Whether you’re dealing with bouts of nausea, anxiety, fatigue or lower back pain, you might be considering an herbal fix. But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Although you may be tempted to use them, herbal pills, teas and supplements are not regulated in the same way as traditional over-the-counter or prescription drugs. So it’s hard to know what you’re getting because the strength, contents and quality of the products may vary.
These tips can help keep you and your baby safe as you explore the broad (and sometimes confusing!) world of herbal medicine.
What is herbal therapy?
Herbal therapy is a form of holistic medicine that uses herbs for healing. Believe it or not, there's an herb that’s claimed to help with almost anything ailing you during pregnancy.
Homeopathy is a similar type of alternative medicine based on the belief that "like cures like." In other words, you're given extremely minute doses of drugs, herbs or even toxins that, in larger doses, would create the symptoms you're trying to treat.
Homeopathic medicine is largely unproven by science and may result in unwanted side effects and potentially harmful drug interactions.
How does herbal therapy work?
Herbal therapies are made from plants or botanicals and can be taken in a number of forms, including powders, tinctures, teas, capsules and gels. Certain herbs are thought to help with various symptoms and other aspects of pregnancy and labor.
Dealing with morning sickness? Multiple studies have indicated that ginger can help alleviate nausea, so you may want to stock up on ginger tea and fresh ginger to help calm your stomach.
Want to get your body ready for labor? Red raspberry leaf supposedly induces labor naturally, but the science is still out on its safety. It’s thought to boost blood flow to the uterus and get the birthing process going by triggering contractions. For that reason, it’s always best to get the okay from your practitioner before trying it or any other herbal supplement.
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Is herbal therapy safe during pregnancy?
When it comes to using herbal remedies during pregnancy, be cautious; not all of them are safe. It’s hard to know what you’re getting because the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements like other drugs.
You should take herbal medicines just as seriously as you take prescription medications and beware of mixing the two. In other words, never take any herbal remedies — not even in the form of teas or powders — without first talking to your practitioner.
All pregnant women should avoid certain herbs because they might cause complications or otherwise prove toxic.
Herbs that are safe during pregnancy
Although you should proceed with caution when it comes to herbal supplements, culinary herbs definitely get the green light when you’re pregnant.
Adding them to your meals not only gives them more flavor but also provides additional vitamins and nutrients, so go ahead and use more of the following (but in food form, not pills):
- Basil
- Parsley
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Dill
- Mint
- Thyme
- Fennel
- Ginger
- Garlic
Herbs that are not safe during pregnancy
Some herbs are definitely unsafe for pregnancy because they might cause premature labor or other problems. Herbs to avoid during pregnancy include:
- Uterine stimulants like aloe, barberry, black cohosh, blue cohosh, dong quai, feverfew, goldenseal, juniper, wild yam and motherwort
- Herbs that might potentially harm your baby, such as autumn crocus, mugwort (safe for moxibustion but not for ingestion), pokeroot and sassafras
- Herbs that have other toxic effects, such as comfrey and mistletoe
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