Herbal teas are made from roots, berries, leaves, seeds and flowers of plants other than the tea plant, from which black and green teas are made. According to the American Pregnancy Association, herbal tea does not contain caffeine and can contain important nutrients. However, the lack of safety information for many herbs makes it important that you consider the safety of any type of herbal tea before you drink it during pregnancy, even if it claims to be made specifically for pregnant women.
Safety
Some types of herbal tea are safe during pregnancy, and many commercially available herbal teas are safe to consume in reasonable amounts. Babycenter.com states that herbal teas made from thyme, ginger and lime blossom are probably safe in small amounts, while the American Pregnancy Association states that teas made from peppermint leaf and lemon balm are likely safe to drink during pregnancy. Some herbal teas offer benefits and can help remedy discomforts of pregnancy. For example, peppermint leaf tea can help relieve morning sickness, and lemon balm tea can combat insomnia.
Warnings
According to BabyCenter.com, some herbs can be as strong as medications. If you drink herbal teas that are not safe, it can harm your unborn baby. Alfalfa and yellow dock teas are possibly unsafe during pregnancy, and teas made from chamomile, comfrey, anise, lemongrass, sage and rosemary can stimulate your uterus and could potentially cause miscarriage. There is insufficient information to confirm the safety of dandelion and rose hips teas. Exercise caution if you want to drink herbal teas promoted for use during pregnancy. Some of the herbs in pregnancy teas may be safe, but the teas may also contain herbs like nettle, which can stimulate the uterus.
Considerations
If you are unsure which herbal teas are safe for you to drink during pregnancy, talk to your doctor. Use caution when you choose teas to drink. Read labels carefully and never consume an herbal tea unless you are positive of its ingredients and its safety during pregnancy. Limit yourself to the recommended serving amounts.
Alternatives
You can consume small amounts of decaffeinated non-herbal tea during your pregnancy, such as black tea or green tea. You can also make your own flavorful hot beverage by adding apples, pineapples, limes, lemons, honey, fruit juice, cinnamon or mint leaves to hot water.
