Herbal medicine use during pregnancy is common across regions and countries. The prevalence of herbal medicine use during pregnancy is varied across regions and countries.

Multinational study conducted in different countries showed that 28.9% of pregnant women used herbal medicine during pregnancy.

A literature review from the Middle East revealed that up to 82.2% of the women used herbal medicine at some point during pregnancy. The study also identified that many women used herbal medicine during the first trimester.

An observational cohort study done in South West England found that 26.7% of the women used a complementary or alternative medicine at least once during pregnancy. The use of herbs rose from 6% in the first trimester to 12.4% in the second trimester and to 26.3% in third trimester.

In Australia, 36% of the women took at least one herbal medicine during pregnancy.

Studies done in Africa showed the prevalence of herbal medicine use during pregnancy was between 12 and 73.1%.

 

Keep in mind, these herbs aren’t FDA approved, therefore it’s suggested to still consult with your doctor/midwife before use during pregnancy.

 

First, let’s go over what herbs are NOT safe for use during pregnancy/while breastfeeding:

  • Saw Palmetto – when used orally, has hormonal activity
  • Goldenseal – when used orally, may cross the placenta
  • Dong Quai – when used orally, due to uterine stimulant and relaxant effects
  • Ephedra – when used orally
  • Yohimbe – when used orally
  • Pay D’ Arco – when used orally in large doses; contraindicated
  • Passion Flower – when used orally
  • Black Cohosh – when used orally in pregnant women who are not at term
  • Blue Cohosh – when used orally; uterine stimulant and can induce labor
  • Roman Chamomile – when used orally in medicinal amounts
  • Pennyroyal – when used orally or topically

 

Now, we’ll dive into what is safe, and the most commonly used herbs during pregnancy:

  • Cranberry  – Using cranberry during pregnancy is important to prevent urinary tract infection, stomach ulcers, periodontal diseases and influenza. A survey conducted on 400 Norwegian postpartum women reported that cranberry was one of the most commonly used herbs during pregnancy, mostly for urinary tract infections. Consumed as a tea or in fresh, cold pressed juice.
  • Valerian – Used to relieve insomnia/sleep disorders, anxiety, stomach pain, headache, menstrual cramps, and depression. Consumed in a tincture form.
  • Rosehip – An excellent source of Vitamin C, and when used orally can help with Osteoarthritis by reducing both the stiffness and pain. A single dose of rose hips is believed to help with C-Section pain, both during and after surgery. It also improves your immunity and helps against the common cold, flu, fever, and other similar ailments. When used topically, rosehip oil  is believed to help with collagen production, and is recommended for stretch marks. Recommended to be used topically in pregnancy.
  • Bitter Kola – Contains nutrients and vitamins good for pregnancy. Health benefits of bitter kola include treating nausea and vomiting, making uterus healthier, strengthening pregnant women and normalizing blood circulation in pregnant women. Bitter kola contains very strong caffeine. One bean of bitter kola contains the same amount of caffeine as two glasses of coffee. Thus, pregnant women have to drink the recommended dose (one small cup of bitter kola in a day). To be consumed as a supplement.
  • Thyme – A literature review conducted on herbal medicine use during pregnancy showed thyme is used to manage bloating and stomach aches. It is also used for treatment of common cold and urinary tract infection. To be consumed as a seasoning in foods.
  • Fenugreek – Consumption of fenugreek during pregnancy increases milk production in pregnant women. However, use with caution: Large amounts of fenugreek may cause uterine contractions, miscarriage or premature labour. It could affect blood sugar levels, so pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus should avoid it. It can also cause heartburn. Consumed as a supplement/capsule, or can be added to food.
  • Coconut – Studies reported that coconut oil has been used to facilitate labour, delivery and prevent congenital malformation. Coconut oil during pregnancy can be used as part of a healthy nutrient-dense whole food diet. Coconut oil supplies rich amounts of saturated fat with high amounts of lauric acid. The saturated fat content helps to build up adequate fat stores in pregnancy and in preparation for breast-feeding.
  • Echinacea – One clinical trial study shows positive association of echinacea consumption in reducing duration and recurrence of cold and urinary tract infection. Can be used as a supplement, or in tincture form. The recommended dose is 5–20 ml tincture.
  • Clary Sage – Recommended only to be used from 37 weeks onwards. It may be used to induce labour if the body is ready to go into labour. It may stimulate the release of oxytocin in pregnant women. Using clary sage is highly recommended during labour to help contractions to intensify and become more effective in pulling up the horizontal uterine muscles to open the cervix and move the baby down into the pelvis and into the birth canal. The simplest and most common way to use clary sage during labour is to put a few drops on to dry cloth; the mother will inhale the aroma when she needs it to help herself become more calm and relaxed during contractions. To be used as an essential oil.
  • Green tea – Important to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It also speeds up the body’s metabolic rate and provides a natural source of energy. It can help stabilize a pregnant mother’s mood. However, drinking too high a dose of green tea is not recommended. The recommended dose of caffeine per day is 300 mg.
  • Aniseed/Anise – Orally, anise is used for dyspepsia, gas pains, runny nose and as an expectorant, diuretic, and appetite stimulant. Anise is also used to increase lactation and facilitate birth. Topically, anise is used for lice, scabies and psoriasis treatment. Using anise during pregnancy is likely safe when used orally in amounts commonly found in food. There is insufficient reliable information available about safety of anise when taken orally in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. Anise used in small amounts in herbal tea is safer in pregnancy because exposure is relatively low. Can be consumed as a tea or used as an essential oil.
  • Raspberry Leaf – Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth. You may see pregnancy teas that are made from red raspberry leaf to help promote uterine health during pregnancy. To be consumed as a tea.
  • Peppermint – Helpful in relieving nausea/morning sickness and digestive/gas pains. Several clinical trials have shown that peppermint essential oil, a super concentrated form of herbs, can help relive irritable bowel syndrome To be consumed as a tea or used as an essential oil.
  • Ginger root – Used as anti-nauseant and anti-emetic for nausea and for hyperemesis gravidarum. The recommended daily dose of ginger is up to 1g dried powder. A single blind clinical trial showed ginger as an effective herbal medicine for decreasing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This study also suggested a daily total of 100 mg ginger in a capsule. A randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 120 women over 20 weeks of gestation with symptoms of morning sickness showed consumption of 1500 mg of dried ginger for 4 days improves nausea and vomiting. The study also revealed that newborns whose mothers consumed ginger during pregnancy had normal birth weights and normal APGAR score. Best consumed in its powder form (added into food), or added to fresh, cold pressed juice.Dosage:Consumption of ginger in amounts used in food preparation is likely to be safe.Taking 1–2 g dried ginger over the course of a day has been shown to relive symptoms of minor disorder of pregnancy.

    Using higher doses of ginger is not safe for pregnant women. Thus, pregnant women should not use higher dose of ginger.

  • Slippery Elm Bark – (when the inner bark is used orally in amounts used in foods) Used to help relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations. To be consumed in its powder form, added into food.
  • Oats & Oat Straw – Rich in calcium and magnesium; helps relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin.
  • Dandelion – Rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron; dandelion root and leaf can also help relieve mild edema and nourish the liver. To be consumed as a tea.
  • Chamomile (German) – High in calcium and magnesium; also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints. To be consumed as a tea.
  • Nettles (Stinging Nettles) – High in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, potassium, and iron. Used in many pregnancy teas because it is a great all-around pregnancy tonic. To be consumed as a tea.

 

Other herbs that are sometime used during pregnancy:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Tenaadam (Ruta chalepensis)
  • Damakess (Ocimum lamiifolium)
  • Feto
  • Omore
  • Garlic
  • Palm kernel oil
  • Bitter kola
  • Dogonyaro (Azadirachta indica)

 

  1. World Health Organization. Traditional medicine. Fact sheet Number 134. Available form: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs134/en/ [Accessed: December 01, 2017]
  2.  Lisha J, Shantakumar N. Herbal medicines use during pregnancy: A review from the Middle East. Oman Medical Journal. 2015;30(4):229-236
  3. Mothupi Mc. Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy among women with access to public healthcare in Nairobi, Kenya: A cross-sectional survey. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;14:432. Available form: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/14/432
  4. Kennedy D, Lupattelli A, Koren G, Nordeng H. Safety classification of herbal medicines used in pregnancy in a multinational study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;16:102. DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1079-z
  5. Kennedy D, Lupattelli A, Koren G and Nordeng H. Herbal medicine use in pregnancy: Results of a multinational study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013, 13:355. Available form: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/13/355