Dandelion Tea In Pregnancy

When you learn you're pregnant, you should re-evaluate the use of any herbs or medicines that you are taking. Some herbs are outright unsafe, while information on others like dandelion, which often is found as a tea, may be less clear. Always consult your physician before taking herbs or medicines during pregnancy.

Expert Insight

When it comes to using dandelion tea during pregnancy, the experts at the National Institutes of Health advise you to stay on the safe side and avoid it. That's because not enough is known about the herb's effects during pregnancy. Same goes if you are nursing.

Theories/Speculation

Dandelion tea can increase your urine production, so it's commonly used as a diuretic. Despite the NIH stance on using dandelion during pregnancy, some herbalists recommend its use for water retention during pregnancy. In her book, "Herbs for a Healthy Pregnancy," Penelope Ody says it's helpful for women who suffer preeclampsia as well as for those who need a mild laxative to combat constipation.

Effects

Dandelion is used for more than diuretic purposes. It's approved by Germany's Commission E, that country's regulatory body for herbs, to treat urinary tract infections, liver complaints, gallbladder issues, heartburn and other dyspeptic problems and appetite loss. If you are suffering from pregnancy-related appetite loss or heartburn, it may seem tempting to give dandelion a try, but you should seek advice from a health-care provider instead of self-treating with this herbal remedy.

Warning

Dandelion can cause many side effects, some of which are undesirable during pregnancy. If you have morning sickness you should know that it can actually trigger appetite loss and nausea, according to "The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide," by George T. Grossberg and Barry Fox. You also need to avoid it if you have blocked bile ducts or an inflamed gall bladder, according to the National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Types

Various parts of the dandelion plant are used to produce effects. Its leaves produce the diuretic effect. The roots stimulate your appetite and act as a digestive aid, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. You'll find dandelion formulations in extracts and capsules as well as teas, according to NCCAM. The leaves may be used in salads or cooked.