Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Throughout the childbearing year you should be very aware of everything that you ingest, be it food or medicine. Herbal remedies, as with any medicine, should be used with extreme caution during this time. Many herbs and natural remedies can be safely employed in the hands of a qualified practitioner. For safety’s sake the following list includes anything that should be questioned before use during pregnancy and lactation. Your practitioner may help you utilize some of these remedies if the need arises (such as preparing for labour, infection, encourage breastmilk, etc.). Before using any natural remedy/supplement during pregnancy ask yourself the following:
1. Do I really need this supplement?
2. Is there something else I can do/use instead?
3. Have I checked with someone knowledgeable in the use of natural remedies during pregnancy and breastfeeding
4. Am I aware of the risks that might accompany the use of this supplement?
ALKALOID CONTAINING PLANTS
Alkaloid containing plants have a wide range of pharmacological effects, some more powerful than others. It is best to avoid them all, especially the following:
| Berberis vulgaris | Barberry |
| Borago officinalis | Borage |
| Colchicum autumnale | Autumn crocus |
| Ephedra sinensis | Ma Huang |
| Hydrastis canadensis | Golden Seal |
| Lobelia inflata | Lobelia |
| Panax ginseng | Ginseng |
| Podophyllum peltatum | Mandrake |
| Sanguinaria canadensis | Blood root |
| Sarothamnus scoparius | Broom |
| Symphytum off. | Comfrey |
| Tussilago farfara | Coltsfoot |
BITTERS
The following herbs are bitter in action, meaning that they may have an effect on smooth muscle and/or act as emmenagogues. All strong bitters should be avoided during pregnancy, especially the following:
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Angelica spp.
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D. Quai, Angelica
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Artemisia abrotanum
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Southernwood
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Artemisia absinthium
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Wormwood
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Artemisia vulgare
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Mugwort
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Berberis vulgaris
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Barberry
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Chelidonium majus
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Celandine
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Gentiana lutea
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Gentian
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Hydrastis canadensis
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Golden Seal
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Menyanthes tifoliata
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Bog/Buckbean
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Ruta graveolens
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Rue
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Tanacetum parthenium
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Feverfew
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Tanacetum vulgare
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Tansy
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OIL CONTAINING PLANTS
Essential oils, such as those used in aromatherapy, should NEVER be taken internally which could be extremely toxic to both mother and fetus. Some WHOLE plants from which the essentail oils were extracted should also be avoided or used with caution. Herbs used in cooking (nutmeg, sage, etc.) in normal quantities is not likely to pose a risk:
| Achillea millefolium | Yarrow |
| Apium graveolens | Wild Celery |
| Commiphora molmol | Myrrh |
| Hyssopus officinalis | Hyssop |
| Juniperus communis | Juniper |
| Mentha pulegium | Pennyroyal |
| Myristica officinalis | Nutmeg |
| Petroselinum spp. | Parsley |
| Salvia officinalis | Sage |
| Thuja occidentalis | Arbor vitae |
| Thymus spp. | Thyme |
ANTHRAQUINONE LAXATIVES
The presence of anthraquinones in these herbs is what initiates a laxative effect. Anthraquinone stimulates peristalsis of the intestines and may have a similar effect on the uterus:
| Aloe spp. | Aloe (internally) |
| Cassia senna | Senna |
| Rhamnus cathrticus | Purging Buckthorn |
| Rhamnus frangula | Alder Buckthorn |
| Rhamnus pursiana | Cascara Sagrada |
OTHERS
These are herbs with pharmacological actions other than those listed above, but may also be of concern during pregnancy or lactation:
| Anemone pulsatilla | Pasqueflower |
| Arctostapholus uva-ursi | Bearberry |
| Capsella bursa-pastoris | Shepard’s Purse |
| Capsicum spp. | Cayenne |
| Caulophyllum thalictroides | Blue Cohosh |
| Cimicifuga racemosa | Black Cohosh |
| Cinchona spp. | Peruvian Bark |
| Cynara scolymus | Artichoke |
| Dryopteris felix-mas | Male Fern |
| Fucus vesiculosis | Kelp |
| Glycyrrhiza glabra | Licorice |
| Gossypium herbaceum | Cotton-Root |
| Harpagophytum procumbens | Devil’s Claw |
| Melilotus officianalis | Melilot |
| Phytolacca spp. | Poke Root |
| Stachys officinalis | Wood Betony |
| Trigonella foenum-graecum | Fenugreek |
| Trillium erectum | Birth/bethroot |
| Turnera diffusa | Damiana |
| Viscum album | Mistletoe |
Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in Prenatal and Pediatric Health.
