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Some believe that natural is synonymous with safe. This can be dangerous. With the passage of the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994, more labels will list an herb’s expected action. However, the active ingredient(s) in many herbs and herbal supplements are still not known. Herbs should be used with the same caution you would use with any drug.
The following list consists of the most commonly used herbs that should be avoided during preconception, pregnancy, or during any cycle when a woman may be pregnant. Some herbs on this list might be utilized by a trained herbalist during preconception and pregnancy, and under such proper guidance may be safe. However, a woman should not self-medicate with the following botanicals.
These herbs are grouped according to their action.
STERILITY PROMOTERS
Stoneseed root (Lithospermum ruderale)
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Thistles (Cardus benedictus)
(Cnicus ochroncentrus)
IMPLANTATION PREVENTERS
Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota)
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
Elder (several varietals of the elder tree)
Smartweed leaves (Polygonum hydropiper)
MENSTRUAL PROMOTERS or EMMENAGOGUES:
HERBS THAT STIMULATE UTERINE CONTRACTIONS
Birthwort (Aristolochia family)
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Cotton root bark (Gossypium herbaceum)
Ergot (Caulophyllum)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)
Gotu kola (Centalla asiatica)
Ma huang (Ephedra sinica)
Peruvian bark (Cinchona officinalis)
HERBS THAT STIMULATE MENSTRUAL FLOW
Agave (Agave americana)
Bethroot (Trillium erectum)
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosus)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Feverfew (in flower) (Tanacetum parthenium)
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Marijuana female flowers (Cannabis sativa)
Mistle toe (Viscum album)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardicaca)
Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris)
Osha root (Ligusticum porterii)
Pennyroyal (Hedoma pulegiodes)
Poke root (Phytolacca decandra)
Pulsatilla (Anemone pulsatilla)
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Wormwood (Artemesia absinthum)
Yarrow (Achilea millefolium)
HERBS HIGH IN VOLATILE OILS (WHICH CAN STIMULATE OR IRRITATE THE UTERUS)
Eucalyptus oil
Nutmeg
Basil
Catnip
Clove oil
Lemon balm
Marjoram
Oregano oil
Peppermint oil
Pennyroyal
Rosemary oil
True sage oil
Thyme oil
Note: These herbs are safe for culinary use, but should be avoided as therapeutic oils.
PLANTS HIGH IN ALKALOIDS WHICH CAN STIMULATE THE UTERUS
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Oregon grape root (Berberis aquifolium)
STRONG HERBAL LAXATIVES
Aloe vera
Cascara sagrada
Purging buckthorn (Rhammnus catharticus)
Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)
Senna (Senna Alexandria)
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus)
Castor oil
STRONG DIURETICS
Juniper berries (Juniperus communis)
Uva ursi (bearberry) (Arctostaphylos)
A NOTE ABOUT GINGER
Ginger has long been used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. A review of ginger’s use as an antinausea remedy concluded that ginger is safe in pregnancy "provided normal doses are consumed." S. Fulder and M. Tenne, "Ginger as an Anti-Nausea Remedy in Pregnancy: The Issue of Safety," HerebalGram 38 (1996): 47 - 50 (Archives available on line at www.herbalgram.org)
We gratefully acknowledge author Leslie Oldershaw, L.Ac., licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who compiled this list for PFC.
Bibliography:
Bensky, Dan, et al. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition. Eastland Press, 2004
Brinker, Francis. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Eclectic Medical Publications, Third Edition, 2001
Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Healing for Women. Simon and Schuster, 1993.
Ody, Penelope. Herbs for a Healthy Pregnancy: From Conception to Childbirth. McGraw-Hill, 1999.
Weed, Susun. Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. Ash Tree Publishing, 1986. |
