This section is a vintage collection of opinions on natural remedies by various authors, some who have passed on. For historical reference only. These articles are old. They have not been updated since the early 2000s and are not intended to provide medical information.

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

terralore@berkcom

Everyone wants a safe and happy pregnancy. Here are just some of the major substances that should be avoided during pregnancy.

Herbal remedies are getting more and more exposure in the media these days as the demand for natural, safe products is hitting an all time high with very little regard for the safety or hidden dangers of taking these products. People don?t seem to realize that just because they are taking an herb that it can be harmful, especially during pregnancy.

In my consulting practice I find that very few people admit to their health care provider what they are really taking aside from what the health care provider has written down in front of him or her in their chart. This to is very dangerous as some herbal products can have adverse side effects especially if taken with other medications and or in certain life situations.

During pregnancy a woman?s body goes through many changes hormonally, physically and emotionally. Her system is very delicate to anything that is ingested and she should be very careful what she takes as it has a direct effect on the fetus.

Herbs that are emmenagogues or have oxytocic properties should be avoided at all cost during pregnancy as they promote menstruation. These herbs can induce abortions and cause miscarriages by causing sever cramping in the uterus.

AVOID DURING PREGNANCY AT ALL COST!

Pennyroyal Black Cohosh Goldenseal

Rue Damiana Mugwort

Blue Cohosh Juniper Mistletoe

Bearberry Oregon Grape Rt. Poke Rt.

Wormwood Tansy Southernwood

Cotton Rt. Cat?s Claw Dong Quai

Angelica Lemon Balm (Fresh) Vervain

Osha Rt. Birthwort Rt. Beth Rt.

Lovage Feverfew Thuja

Male Fern Hyssop Lf. Peruvian Bark

Sumac Berries Sweet Flag Rt. Liferoot (Flowers)

Wood Sorrel (Fresh) Ma-huang (Ephedra) Senna

Cascara Sagrada Turkey Rhubarb Soy Products (Tofu)

Buckthorn Buchu Mandrake

Evening Primrose Queen Ann?s Lace seeds Saw Palmetto

Stillingia Uva Ursi Yohimbe

Common Cooking Herbs to Avoid:

Basil Caraway Seeds Celery Seeds

Ginger Horseradish Savory

Marjoram Nutmeg Rosemary

Saffron Sage Parsley

Tarragon Thyme Watercress

Carrot Seed Licorice Hops

Check out Herbal Gallery!
Pictures and Descriptions of 70 herbs.

To further ensure a safe and happy pregnancy here are a few other suggestions of things that really should be avoided.

Smoking and alcohol (including beer and wine)
Caffeine (coffee, black tea, cola, and chocolate). Caffeine acts as a teratogen ? a substance that can cause physical defects in the developing fetus. The FDA?s suggested a limit of 500mg of caffeine daily during pregnancy. One cup of regular coffee is 400mg.
Drugs all orthodox drugs should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. All over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers and hay fever medications as well. Tranquilizers such as Librium and Valium can cause birth defects. Analgesics and Aspirin can prolong pregnancy and childbirth and lead to bleeding in both baby and mother. Antacids like bicarbonate of soda can cause muscle problems in the baby and edema in the mother. Antibiotics may cause abnormalities, Narcotics may cause fetal addictions and sulphur drugs may cause jaundice. Any chemical stimulants and depressants (LSD, psychotropics, phenobarbital, and barbiturates) she be avoided at all cost.
Steroids and herbs containing steroid-like factors including Agave, Ginseng, Licorice, Ginger, Hops, Sage, Celery, Flax Seed, Soy products, Primrose, Black Cohosh, Sarsaparilla, Damiana, Saw Palmetto, and Dong Quai. Large amounts of estrogen in the body can promote miscarriage.
Fumes from paints, thinners, solvents, wood preservatives, varnishes, glues, spray adhesives, benzene, dry cleaning fluids, certain plastics, vinyl chloride, rubber tuolene. All petroleum products found in plastics, hand and body products. NEVER heat food in plastic containers.
Heavy metals: lead, nickel, cadmium, manganese,
Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides ( especially those containing Carbaryl)
Excesses of Vitamins A, C, or D (vitamins found naturally in herbs are safer than vitamin supplementation of pills).
Sleeping with electric blankets and using magnets. Several experts warn that the invisible electromagnetic field emanating from these may increase the risk of miscarriage and developmental problems.
Do not take SHARK CARTILAGE during pregnancy. It inhibits the formation of new blood vessels, which is essential during pregnancy.
Avoid raw or undercooked meats.

Everyone wants a safe and happy pregnancy. The above are just some of the major things that should be avoided during pregnancy. Doing everything that you can to ensure a happy, healthy, thriving baby should be an expecting mothers main priority. So a good rule of thumb is when in doubt ? don?t take it or use it. Instead use common sense.

Disclaimer: All information given is based on the experiences and research of the author and other professional healers. It is with understanding that you accept complete responsibility for your own health and well being that this information is shared. It is not with intent to diagnose or prescribe. The author and publisher are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any remedies, procedures or preparations. Always consult your inner guidance, trained healers and health care practitioners.

References

Prescription for Nutritional Healing.
Buy Prescription for Nutritional Healing and get Nutraceuticals: The Complete Encyclopedia of Supplements... at an additional 5% off Amazon.com's everyday low price. James and Phyllis Balch; 1997 Avery Publishing Group

Wise Women Herbal The Child Bearing Years Susun Weed; 1986 Ash Tree Publishing

The Complete Woman?s Herbal Anne McIntyre; 1994 Gaia Books Limited
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra; 1990 Pocket Books a division of Simon & Schuster Inc.
Today?s Herbal Health Louise Tenney; 1997 Woodland Publishing Inc.