Herbs in Pregnancy

The topic of herbs in pregnancy unsettles many expectant mothers - in our article we explain which herbs are allowed and which herbs they should avoid.

For many women, pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in their lives. But pregnant women often experience great uncertainties during this time - especially when it comes to the consumption of certain foods - especially herbs - there are many doubts. In fact, there are numerous rumors circulating that herbs should be avoided during pregnancy. Others say that herbs even have beneficial effects during pregnancy. But which herbs and which herbal teas should you enjoy during pregnancy and which ones should you avoid? We have summarized the healthiest, but also most dangerous herbs for pregnancy.

Note: However, all of these herbs should only be consumed after consulting a doctor.

Which herbs help during pregnancy?

Many herbs have been considered to have been for centuries Medicinal plants from the garden. So it's no wonder that even today some people still rely on the beneficial power of herbs for minor ailments. Herbs can also have a beneficial effect on the body during pregnancy and help with minor ailments.

Attention: In the event of persistent complaints or uncertainty regarding the use and quantity of the plants, we recommend that you consult a doctor and seek advice.

1. Chamomile: The chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is well known as a household remedy and helps with cold symptoms as well as gastrointestinal complaints. The healing power of chamomile can also have a beneficial effect during pregnancy: Chamomile tea can have a calming effect on pregnancy sickness and also provide relief from heartburn and flatulence. Chamomile tea can also have a calming effect on the nerves during pregnancy and help you sleep better.

2.Fennel: Also fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a popular home remedy, especially when it comes to gastrointestinal complaints. In fact, fennel tea can also be helpful during pregnancy: Its digestive effects relieve the flatulence that many pregnant women suffer from. In addition, fennel tea is a tried and tested home remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy.
However, caution should be exercised with fennel oil, fennel syrup and fennel honey during pregnancy: If the fennel is too concentrated, it can stimulate labor and trigger an abortion. The use of such concentrated active ingredients should therefore always be discussed with a doctor or midwife.

3. Peppermint: The fresh taste of peppermint (Mentha × piperita) awakens the spirits of many in many. Even expectant mothers do not want to do without the herb, after all, peppermint tea is a tried and tested home remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy. But it can also help with sleep problems and gastrointestinal diseases. In fact, one to two cups of mint tea a day is safe to drink - from excessive However, you should refrain from consuming or ingesting concentrated peppermint oil, as this stimulates labor can. Mint tea is only advised against towards the end of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, as it has a sedative effect and could thus reduce milk production.

4. Melissa: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is known not only for its good taste, but especially for its relaxing effects. Mothers-to-be can also benefit from lemon balm tea during pregnancy, because it has a calming effect and thus helps especially with sleep disorders and restlessness. Lemon balm tea can also have a calming and relaxing effect on the muscles of the intestine during pregnancy, and thus relieve gas and bloating.

5. Lavender: Pregnancy is an exciting time for parents - your nerves can be bare. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a tried and tested home remedy in this case, because the plant has a calming effect and promotes sleep.

Of course, lavender can also be used during pregnancy: Lavender oil can be used as an aromatherapy to help with sleep problems and nervousness. Lavender tea also has a positive effect on the mind and can also help with digestive problems.

6. Chives: The question of whether to use chives (Allium schoenoprasum) should eat during pregnancy keeps popping up. In fact, it is relatively easy to answer: Thanks to its high content of vitamin C, magnesium and iron, chives are an ideal addition to meals during pregnancy. In addition, the mustard oils contained have a positive effect on digestion.

Tip: If you want to use herbs during pregnancy, you should pay attention to organic quality or, at best, even grow the herbs yourself. In fact, growing herbs isn't that difficult - with ours Plantura herb growing kit Even beginners can easily plant their first herbs in the garden or on the windowsill and look forward to a healthy addition to their diet.

Which herbs help during childbirth?

Some herbs have a labor-inducing effect and should therefore not be taken during pregnancy. Shortly before the birth (from around the age of 35 Week) but these herbal teas can be quite beneficial: Their labor-inducing effect can facilitate the birth process. In principle, the use of such herbal teas during pregnancy should be discussed in advance with the doctor or the Midwife will be discussed to explain the exact dosage and to clarify whether there is monitoring during the intake is required. Herbs that promote labor include, for example:

• Raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus)
• Yarrow (Achillea)
• Lady's mantle (Alchemilla)
• Blackberry leaves (Rubus sect. Rubus)

Tip: During pregnancy, it is advisable to pay special attention to the quality of the herbs used. Anyone who grows their own herbs should therefore not only rely on the use of chemical pesticides and mineral fertilizers, but also pay close attention to the soil used: ours Plantura organic herb and seed compost for herbs with low nutritional requirements and ours Plantura organic universal soil for the somewhat more nutrient-hungry herbs consist of 100% natural ingredients and are therefore absolutely harmless to humans and animals.

Which herbs should you avoid during pregnancy?

Not all dried herbs have a positive effect on pregnancy - for this reason, not all herbal teas are recommended for pregnant women. The adage “The dose makes the poison” also applies here, but there are some herbs that pregnant women are generally not advised to use. But the same applies here: If you have any questions or complaints, please always consult your doctor in case of doubt.

1. Sage: Sage tea is often used to relieve colds and indigestion, and has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract. However, you should avoid consuming sage during pregnancy: the tannins contained in sage have a contracting effect. In pregnant women, the herbal tea can therefore cause premature labor and, in the worst case, even premature births and miscarriages. It is also not advisable to consume other foods or oils containing sage during pregnancy.

2. Verbena: Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is often used in natural medicine and is primarily intended to help against stomach problems. One should avoid taking verbena supplements or verbena tea during pregnancy But refrain: The plant contains ingredients that stimulate labor and cause miscarriage can.

3. Lemongrass: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) often used as a spice. However, it is better to avoid herbs during pregnancy - animal studies indicate that consuming lemongrass during pregnancy can lead to complications. Even if the plant is otherwise considered to be very healthy, lemongrass tea should be avoided during pregnancy as a precaution or consumption should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.

4. Nettle: Since the nettle (Urtica) has a strong dehydrating effect, many expectant mothers hope to be able to prevent painful water edema with the medicinal herb. In fact, nettle tea should be avoided during pregnancy. This actually has a dehydrating effect, but above all it stimulates the kidney function, so that primarily water is withdrawn from the blood. This can hinder the child's supply of nutrients and lead to fatigue and muscle discomfort in the mother. For this reason, nettle tea should be avoided if possible during pregnancy.

5. Parsley: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is very popular for digestive problems because of its delicious taste and its health-promoting effects. During pregnancy, however, parsley should not be served in abundant quantities: Consumed in large quantities, parsley can induce labor and labor during pregnancy strengthen. Small amounts, for example as a spice, are generally not a problem for pregnant women, tinctures or essentials Parsley oils should, however, be avoided because of the increased concentration of active ingredients, as they can have a sedative effect.

A sufficient supply of iron is very important, especially during pregnancy. You can find out which plants can help you in our article about Vegetables with a lot of iron.