Herbal products are wonderful, effective and very appealing being that it’s natural and plant based. But what about using herbal supplements when pregnant and cooking your bun in the oven? I would err on the side of caution and omit herbal supplements from my regimen when expecting, especially if it was a new product I had yet to take before being pregnant. The benefits of new herbs and tonics don’t outweigh the risks in my opinion. What risks am I speaking of? Running the risk of inducing my labor by causing uterine contractions and stimulating my uterus more than need be are a couple that I would rather go without. Here are three types of herbs to watch out for when you’re expecting.
Emmenagogues: These types of herbs stimulate blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus. They also can force on menstruation. Now these herbs would be great for a woman looking to better her menstrual cycle, female health and possibly libido, but I would NOT take any of these when pregnant. The last thing I would want to bring on is a menstrual cycle when housing a new baby. Some herbs that are considered emmenagogues include but are not limited to:
Oxytocic: These herbs stimulate uterine contractions. They release prostaglandins and the contractions that they bring on can be painful, in addition to the herbs being somewhat hard on the liver. Some of these herbs are:
Purgative or Laxative: These herbs are one of my favorite herbs because they possess the power of helping us poop! They stimulate intestinal activity and elimination. The problem with them is that they can in turn, stimulate the uterus as well. Some of these herbs are:
Parsley (not speaking of the tiny amounts you use in cooking)
Vitamin C (in HEAVY doses, like around 500 mg every hour for over 10 hours or so)
Papaya Seed has been used to eliminate parasites!
This is just a little list I put together based off of my readings and experience. I would read all labels when pregnant and get to know every ingredient. The best thing a woman could do for her growing baby would be to rest, relax, drink water, eat good food, drink more water and make sure that all of the daily needs of minerals and vitamins are covered. I didn’t even drink red raspberry leaf tea when I was expecting. I usually drink it everyday to tone my uterus and yield a more gentle menstrual cycle, but I decided to put it on the back burner for several months. I know some women would drink it to promote a productive labor, but heaven forbid if I attempted that with the same intentions and instead promoted an EARLY labor. Every human being is different and herbs will react to each person differently; however, it’s helpful to know the nature of these herbs and understand their potential. It’s not just about the woman and the womb, but the baby.
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libido, but I would NOT take any of these when pregnant. The last thing I would want to bring on is a menstrual cycle when housing a new baby. Some herbs that are considered emmenagogues include but are not limited to:
Oxytocic: These herbs stimulate uterine contractions. They release prostaglandins and the contractions that they bring on can be painful, in addition to the herbs being somewhat hard on the liver. Some of these herbs are:
Excellent review!