Choosing which herbs to use during pregnancy is as important as choosing what you eat, drink, which over-the-counter medications to take or even whose opinion to listen to. In the end, herbalists and health care providers have a few basic herbs that are generally agreed upon as being ones of benefit to women during pregnancy as well as herbs to avoid during pregnancy. In some cases, an herb may be thought to be helpful in small amounts and harmful in large amounts, so always avoid high doses of any herb during pregnancy. (even water is good in moderate “doses”!)
Women have used herbs safely and successfully for thousands of years. As always, using common sense and being well informed are a woman’s best bet to the safe use of herbs during pregnancy. That includes getting information from your midwife, naturopath, or health practitioner who is knowledgeable about herbs and their mode of action.
Of course, the information given is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and you should always check with health care provider about the use of herbs to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
| Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) |
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helps relieve leg cramps |
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may help prevent possible miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy
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| Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) |
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helps ease symptoms of morning sickness, indigestion and gas |
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high in calcium and potassium, therefore an excellent nervous system tonic |
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calming, soothing and helps ease sleeplessness and lift the spirits |
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gentle enough for babies suffering from colic, restlessness or teething |
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effective for mild inflammations of joints |
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Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
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helps relax uterine muscles in the event of possible miscarriage |
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reduces uterine bleeding during labor and postpartum |
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should be used under the supervision of health care provider |
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| Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinales) |
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rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin A, Calcium, potassium and iron |
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the bitters in the leaves aid digestion |
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leaves are mildly diuretic and helpful in edema or mild hypertension due to fluid retention |
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root is a gentle laxative and useful for pregnancy constipation |
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root nourishes the liver |
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| Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) |
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tones the uterus |
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reduces the possibility of hemorrhage during childbirth and postpartum |
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helps ease postpartum depression |
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helps relieve diarrhea |
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(antagonizes the drug pitocin) |
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| Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) |
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calming for nervous tension and stress |
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antiseptic for perineal tears postpartum (do not apply oil undiluted) |
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avoid high doses |
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| Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) |
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calming—relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve insomnia, irritability and restlessness |
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elevating—helps ease depression and anxiety |
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aids digestion and relieve gas |
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mild antihistamine action |
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| Marshmallow (Althea officinale) |
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very mild mucilaginous herb |
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eases symptoms of heartburn and indigestion |
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soothing to the genitourinary system and cystitis |
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eases bronchitis and coughs |
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| Nettle (Urtica dioica) |
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rich source of vitamins K, A, C and the minerals calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and others |
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pregnancy tonic because of its high vitamin and mineral content and its ability to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage |
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aids and restores a woman’s vitality following birth |
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increases the richness and amount of breast milk |
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helps relieve the symptoms of hay fever |
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mild natural diuretic effect |
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| Squaw Vine, also known as Partridge Berry, (Mitchella repens) |
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considered a valuable late pregnancy tonic |
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helps tone the uterus to prepare for birth during the last 4-6 weeks of pregnancy, especially when mixed with red raspberry leaf to promote easier childbirth |
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mild diuretic action |
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| Oats and oat straw (Avena sativa) |
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nutritive and very rich in calcium and magnesium—highly beneficial during pregnancy all three pregnancy trimesters |
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calming to the nervous system—helps relieve restlessness, anxiety and tension |
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used in a bath, it helps moisturize and relieve itchy skin (such as caused by stretch marks) |
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| Peppermint (Mentha piperita) |
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helps relieve nausea, especially morning sickness and flatulence |
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avoid high doses during pregnancy |
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| Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) |
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helps improve uterine tone and blood supply |
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improves contractions during labor |
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helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage |
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a rich source of vitamin A, B-1, C and E, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus |
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is thought to ease morning sickness and improve digestion
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improves diarrhea |
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is a galactagogue (increases breast milk production) |
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helps restore vitality postpartum |
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| Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra, or Ulmus fulva) |
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soothing mucilaginous herb eases mucous membranes of the entire gastrointestinal tract |
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eases inflammation of the mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, bladder and urethra |
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can be used during pregnancy for heartburn, nausea, colds or vaginal irritations |
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| Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) |
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helps ease uterine spasms and prevent miscarriage |
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use under the guidance of a qualified health care provider |
Emmenagoges are a family of herbs that have a strong action uterine stimulant action. They include such herbs as Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh and Motherwort. They can be considered useful herbs during the last few days of your pregnancy to help stimulate uterine contractions. These herbs should not be taken during pregnancy except unless under the supervision of your midwife or naturopath or during labor.
