Herbs Contraindicated During Pregnancy
These are listed as first in the Latin name, which is used for homeopathy also. Second is the name of the herb you would look up.
Also important to know is that these are concentrated herbs. For instance, flaxseed oil or flax isn’t a problem BUT the herb might be too powerful. Herbs separated are different from eating food or the vitamins taken from them. They each have certain properties that speak to specific neuro receptors in the body. Even some of the ones listed are not dangerous in small amounts but you need to know each herb. That of course is why I’m here.
By Actions: This means what they DO.
- (US) Uterine Stimulants
- (E) Emmenagogues
- (A) Abortifacients
By Chemistry: This means what they are.
- (AL) Anthraquinone Laxatives
- (EO) Essential Oils
- (AK) Alkaloids
- (B) Bitter Principles
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) EO, B, E
Acorus calamus (Calamus) B, E, US
Artemisia spp. (Wormwood) US, E, A, EO
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry) B, AK
Capsicum spp. (Cayenne) EO, US
Chelidonium majus (Celandine) AK, B
Dryopteris filix-mas (Male fem) B, US
Ephedra spp. (Ephedra) AK, B
Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) EO, US
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) US, E safe in very small amounts
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) B, AK, US safe in very small amounts. write us for more details
Juniperus communis (Juniper) EO, B
Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) EO, B
Linum usitatissimum (Flaxseed) US safe in amounts of 1 TB or less.
Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal) EO, US, E, A
Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower) EO, US, E
Phytolacca americana (Poke Root) US, E, A
Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple) US, E, A, AL
Prunus serotina (Wild Cherry) B, US This is an expectorant
Rhamnus spp. (Cascara Sagrada) E, US, AL A powerful laxative
Rheum spp. (Rhubarb) E, US, AL, B
Salvia officinalis (Sage) EO, B, US
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) AK, P, US
Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) EO, B, US, E, A
Thuja occidentalis (Thuja) EO, US, E
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) EO, US, E
Vinca rosea (Periwinkle) US, E
Viscum album (Mistletoe) US, E
Herbs to be used with Caution During Pregnancy
Angelica archangelica (Angelica)
Angelica Sinensis (Dong Quai) In very small amounts.
Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Arctostaphylos uva ursi (Uva Ursi)
Calendula officinalis (Calendula)
Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)
Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort)
Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Marrubium vulgare (Horehound)
Matricaria chamomilla (German Chamomile)
Medicago sativa (Alfafa)
Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Plantago spp. (Plantain)
Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) Although this is a liver cleanser it is ok in small amounts during pregnancy but this is not the time to dump toxins/to detox.
Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)
Urtica dioica (Nettles)
Zingiber officinale (Ginger) In small amounts
Taken from the Naturopathic Handbook
