Herbs can be a wonderful and safe help to mother and baby in the early stages of development. However there are certain herbs mother and baby should avoid. Let's take a look at herbs avoid pregnancy:
Blue Cohosh:Should be avoided during pregnancy due to being a very strong uterine
stimulant.
Black Cohosh:An herb used during labor as it is a strong uterine stimulant.
Dong Quai:has been known to stimulate bleeding.
Angelica: used for millennia to stimulate a sluggish menstruation
Fenugreek: A strong uterine relaxant.
Licorice Root: tends to lead to water retention and has been known to elevate blood pressure.
Motherwort: stimulates a sluggish menstruation.
Mugwort: a uterine stimulant.
Horsetail: Contains a high amount of silica that could be harmful to a developing fetus.
Nutmeg: can potentially cause miscarriage if consumed in high doses.
Uva Ursi: this herbs tends to absorb too much blood sugar during pregnancy and nursing.
Yarrow: should be avoided due to its action as a uterine stimulant.
Comfrey: can be used externally for sprains or strains, but only in small amounts. Used internally, it can have detrimental effects on the liver of the mother and fetus.
Goldenseal: This herb is a rather powerful antibiotic and its effects are too potent for a developing fetus.
Borage Oil: a strong uterine stimulant.
Henbane: highly toxic.
Shepard’s Purse: Should only be used after childbirth for hemorrhaging.
Pennyroyal leaf: has a strong history of stimulating uterine contractions. The essential oil form of this herb should not be used at all during pregnancy. Do not even handle this herb while pregnant or nursing.