Are there any herbs that are Recommended in pregnancy?
Depending on what type of health care provider you see, they may recommend using herbs to help promote the health of your pregnancy. Remember, never try to self dose or diagnose with any medications, including herbs. Because each pregnancy is different, with its own specific details, the best way to use herbs is under the care of a midwife, physician, herbalist, naturopathic or homeopathic doctor.
Choosing to use herbs during pregnancy is a personal choice, but to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby, you should be well educated on the types of herbs, parts of the herb (root, leaf, etc…) and the way that it could be used (caplet, tonic, tea). The herbs that are considered safe to use during pregnancy are often food or tonic herbs. These often will be found in either tablet form, tea, or infusion form.
Herbs used in Pregnancy
The following herbs have been rated Likely Safe or Possibly Safe for use during pregnancy:4
Red Raspberry Leaf - Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth.5 You may see “Pregnancy Teas” that are made from Red Raspberry leaf to help promote uterine health during pregnancy. (Read about Herbal teas for more information)
There is some controversy about whether this should be used throughout pregnancy or just in the second and third trimester, so many health care providers will remain cautious and only recommend using it after the first trimester.
Peppermint Leaf - Helpful in relieving nausea/morning sickness and flatulence
Ginger root - Helps relieve nausea and vomiting
Slippery Elm Bark - (when the inner bark is used orally in amounts used in foods) Used to help relieve nausea,
heartburn, and vaginal irritations
Oats & Oat Straw - Rich in calcium and magnesium; helps relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin Additional
Herbs rated Likely Safe or Possibly Safe:
Blond Psyllium - when used orally and appropriately
Black Psyllium - when used orally with appropriate fluid intake
Garlic - when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods
Capsicum (Cayenne, hot pepper) - when used topically and appropriately
The following herbs have been rated as having Insufficient Reliable Information Available by the Natural Medicines Database, although many are recommended by homeopathic physicians, herbalists, and midwives who treat pregnant women. More extensive research and discussions with your treating health care provider will help you make the decision about what herbs are safe for you to use.
Dandelion - Rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron; dandelion root and leaf can also help relieve mild edema and nourish the liver
Chamomile (German) - High in calcium and magnesium; also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints
Nettles (Stinging Nettles) - High in vitamins A, C, K , calcium, potassium, and iron. Used in many “Pregnancy teas”
because it is a great all around pregnancy tonic. Note on the safety of Nettles: Natural Medicines Database gives
Nettles a rating of Likely Unsafe, even though it is used in countless pregnancy teas and recommended by most midwives and herbalists. This may be in relation to which part of the Nettles plant is used (the root or the leaves) and how much is used. According to other sources, the use of Nettles is encouraged during pregnancy because of all its health benefits.
Other Popular Herbs that are used
The following are commonly used herbs which have a safety rating of Possibly Unsafe when used orally. Again, these are herbs you would want to do more extensive research on and discuss with your health care provider before using.
Aloe
Ginseng (American & Korean)
Evening Primrose
Feverfew
Kava Kava
Senna
link from : http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/naturalherbsvitamins.html
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