You may think that because herbs are natural, they are safe during pregnancy. However, many herbal remedies have just as many side effects as other medications, and some herbs may be harmful if taken during pregnancy. Before taking herbal medicines during pregnancy, there are a few simple guidelines you should follow.
General Herbal Safety
Even though herbal medicines are considered natural, they have one glaring problem: They are not scrutinized by the FDA in the same way as other over-the-counter and prescription medications used for the same purpose. In addition, the body of research regarding herbal remedies is not as vast as those regarding FDA-regulated medications. The American Pregnancy Association points in particular to issues surrounding rosemary. The organization found one article reporting its use was safe for pregnant women, and another reporting it could possibly induce miscarriage. However, the former report referred to rosemary when used in cooking, while the latter referred to its use as an herbal supplement (see references 1). Such reports can make the decision to take an herb during pregnancy confusing.
Cooking vs. Medicinal Use
Rosemary is a prime example of food safe versus supplement safe: It is fine when used for cooking, but not necessarily when taken in capsule strength. The American Pregnancy Association reports that there is a difference between the strengths in herbs formulated for use in cooking and the concentrated forms of herbs that are often found in a bottle for medicinal use. Garlic, turmeric and ginger are all examples of herbs that are okay when used to season food, but unsafe for pregnant women when taken as a supplement. In addition, there are some food-safe herbs that may be dangerous if used in a concentrated essential oil form. These include fennel, sage and thyme.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas differ in concentration from other forms of herbal medicine. They generally contain more of the herb than might be found in food, but not so much as a concentrated caplet. In fact, some herbal teas are approved for pregnancy use, and are marketed to combat symptoms such as morning sickness. The American Pregnancy Association reports that both peppermint tea and ginger root tea can generally be used to fight pregnancy-related nausea. Slippery elm tea is also considered to be safe. However, there is some controversy over a commonly used herbal tea during pregnancy: red raspberry leaf. It can help reduce pregnancy complications such as nausea, and is also thought to promote uterus strength. However, the American Pregnancy Association reports that some health providers prefer it not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. For more information on herbal teas during pregnancy, check with your obstetrician.
Herbs to Avoid Completely
While the literature leaves some gray areas for the use of many herbal remedies during pregnancy, certain herbs are deemed unsafe for pregnant women to use, and should be avoided throughout the entire pregnancy. These include blue and black cohosh, which can stimulate labor; and goldenseal, which can cross the placenta and enter the baby's blood supply. In addition, chamomile and passion flower in capsule strength can be unsafe for the developing baby. The March of Dimes reports that it does not support the use of any herbal medicines during pregnancy, as their effects on pregnant women and developing babies are not completely understood. However, they also advise to check with your obstetrician before writing them off completely.
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