Herbs to Avoid in Pregnancy
The following list of herbs are considered unsafe to use internally during pregnancy due either to their actions on reproductive organs or because of certain naturally-occurring substances found in them. Herbs listed as anthraquinone laxatives should be avoided due to their stimulating effects on smooth muscle which can include uterine tissue causing a potential miscarriage. Herbs listed as uterine stimulants should be avoided for the same reason. Herbs listed as abortifacients have a strong potential to cause a miscarriage. Herbs listed as emmenagogues help promote and regulate menstruation, something to avoid in pregnancy. The herbs listed as having alkaloids, bitter principles or essential oils in them should not be used because of the effects these principles have on functions in the body of the mother or the fetus. Culinary herbs like oregano and thyme are safe in the small amounts used in cooking but not in the larger doses used for teas or tinctures. If you are unsure about an herb or what a safe amount is, it is best to avoid the herb or seek the advice of a herbal practitioner or naturopath.

Aloe (Aloe spp.) -- anthraquinone laxative

American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) -- uterine stimulant; abortifacient

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) --alkaloids and bitter principles

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) --uterine stimulant; may use to prepare for labor in last 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.

Blue Cohosh (first 2 trimesters) (Caulophyllum thalictroides) --uterine stimulant; may use to prepare for labor in last 5-6 weeks of pregnancy; black cohosh is better choice.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) --uterine stimulant; alkaloids and bitter principles

Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) -- anthraquinone laxative

Calamus (Acorus calamus) --uterine stimulant; bitter principles and essential oils

Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) --anthraquinone laxative; uterine stimulant; emmenogogue(regulates menstruation)

Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) --uterine stimulant; essential oils

Celandine (Chelidonium majus) alkaloids and bitter principles

Cinchona -- alkaloids and bitter principles

Cotton-root Bark (Gossypium herbaceum) --emmenogogue

Docks (curled) (Rumex crispus) --anthraqinone laxative

Ephedra (Ephedra vulgaris) --alkaloids and bitter principles

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) --uterine stimulant; essential oils

Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) -- uterine stimulant


Flax Seed (Linum usitatissimum) --uterine stimulant


Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)—emmenagogue, uterine stimulant


Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) --uterine stimulant; alkaloids and bitter principles

Juniper (Juniperus communis) --essential oils and bitter principles

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) --essential oils and bitter principles

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue

Marjoram (therapeutic doses) (Oreganum vulgare) --essential oils

Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) --uterine stimulant; bitter principles

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale) --bitter principles; laxative; emetic

Mistletoe (Viscum album) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)—emmenagogue, uterine stimulant

Oregano (therapeutic doses) (Origanum vulgare) --essential oils

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; essential oil

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue

Poke Root (Phytolacca americana) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Rhubarb (Rheum spp.) --emmenogogue;uterine stimulant; alkaloids

Rosemary (therapeutic doses) (Rosmarinus officinalis) --essential oils

Rue (Ruta graveolens) --emmenogogue

Sage (Salvia officinalis) --uterine stimulant; essential oils; bitter principles

Senna (cassia acutifolia) -- anthraquinone laxative; emmenogogue; uterine stimulant

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Thuja (Thuja occidentalis) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; essential oils

Thyme (therapeutic doses) (Thymus vulgaris) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; essential oils

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina) --uterine stimulant; bitter principles

Wormwood (Artemisia spp.) --uterine stimulant; emmenogogue; abortifacient

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) --emmenogogue; essentials oils; bitter principles


Where did this info come from:

Dictionary of Modern Herbalism, Mills, Simon Y.,Healing Arts Press, 1988.

A Modern Herbal, Grieve, M., Dover Publications, 1971, Vol. II, p.700.

Naturopathic Handbook of Herbal Formulas, Herbal Research Publications, Inc., 1995, fourth ed.

The Yoga of Herbs, Frawley, Dr. David and Vasant, Dr. Lad, Lotus Press,1992.
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Useful Herbs in Pregnancy
The following list of herbs have been used traditionally for various reasons during pregnancy. Choosing which herbs to use depends on individual circumstances. It is not necessary to use all the herbs in the hopes of avoiding all possible problems that may occur during a pregnancy. Use only those herbs, singly or in combinations as teas or tinctures, which fit your needs. As always be in contact with your health practitioner if you are experiencing serious problems or discomfort.

The information given is not meant to be used to diagnose a problem, and the herbs listed here work well in combination with allopathic medicine. It may be necessary to use more than one medical system to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) -- rich in calcium, trace minerals and vitamins E, K, and carotene


Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) -- tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth;
-- use only during third trimester


Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) -- helps relieve leg cramps; helps prevent possible miscarriage


Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) --tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth;
-- use only during third trimester


Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) -- reduces constipation with regular use; calming -- 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses


Cleavers (Galium aparine) -- diuretic to reduce edema (fluid build up esp. in feet and wrists; helps decrease high blood pressure


Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) -- antispasmodic (relieves muscle cramps); helps prevent possible miscarriage


Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinales) -- rich mineral source; root tea or tincture decreases constipation; root & leaf tea are diuretic decreasing edema and raised blood pressure


False Unicorn Root, a.k.a. Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteum) -- helps prevent possible miscarriage; eases nausea


Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) -- reduces constipation, carminative (relieves excess gas)


Ginger (Zingibar officinalis) -- relieves nausea; -- very high amounts may lead to miscarriage


Hawthorn (Cratageus spp.) -- improves circulation; decreases high blood pressure


Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) -- rich mineral and silica content for strong bones; long-term use requires thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation


Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) -- calming; relieves nausea -- 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses


Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) -- calming; relieves nausea; carminative


Nettles (Urtica dioica) -- rich mineral source


Partridge Berry, a.k.a. Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens) -- tones uterus to prepare for birth


Peppermint (Mentha piperita) -- carminative


Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) -- tones uterus; improves contractions; decreases constipation


Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) -- calming


Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) -- relieves contipation; nourishing

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) -- relieves uterine pains

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Julia said to add Atractylodis to Skullcap as well.