Microsoft word - herbs to completely avoid during pregnancy.doc

Herbs to completely avoid during pregnancy:
Reason to avoid
The leaves are strongly purgative and should not be taken internally. A uterine and menstrual stimulant that could damage the fetus. Autumn crocus (Colichicum Can affect cell division and lead to birth defects. autumnale) Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) Contains high levels of berberine, known to stimulate uterine contractions. A uterine stimulant; use only during labour. Beth root (Trillium erectum) A uterine stimulant; use only during labour. May lead to premature contractions; avoid unless under professional guidance. Safe to use A uterine stimulant that in quite small doses also causes vomiting. Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum A uterine stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance. Safe to use during thalictroides) Causes uterine contractions so should be avoided during pregnancy; in parts of Europe it is given after the birth to prevent blood loss. Interferes with hormone production in the pituitary gland, so best avoided. A uterine stimulant used only during labour. Contains toxic chemicals that will cross the placenta; do not take internally. Uterine stimulant traditionally given to encourage contractions during a difficult labour, but Uterine and menstrual stimulant, best avoided during pregnancy; ideal after childbirth. A hormonal stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance. Uterine stimulant; may cause premature contractions. Uterine stimulant; may lead to premature contractions but safe during childbirth. Uterine stimulant; may cause premature contractions. A uterine stimulant; use only during labour. A uterine stimulant; use only in labour. A uterine stimulant containing toxic chemicals that will cross the placenta. A uterine stimulant containing toxic chemicals that may cross the placenta. A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding. Reputed uterine stimulant to be avoided during pregnancy. A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding. Toxic; excess may cause blindness and coma. Used to treat malaria and given during pregnancy only to malaria sufferers under professional guidance. Menstrual stimulant best avoided during pregnancy; limited use during lactation. Uterine and menstrual stimulant; may cause premature contractions. A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects. Shepherd's purse (Capsella A uterine stimulant; use only during labour. bursa-pastoris) A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding. A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects. Wild yam (Diascorea villosa) A uterine stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance; safe during labour. A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding. Herbs to use only in moderation during pregnancy:
Reason for caution
Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or in moderate use. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. The oil is a potent uterine stimulant to be avoided, but the dried or fresh herb is safe in moderation. Avoid high doses as they may lead to heartburn; can flavour breast milk when breast-feeding. Moderate culinary use is fine. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid the essential oil zeylanicum) Strongly purgative and a uterine stimulant in high doses. Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or during labour. Avoid high doses as they may lead to heartburn; can flavor breast milk when breastfeeding. Moderate culinary use is fine. Possible uterine stimulant; use in moderation for occasional teas only. A uterine stimulant best reserved for childbirth to ease labour. Clinical reports suggest that high doses in pregnancy can lead to androgynous babies (caused by overstimulation of male sex hormones); use for short periods only. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or for moderate use. High doses can exacerbate high blood pressure; safe in moderation. A uterine stimulant traditionally used in slow and difficult labour; safe as a culinary herb. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. A uterine stimulant that may lead to premature contractions; avoid high doses. Inhibits prostaglandin production and contains hallucinogens that may affect the fetus; once erroneously regarded as an abortifacient. Safe in normal culinary use. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. Uterine stimulant that may also irritate the fetus in high doses; safe in normal culinary use. Passion flower (Passiflora A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe for moderate use. incarnata) A uterine stimulant; avoid the oil entirely, although low doses of the dried herb can be used. A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final six to eight weeks and during labour. Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe in moderation and normal culinary use. Avoid using the A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe in normal culinary use. A uterine and hormonal stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. Limit to two cups a day, as excess can lead to palpitations and increased heart rate. Some reports claim that it acts as a uterine stimulant, though the research is disputed; the A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. Reputed uterine stimulant; safe in moderation in cough drops. A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour.

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