What herbs can't I use during pregnancy and nursing?!
Question:
What herbs can't I use during pregnancy and nursing?
I picked up a nifty book at our library's book sale this weekend. It is the Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. As I'm perusing this book, I see that Basil, Parsley, Chamomile, Flax, Pineapple, etc. (the list goes on and on) should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing. So...is this accurate? I mean, basil and parsley are both very common seasonings. Chamomile is a primary ingredient in teas (including Sleeptime ;). Flax...well, I use that in my bread. And pineapple is so yummy. Anyway...does anyone know about this?
Answers:
I check my herb book and it does say that a pregnant woman should not eat a large amount of parsley.
Parsley contains essential oils; the most important one, apiole, is a kidney stimulant. Because these essential oils can stimulate uterine contractions, pregnant women should avoid eating large quantities of it. But, after the baby is Born, parsley can help tone the uterus and promote lactation.
Basil carries no such warning
the only warnings that comes with the chamomile is
chamomile has been known to cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to ragweed or other members of the daisy family. If you have such an allergy , you should avoid using it.
A tea made from raspberry leaves is good for allot of things but again pregnant women should not have ANY by book does say Raspberry-leaf tea stimulates the uterus and is said to facilitate childbirth. Under a Dr's supervision, drink one cup of raspberry-leaf tea when contractions begin. Never drink the tea early in pregnancy.
peppermint should not be taken if you have heartburn or stomach problems due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) it could worsen the symptoms