Herbs and Pregnancy
(Always check with MD before taking any medication)

Herbs during Pregnancy

Black Haw-used in early stages of pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage.

Blessed Thistle-used in the latter stages of pregnancy as a liver tonic and builder, as well as a stimulant of blood flow to the mammaries, used to increase milk production, also reduces hemorrhaging during childbirth.

Burdock Root- has a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, used as a liver booster.

Chamomile-lifts the spirits and calms the nerves, used for digestive disorders during pregnancy, is combined with ginger to help with morning sickness, has a high calcium content as well as an anti-inflammatory aid.

Cramp Bark- a remedy to have handy in case of spot bleeding during early stages of pregnancy, helps prevent miscarriage due to stress and anxiety.

Dandelion-greens and roots, a high source of vitamins and minerals, aids digestion, nourishes and tones the system, diuretic, useful for fatigue and exhaustion, liver booster.

Ginger Root-used for morning sickness and digestive problems, safe during pregnancy for treating colds, sore throats and congestion.

Kelp- high in vitamins and minerals, aids thyroid

Nettle Leaf- rich in many vitamins and minerals, especially iron, so it is very useful for those suffering from chronic fatigue and exhaustion due to low iron, aids in enriching and stimulating flow of milk, good for use throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Red Raspberry Leaf- tones and nourishes the uterine muscles, rich in vitamins and minerals, enriches and increases milk flow, restores the system after childbirth, good for the entire pregnancy.

Spirulina-high in vitamins and minerals.

Bee Products-many nutritional benefits.

HERBS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

Angelica-stimulates suppressed menstruation

Black Cohosh-uterine stimulant (used during labor)

Blue Cohosh-stronger uterine stimulant

Borage oil-uterine stimulant

Comfrey-can cause liver problems in mother and fetus, used for treating sprains and strains. USE ONLY EXTERNALLY

Dong Quai- may stimulate bleeding.

Elder-DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION

Fenugreek-uterine relaxant

Goldenseal-too powerful an antibiotic for the developing fetus, should only be used if nursing.

Henbane-highly toxic

Horsetail-too high in silica for the developing fetus.

Licorice root-can create water retention and or elevated blood pressure.

Motherwort-stimulates suppressed menstruation

Mugwort- can be a uterine stimulant

Nutmeg-can cause miscarriage in large doses.

Pennyroyal leaf-stimulates uterine contractions, essential oil should not be used in pregnancy at any time. Do not handle if pregnant or lactating.

Rue-strong expellant

Saffron- can lead to miscarriage and other problems.

Shepherd’s Purse-used only for hemorrhaging during/after childbirth

Uva Ursi-removes too much blood sugar during pregnancy and nursing.

Yarrow-uterine stimulant.

All information obtained via internet from THE HERBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.