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The medicinal use of herbs is believed to be as old as mankind
itself, and up until the 18th century it was the most common form of
medical treatment in the West.'
Useful Herbs to take during pregnancy
Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa) rich in calcium, carotene, trace minerals and
vitamins E, K
Black Cohosh
(Cimicifuga racemosa) tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth;
- only to be used during the third trimester
Black Haw
(Viburnum prunifolium) aids in relieving leg cramps; helps prevent
possible miscarriage
Blue Cohosh
(Caulophyllum thalictroides) regulates contractions at birth; - only
to be used during the third trimester
Chamomile
(Matricaria chamomilla) calming effect, helps prevent and ease
constipation
Cleavers
(Galium aparine) helps lower high blood pressure; diuretic, to
reduce water retention
Cramp Bark
(Viburnum opulus) antispasmodic (relieves muscle cramps); helps
prevent possible miscarriage
Dandelion Root & Leaf
(Taraxacum officinales) rich mineral source; root tea or tincture
relieves constipation; root & leaf tea act as a diuretic, to reduce
water retention; helps lower high blood pressure
False Unicorn Root
(Chamaelirium luteum) eases nausea, aids in preventing possible
miscarriage
Fennel Seed
(Foeniculum vulgare) eases constipation, helps with the release of
excess gas
Ginger
(Zingibar officinalis) eases nausea; - Should be taken in
moderation, as high doses may result in miscarriage
Hawthorn
(Cratageus spp.) improves circulation; decreases high blood pressure
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense) rich mineral and silica content for strong
bones; long-term usage will require thiamine (vitamin B2)
supplementation
Lavender
(Lavandula officinalis) calming effect; eases nausea
Lemon Balm
(Melissa officinalis) calming effect; eases nausea; carminative
Nettles
(Urtica dioica) rich in minerals
Peppermint
(Mentha piperita) carminative
Red Raspberry Leaf
(Rubus idaeus) tones uterus; improves contractions; eases
constipation
Skullcap
(Scutellaria laterifolia) calming effect
Slippery Elm
(Ulmus rubra) eases contipation; nourishing
Wild Yam
(Dioscorea villosa) relieves uterine pains
Herbs to avoid during pregnancy
- Herbs listed as uterine stimulants, anthraquinone laxatives and/or
abortifacients should be avoided due to their stimulating effects on
smooth muscle which could result in a potential miscarriage.
- Herbs listed as emmenagogues, aid in promoting and regulating
menstruation, and therefore should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Herbs containing alkaloids, bitter principles or essential oils
should not be used due to the effects these may have on bodily
functions in both mother and baby.
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
Blue Cohosh
(Caulophyllum thalictroides) uterine stimulant
Bloodroot
(Sanguinaria canadensis) uterine stimulant; alkaloids and bitter
principles
Buckthorn
(Rhamnus cathartica) anthraquinone laxative
Cascara Sagrada
(Rhamnus purshiana) anthraquinone laxative; uterine stimulant;
emmenogogue
Cayenne
(Capsicum frutescens) uterine stimulant; essential oils
Celandine
(Chelidonium majus) alkaloids and bitter principles
Cotton-root Bark
(Gossypium herbaceum) emmenogogue
Docks
(Rumex crispus) anthraqinone laxative
Ephedra
(Ephedra vulgaris) alkaloids and bitter principles
Fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare) uterine stimulant; essential oils
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
(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
Oregano
(Origanum vulgare) essential oils
Passion Flower
(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
(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
(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
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