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Herbs to Avoid in Pregnancy

Many herbs should never be used during pregnancy. Those containing high quantities of volatile oils (some of which could be toxic, such as pennyroyal), or alkaloids, such as barberry, can affect your central nervous system as well as interfere with the development of your baby’s.


Harsh bitter, such as Mugwort, that strongly stimulate digestion and metabolism should be avoided, as should strong laxatives such as senna, buckthorn, cascara Sagrada, and rhubarb; bitters and laxatives can trigger uterine contractions. Herbs with strong hormonal properties are not advised, including sage and licorice.

Consult your health-care provider if you have doubts about the safety of any herb.
  • Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) - Cathartic
     
  • Angelica (Angelica archangelica) - Emmenagogue
     
  • Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) - Uterine Stimulant
     
  • Birthroot (Trillium spp.) - Uterine Astringent
     
  • Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) - Strong Bitter
     
  • Butternut (Juglans cinerea) - Laxative
     
  • Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) - Laxative
     
  • Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) - Possibly Fetotoxic
     
  • Damiana (Turnera diffusa) - Nervous System and Hormonal Activity
     
  • Drug Aloe (Aloe vera) - Cathartic
     
  • Ephedra (Ma-huang) (Ephedra sinica) - High Alkaloid ontent, Cardiac stimulant
     
  • Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - Emmenagogue
     
  • Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) - Uterine Stimulant
     
  • Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) - Affects Nervous system
     
  • Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) - Possibly Fetotoxic, affects Kidneys
     
  • Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) - Emmenagogue
     
  • Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) (safe to use in cooking) - Slightly toxic
     
  • Osha (Ligusticum porteri) - Emmenagogue
     
  • Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) (safe to use in cooking) - Emmenagogue
     
  • Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) - Emmenagogue
     
  • Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa) - Cardiac Stimulant
     
  • Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) - Laxative
     
  • Rue (Ruta graveolens) - Emmenagogue
     
  • Sage (Salvia officinalis) (safe to use in cooking) - Emmenagogue, hormonal activity
     
  • Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii) - Hormonal activity
     
  • Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) - Cardiac stimulant
     
  • Senna (Senna alexandrina) - Laxative
     
  • Shepard’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) - Hemostatic
     
  • Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) - Emmenagogue
     
  • Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) - Emmenagogue