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Home > Pregnancy & Birth > Susun Weed Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Herbal Allies for Pregnant Women:
Herbs to Avoid
by Susun Weed

Read Herbal Allies for Pregnant Women

HERBS WOMEN MAY WISH TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY AND WHILE LACTATING
Agave and Yucca (Agave species): contain large quantities of irritating saponins
Aloes (Aloe species): purging cathartic
Birthroot (Trillium species): contains oxytocin
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): may irritate the uterus
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides): contains oxytocin
Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus frangula): purging cathartic
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana): purging cathartic
Castor oil (Ricinus communis): purging cathartic
Comfrey (Symphytum uplandica): alkaloids in roots are dangerous to the liver; leaves are safe to use Cotton root bark (Gossypium harbaceum): contains oxytocin
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis): contains coumarins which may irritate uterus and liver
Ephedra (all species): increases blood pressure; may cause heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): used by midwives to initiate labor ** see editor's note
Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium): may cause headaches, irritability, insomnia
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): contains irritating alkaloids which stress liver and kidneys
Juniper berries (Juniperus communis): very harsh on the kidneys
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): increases blood pressure; large doses can cause heart failure, headache, lethargy, water retention, and excessive excretion of potassium
Ma-huang (another name for ephedra)
Mistletoe (Viscum album): large doses can have detrimental effects on the heart Mistletoe,
American (Phoradendron flavescens): raises blood pressure, causes uterine contractions
Rue (Ruta graveolens): contains essential oils that can damage the kidneys and liver
Senna (Cassia senna): potent purging cathartic
Thuja (Thuja occidentalis): contains essential oils that can damage the kidneys and liver
Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum): purgative; may cause uterine contractions
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): essential oils can adversely affect brain

WOMEN WHO MISCARRY EASILY MAY ALSO WANT TO AVOID THESE HERBS
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): also known as saffron; large doses can cause miscarriage
Basil (Basilicum species): see mints
Bearberry (Berberis vulgaris): bark contains similar alkaloids to goldenseal; berries and leaves OK
Catnip (Nepeta cataria): see mints
Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum): large doses may stimulate uterine contractions
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium): contains essential oils that can damage liver and kidneys Ground ivy (Hedeoma hederacea): see mints
Mints - such as basil, catnip, rosemary, thyme, savory, peppermint, oregano, ground ivy, sage, and spearmint - contain essential oils that, used internally (or extracted into a tincture) may harm the kidneys and liver; the infusion, taken in large enough quantity, may stimulate uterine contractions Mugwort/Cronewort (Artemisia vulgaris): used to help bring on labor
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): a large dose of this spice contains the essential oils that could adversely affect the brain, liver, and kidneys
Oregano (Oreganum species ): see mints
Osha (Ligusticum porterii): may irritate the uterus
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): a well-known, and quite effective, abortifacient
Poke root (Phytolacca americana): large dose (more than 4 drops) may stress kidneys
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegiodes): essential oil may harm kidneys and liver; also see mints
Peppermint (Mentha piperita): see mints
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): see mints
Sage (Salvia officinalis): see mints Savory (Satureja hortensis): see mints
Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum): essential oils, similar to those in wormwood, are easily extracted into tinctures and can adversely affect the brain
Spearmint (Mentha spicata): see mints
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): essential oils in tincture may damage kidneys and liver
Thyme (Thymus species): see mints

**Editor's note: Some midwives feel that Evening Primrose supports a healthy birthing process rather than stimulate labour. For more information read Materia Medica

Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at http://www.herbshealing.com

All work by author is copyright protected. If you would like to use this article, please contact the author for permission at susunweed@hvc.rr.com

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