When it comes to using herbs while pregnant or while breastfeeding, it is important to remember that just because something is natural, such as an herb, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safe to use. Certainly, there are some herbs that are not safe to use in general. There are also specific herbs that can be used safely while breastfeeding that can’t be used while pregnant.

There are other herbs that should be avoided during pregnancy due to their laxative properties. These herbs include Cascara sagrada, Buckthorn, Butternut, and Aloe Vera. Some herbs should be avoided during pregnancy because of the way that they affect hormones. These herbs include Borage, Damiana, Dong quai, Licorice, Sarsparilla, Siberian ginseng, and Vitex. Other herbs to avoid during pregnancy includes those herbs that are known to affect the uterus, or that are known to help bring about contractions or cause uterine bleeding. These sorts of herbs can include Angelica, Birthwort, Black cohosh, Blue cohosh, Cotton rooto, Elecampane, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Goldenseal, Horehound, Lovage, Mistletoe, Motherwort, Mugworts, Myrrh, Osha, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Rue, Sage, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme, Turmeric, and Wormwood.

Many of the herbs that should be avoided while pregnant are fine while breastfeeding. For example, fenugreek is an herb that isn’t necessarily safe during while pregnant, but that you can use while breastfeeding. In fact, fenugreek specifically has properties that can help you while breastfeeding, in that it can help to increase your milk supply. Blessed thistle is another herb that falls into this category. Other herbs, such as sage and wormwood are thought to not be safe to use while breastfeeding or while pregnant.

To know for certain what herbs that you can use while breastfeeding, or while pregnant, you should speak with your health care provider or your herbal expert.

Related Posts: