nice comprehensive list gathered from motherlove.com
Herbs To Avoid While Pregnant
Which cleansing herbs are too strong or irritating?
| Arnica Barberry Bee Balm Black walnut Blessed thistle Catnip Chapparal Chicory Colsfoot Comfrey Ephedra Fenugreek Gentian |
Horehound Horsetail Ipecac Juniper berries Lobelia Oregon grape root Poke root Rhubarb root Rosemary Uva ursi Yarrow |
Which laxative herbs are too strong to use at this time?
Aloe vera
Buckthorn
Butternut
Cascara sagrada
Which herbs that affect hormones are contraindicated during pregnancy?
Borage
Damiana
Dong quai
Licorice
Sarsparilla
Siberian ginseng
Vitex (can be used the first trimester)
Which herbs bring on contractions or bleeding?
Angelica
Birthwort (bethwort)
Black cohosh (may be used in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy)
Blue cohosh (may be used in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy)
Cotton root
Elecampane
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Goldenseal
Horehound
Lovage
Mistletoe
Motherwort
Mugworts
I am 41 weeks pregnant and looking for a natural way to induce labor. I heard goldenseal will do the trick, but I dont want to take it until I know more. Can it cause the baby to have a bowel movement inside of me? I read that, but wasn’t sure if it was true. I don’t want to hurt her of course so is this really safe and worth it?
By: laura on December 5, 2007
at 2:58 pm
honestly there is no such thing as “natural” induction. Anything you do to induce goes against what your body is trying to naturally do. I would not use goldenseal as it is a vasoconstrictor which means it tightens off the veins, restricting blood flow. I know some people who’ve had luck with black cohosh, as well as castor oil. I’ve also heard of both causing meconium issues, but meconium can also just be a sign of a post dates baby.
Keep in mind too that the average mom goes to 41.5 weeks, longer if you’re a first time mom, and it’s now recommended to go to at least 43 weeks before there is a slight potential for decline in fetal health.
Hang in there, you’ll be done soon no woman has been pregnant forever!
By: brambledoula on December 5, 2007
at 3:27 pm
I’m 39 wks and just came down with a nasty cold/flu I want to do what I can for it to be better for going into labor; I know I will need all the strength I can get! What are some good herbs/ home remedies to help my body get on track and have a speedy recovery? There seems to be a lot of contridicting yammer about whats safe in the way of cold/ flu remedies while pregnant!
By: lauren on January 27, 2008
at 1:44 pm
Well here’s the good news- most women won’t go into labor while they’re sick. so your best bet is lots of rest and fluids!! outside of that, like you said it is hard to recommend anything specific. Old fashioned chicken soup and lots of OJ are our friends
By: brambledoula on January 27, 2008
at 5:20 pm
Great tips here, red rasberry leaf tea is popular during pregnancy too.
By: Tim on April 25, 2008
at 4:01 pm
I’m wondering if black cohosh is truly effective Ive tried a little of everything and none of the suggested herbs have helped im stuck at 40 weeks and very tried.what will do the trick
By: coocoo86 on July 29, 2008
at 2:28 am
After reading through this article, I just feel that I really need more info. Can you suggest some resources please?
By: Random T. on April 24, 2009
at 11:20 am