Herbs can treat a variety of conditions and have earned a reputation for effectiveness and low cost alternative to medical equivalents. Drugstores, health food stores and other retailers have shelves stocked with a wide selection of herbs, each offering different benefits. Given their ease of use and availability, you may be tempted to use herbs to treat some of your pregnancy symptoms. Educating yourself on herbs and what they can do to your body during pregnancy will help you determine which herbs are right for you.
Safe Herbs for Pregnancy
Morning sickness, digestive problems and general nausea are common symptoms you may experience during pregnancy. The herbs known for relieving these symptoms are Chamomile, Ginger Root, Wild Yam, Peppermint Leaf and Slippery Elm Bark -- all safe to consume, according to Naturalchildbirth.org and Americanpregnancy.org. Echinacea is an herb known for boosting your immune system and may help prevent infections, colds and the flu. Certain herbs are known for their ability to ease and induce labor. These include Blue and Black Cohosh, False Unicorn and Red Raspberry Leaf.
Unsafe Herbs for Pregnancy
Some herbs are considered unsafe during pregnancy. Arbor Vitae and Autumn Cross are both herbs that can cause birth defects. Several herbs are known for being uterine stimulants and are also unsafe, including Barberry, Basil Oil, Beth Root, Blood Root, Clove Oil, Mistletoe, Wild Yam, Devil's Claw and Golden Seal. Plus, some of these uterine stimulants can be toxic to your baby. In addition, there are several commonly used herbs considered unsafe, like Aloe, Ginseng, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Kava Kava and Senna.
The Risks
The safety of many herbs is simply unknown. The risks vary greatly, but include damage to the fetus, birth defects, miscarriage and premature labor. Some herbs work strictly as a laxative and can cause severe cramps and stomach upset, like Buckhorn and Rubarb. No herb is regulated by the FDA and their safety is unevaluated. In fact, according to Pregnancy.org, some sources will tell you a certain herb is safe during pregnancy, while another source says the exact opposite. For this reason, carefully investigate any herb you consider taking during your pregnancy.
Talk to Your Doctor
Just because herbs are natural doesn't mean they are considered automatically safe. Don't be fooed by the myth that herbs have no side effects. Medical studies on herbs are very limited, especially on side effects during pregnancy. There are many risks associated with the use of herbs, some serious or even fatal for your baby. Because of this, the FDA urges pregnant women to talk to their doctor before taking any herbs during pregnancy. Tell the doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, both prescribed and over-the-counter. Also, do your own research so you and your doctor can make an informed decision together.
