1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Some natural remedies are generally considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, the effects of most natural remedies on fetuses, lactation, and breastfed babies have not been thoroughly researched. As with any drug or treatment used while pregnant or breastfeeding, caution is necessary.

Herbs Generally Considered Safe During Pregnancy

For nausea: Red raspberry leaf, ginger root, slippery elm bark

For coughs and colds: Echinacea, garlic, and homeopathic remedies for coughs and colds are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For congestion: Cayenne pepper sprinkled on food or fenugreek tea are safe to take for sinus congestion. Additionally, eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils used aromatically (held near the nose while breathing deeply) may help with cold-related congestion. Dried anise in boiling water can be used to create a steam bath to treat congestion.

For sore throat and cough: Fenugreek tea, sea salt and water gargle, and apple cider vinegar and water gargle help soothe sore throat and reduce coughing. Slippery elm bark throat lozenges are generally safe to use, as well as slippery elm bark tea. Chamomile tea and goldenseal tea can be gargled.

About Fenugreek: Fenugreek is known to increase milk supply. It is found as a flavoring in artificial maple syrup and is a common ingredient in curries and chutneys and Indian and Asian spice mixtures.

Fenugreek is in the same family as peanut and chickpea. People with PEANUT ALLERGY should use extreme caution. Fenugreek is known to lower blood glucose levels. Diabetics should use with caution.

Red raspberry leaf may be used as an iron supplement and uterine tonic and to increase milk supply or decrease nausea. Oat and oat straw are used as a calcium supplement.

Herbs to Avoid

Sage, peppermint, spearmint, parsley, thyme, chickpea, black walnut, stinging nettles, yarrow, herb robert, lemon balm, oregano, periwinkle herb, and sorrel are all known to reduce milk supply.

The following herbs are generally considered unsafe or potentially harmful during pregnancy and lactation.

* Bladderwrack
* Buckthorn
* Chaparral
* Coltsfoot (Farfarae folium)
* Dong Quai (Angelica Root)
* Elecampane
* Ephedra / Ephedra sinica / Ma Huang
* Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
* Indian Snakeroot
* Kava-kava (piper methysticum)
* Petasites root
* Phen-fen, herbal
* Rhubarb
* Star anise
* Tiratricol (TRIAC)
* Uva Ursi
* Wormwood

St. John's Wort and Depression

Limited studies of the use of St. John's wort to treat depression during pregnancy and breastfeeding indicate the potential for harm to the baby.

Learn more about this author, Sara Mcgrath.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Are natural remedies safe during pregnancy??
We want to hear your view. Write now!