautious! Don't just pick up a list that says "Safe" it's not always what you think.
Dottie
Ravens Nest Incense & Oils

[Pagecrd]

as i stated i was seeing a duala (i can never spell that lol) and was under her supervision and care at all times. i would never take anything i didnt know about or my doctor didnt tell me to do during pregnancy. i strongly recomend that people dont use these methods without their doctors consent

[Twilight Garden]

Does anyone have any more info on Flax Seed Oil, why you shouldn't use it . I have heard that it may not be good to use during pregnancy. But most people I talk to say that it is a great source of the essential fatty acids. Being a vegetarian, I don't get that much. :(

[Lavender]

Interesting...I haven't heard that about flaxseed oil. Did you hear why they may say that? I'll ask around & see what I can find out.

[Twilight Garden]

I read about it on a website. (I'm trying to find the page again. It was just something I stumbled across.) The more I read about it, the less I worry about what that website said. It didn't say WHAT the problem was with taking it, that's why I thought I'd check with you guys to see if you had heard anything about this. I am going to continue taking my flax seed oil and when I become pregnant, just check with my doctor. ;)

[Lavender]

As in anything else, moderation is the key. Although, I can't find anything about flaxseed oil & pregnancy (I've asked several herbalist friends too), if you're unsure, don't take it when you become pregnant. Checking with your doctor is good too! :)

The only caution I know about flaxseed is eating a large amount of flaxseed can be harmful but I'm talking about eating over 3 ounces in one sitting. :eek: Other than that, I don't know about the oil. If you find that site, I would love to look through it too.