| 
Pregnancy Warnings These herbs should be avoided during pregnancy Aloe: The Aloe plant has been known to stimulate uterine contractions. Goldseal: This expensive herb stimulates the involuntary muscles of the uterus. Lovage: As lovage is very good at reducing water retention, women who are pregnant or have kidney problems should not take this herb. Mugwort: This common herb may bring on delayed periods. Parsley: Not to be used as it can dry up the milk. Penny Royal: This herb brings on delayed periods and strengthens contractions. Red Sage: Stimulates uterine muscles. Rue: This herb relaxes smooth muscles and may cause spontaneous abortion. Early pregnancy is a special time of growth for the fetus. During pregnancy, even some normally benign herbs act in a negative way on the body. And example of a normally benign herb is aloe juice. It should not be used internally as a laxative during pregnancy because it purgative actions might create unwanted contractions. The same is true of rhubarb root. Herbs to avoid during early pregnancy Do not take these herbs in early pregnancy: Raspberry leaf tea, fenugreek, horseradish, and vervain. In early pregnancy, do not use therapeutic amounts of these three normally benign herbs: Sage, Thyme, or Fennel-although it is safe to use thyme, sage and fennel in cooking during the entire pregnancy period. Essential Oils to Avoid during Pregnancy Pennyroyal oil should be avoided at all cost. Basil, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Myrrh, Celery, and Celery seed, oils should be avoided. AVOID COMPLETELY These herbs are uterine stimulators: angelica, (bark) elder tree, goldenseal, hyssop, juniper, lavender, mugwort, primrose, rue, shepherd's purse, tansy, vervain (except during labor) and wood betony. |
