Ingestion of herbal teas during pregnancy may negatively impact the health and development of the fetus. Folk medicine purports that certain herbal teas, such as yerba buena, may soothe symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea and morning sickness. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence surrounding the effects of herbal tea consumption on pregnant women. Talk to your doctor prior to ingesting herbal tea.
Yerba Buena
Yerba buena is a member of the mint family that is indigenous to North America. According to MedlinePlus, yerba buena is another name for spearmint or peppermint. The University of Maryland Medical Center credits peppermint with the ability to soothe digestive discomfort, reduce flatulence, treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, alleviate headaches and soothe skin irritations. The debate over whether consumption of peppermint tea during pregnancy is safe is inconclusive. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database ranks peppermint leaf tea as "likely safe," but the University of Maryland Medical Center considers peppermint tea unsafe for a pregnant or nursing mother.
Unsafe Herbal Teas
Although herbs such as dandelion, chamomile, nettle, rose hips and alfalfa are common ingredients in pregnancy teas, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database is unsure of their safety due to "insufficient reliable information available," or it considers these herbs to be "likely unsafe." Midwives and herbalists encourage the use of nettle tea during pregnancy, as it is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, potassium and iron. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database adds that the section of the nettle plant used for the tea, whether it be the roots or the leaves, may influence its safety factor. Furthermore, the Baby Center website notes that additional unsafe herbs include European mistletoe, hibiscus, ma huang, anise, lemongrass, rosemary and sage, as they may stimulate the uterus and induce a miscarriage.
Safe Herbal Teas
The National Medicines Comprehensive Database suggests that herbal teas made from red raspberry leaf, lemon balm and ginger root are safe. Red raspberry leaf is a source rich in iron and may help to tone the uterus, decrease nausea, ease labor pains and increase milk production. Baby Center states that tea made with red raspberry leaf should be consumed near term as it may also serve as a uterine stimulant. Lemon balm alleviates irritability, insomnia and anxiety, while ginger root relieves nausea and vomiting.
Considerations
The debate continues about the safety of herbal teas during pregnancy. While midwives, herbalists and practitioners of folk or alternative medicine may support the use of certain herbal teas during pregnancy, there is simply not enough scientific evidence to support the medicinal properties of these herbs. Baby Center notes that herbs considered unsafe as a tea are perfectly safe as a garnish, as the amount is generally much smaller and is less potent. As an alternative, American Pregnancy Association recommends concocting your own blend of herbal tea by incorporating fresh fruits in boiling water.
