What are the herbs to be avoided during pregnancy?

People often opt for alternative medicine and other holistic approaches to prevent and treat several ailments. But some of these useful natural herbal remedies might prove harmful on certain stages like pregnancy.

Though there are some herbs that are useful and completely safe during pregnancy, there are others that are unsafe and hence should be avoided during pregnancy. Herbs like Bilberry, Chamomile, Blue Cohosh, Echinacea, Burdock Root, Ginger Root, Lobelia, Nettles, Peppermint, Red Raspberry and Wild yam are completely safe to be consumed during pregnancy.

The herbs that are harmful and which should be completely avoided are:

1. Avoid coffee as it contains
   

   caffeine

   , which when taken in excess amount can cause premature birth or miscarriage in women who are sensitive to caffeine.

2. Eucalyptus oil

   is difficult to get eliminated through the kidneys and hence need to be avoided.

3. Angelica, Lovge, Golden seal, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Tansy, Wild Ginger and Warmwood

   are some of the herbs that can cause uterine contractions.

4. Pennyroyal

   ,
   

   Rue

   and
   

   Yarrow

   can cause abortion.

5. Cinchona

   has oxytocic effects; it can promote menstruation and so should be avoided during pregnancy.

6. Ma Huang

   has antihistamine effect and increases the pulse rate and blood pressure; so this herb should be avoided during pregnancy.

7. The cooking herbs that should be avoided are:
   

   Basil, Caraway Seeds, Celery Seeds, Ginger, Horseradish, Savory, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Parsley, Tarragon, Thyme, Watercress, Carrot Seed and Licorice Hops

   .

8. Anthraquinone laxatives

   should be avoided during pregnancy as they stimulate muscles, including the uterus, possibly causing miscarriage.
   

   Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara, Sagrada, Docks, Meadow Saffron and Senna

   are laxatives.

9. Essential oils Calamus, Cayenne, Fennel, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Oregano, Passion Flower, Rosemary, Sage, Thuja, Thyme and Yarrow

   should be avoided as it affects both the pregnant woman and the growing fetus.

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