Herbs during pregnancy

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

For many women, pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in their lives. But pregnant women often experience great insecurities 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 herbs even have beneficial effects during pregnancy. But which herbs and herbal teas should you enjoy during pregnancy and which ones should you avoid? We have summarized the healthiest for pregnancy, but also the most dangerous herbs for you.

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

Which herbs help during pregnancy?

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

Attention: If you have persistent symptoms or are unsure about the use and quantity of the plants, we recommend consulting a doctor for advice.

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

2.Fennel: Also fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a popular home remedy, especially when it comes to gastrointestinal problems. In fact, fennel tea can also be helpful during pregnancy: its digestive effect reduces flatulence, which many pregnant women suffer from. Fennel tea is also a proven home remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy.
However, caution should be exercised when using fennel oil, fennel syrup and fennel honey during pregnancy: If the concentration of the active ingredients in fennel is too high, it can promote contractions and trigger an abortion. The use of such concentrated active ingredients should therefore always be discussed with the doctor or midwife.

3. Peppermint: The fresh taste of peppermint (mentha × piperita) awakens the spirits of many. Expectant mothers don't want to do without the herb either, after all, peppermint tea is a proven home remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy. But it can also help with problems falling asleep and gastrointestinal diseases. In fact, one to two cups of peppermint tea a day is safe to drink -- to excess However, you should refrain from consuming or taking concentrated peppermint oil, as this stimulates labor can. Peppermint tea is only not recommended towards the end of pregnancy and when breastfeeding, as it has a weaning effect and could reduce milk production.

4. lemon balm: lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is not only known for its good taste, but especially for its relaxing effects. Expectant mothers can also benefit from lemon balm tea during pregnancy, as it has a calming effect and thus helps with insomnia and restlessness. Lemon balm tea during pregnancy can also have a calming and relaxing effect on the musculature of the intestines in the case of digestive problems and thus alleviate flatulence and a feeling of fullness.

5. Lavender: Pregnancy is an exciting time for parents - nerves can get on edge. lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a proven home remedy in this case, because the plant has a calming and sleep-inducing effect.

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 mood and can also help with digestive problems.

6. Chives: The question of whether to use chives (Allium schoenoprasum) should eat during pregnancy comes up again and again. In fact, it is relatively easy to answer: thanks to its high content of vitamin C, magnesium and iron, chives are an ideal supplement to meals during pregnancy. In addition, the contained mustard oils 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 is not that difficult – with ours Plantura herb growing set gardening 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 birth (around the 35th week of pregnancy) week) but these herbal teas can be beneficial: their labor-inducing effect can make the birth process easier. Basically, 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 monitoring while taking is required. Examples of herbs that promote labor include:

• raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus)
• yarrow (Achillea)
• lady's mantle (Alchemilla)
• blackberry leaves (Rubus sect. Rubus)

Tip: During pregnancy, it is advisable to pay particular attention to the quality of the herbs used. Anyone who grows their own herbs should therefore not only rely on the use of chemical crop protection and mineral fertilizers, but also pay close attention to the soil used: ours Plantura organic herb and seed soil 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 for humans and animals.

Which herbs should you avoid during pregnancy?

Not all dried herbs have a positive effect during pregnancy - for this reason not all herbal teas are recommended for pregnant women. The saying “the dose makes the poison” also applies here, but there are some herbs that are generally discouraged for pregnant women. But the same applies here: if you have any questions or complaints, please always consult your doctor.

1. Sage: Often used to relieve colds and indigestion, sage tea has a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. However, you should avoid consuming sage during pregnancy: the tannins contained in sage have an astringent effect. In pregnant women, the herbal tea can therefore trigger premature contractions and, in the worst case, even premature births and miscarriages. The consumption of other foods or oils containing sage is also not recommended during pregnancy.

2. Verbena: Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is often used in natural medicine and is said to help against stomach problems. You should avoid taking verbena supplements or verbena tea during pregnancy however, refrain: The plant contains substances that stimulate labour, which cause a miscarriage be able.

3. Lemongrass: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) often used as a spice. However, you should avoid the herbs during pregnancy - animal studies indicate that taking lemongrass during pregnancy can lead to complications. Even if the plant is otherwise considered very healthy, to be on the safe side, you should avoid lemongrass tea during pregnancy or consult a doctor before consuming it.

4. nettle: Since the nettle (Urtica) has a strong draining 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. Although this actually has a draining effect, it primarily stimulates kidney function, so that water is primarily removed from the blood. This can impede the child's nutrient supply and lead to fatigue and muscle problems in the mother. For this reason, nettle tea should be avoided during pregnancy if possible.

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

An adequate supply of iron is particularly important during pregnancy. You can find out which plants can help you with this in our article about Iron-rich vegetables.