Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/869597
Herbs to Definitely Avoid While a number of herbs, are known to be safe in pregnancy, there are numerous herbs that should be avoided. Somewhere between these categories are herbs whose use is not appropriate for daily, rou ne intake, but which can be used if necessary for brief or more extended periods of me for specific condi ons. Licorice is an example of such an herb. Used short term for a sore throat, for example, for no greater than one week, it may be en rely safe and appropriate, however, it is contraindicated in pa ents with hypertension, and long-term use of even licorice candy containing actual licorice extract has been associated with preterm birth. The herbs listed under each category are representa ve examples and are not exhaus ve, but should definitely be avoided in pregnancy. Addi onal herbs may fall into any of these categories. Topical applica ons, including vaginal use (i.e., for the treatment of vaginal infec ons), of most herbs is considered safe, however, some herbs, for example, poke root, pennyroyal oil, and thuja, which are known to be toxic, should be avoided internally and topically. Note that when you see sorghum on the list of herbs to avoid – don't freak out if you're ea ng it – that's fine – it's concentrated use of certain species in huge amounts that's the problem! *Avoid internal use; external use may be acceptable under the guidance of an experienced botanical medicine prac oner. Note that sorghum in normal food use is considered safe. Common Conditions During Pregnancy and Herbs for Treatment: An Overview The herbs cited in the medical literature as most frequently used for pregnancy concerns varies slightly among studies, but includes: Echinacea, St John's wort, ephedra; peppermint, spearmint, ginger root, raspberry leaf, fennel, wild yam, meadowsweet; blue cohosh, black cohosh, red raspberry leaf, castor oil, evening primrose, garlic, aloe, chamomile, peppermint, ginger, Echinacea, pumpkin seeds, and ginseng. In one study, women reported lower GI problems, anxiety, nausea and vomi ng, and urinary tract problems as the most common reasons for using complementary therapies in pregnancy. Midwives most frequently recommend herbs for nausea and vomi ng, labor s mula on, perineal discomfort, lacta on disorders, postpartum depression, Herb Categories to Avoid During Pregnancy Abortifacients and Emmenagogues Essential Oils and Volatile Oils Tansy Safflower Rue Mugwort Yarrow Thuia Scotch broom Angelica Wormwood Pennyroyal essential oil Thuia Oregano Sage Pennyroyal Tansy Thyme Peppermint Teratogens Alkaloids Lupinus spp Conium spp Nicotiana spp Trachymene spp Prunus spp Senecio spp Veratrum spp Solanum spp Ferula spp Datura Sorghum Comfrey Borage Barberry Coltsfoot Goldenseal Orgeon grape Stimulating Laxatives Phytoestrogens Cascara sagrada Buckthorn Rhubarb Castor oil Aloes Hops Isoflayone extracts Red Clover Page 40 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com