Reproductive
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Many herbs aren't safe in pregnancy. Herbs are listed here either because they're traditionally used in pregnancy or because they carry specific pregnancy warnings. Always check with your midwife or doctor before using any herb while pregnant.
Many herbs affect hormones, and several aren't safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding or with hormone-sensitive cancers. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments. Check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using them, especially if you're pregnant, trying to conceive or taking hormonal medicines.
9 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
Castor OilRicinus communisCan bring on labour; a review of studies in women at full term found it made labour more likely to start. Nausea is common.
CeraseeMomordica charantiaAvoid during pregnancy: in animal studies it caused bleeding from the womb, and it may cause birth defects.
Devil's HorsewhipAchyranthes asperaIn pregnant rats, high doses harmed developing babies.
Penny RoyalClinopodium browneiDon't confuse with European pennyroyal, which has been misused to cause abortion and has caused deadly poisoning.
Ramie RootBoehmeria niveaThe root is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for threatened miscarriage. Its safety and effect in pregnancy haven't been shown in people.
Raspberry LeafRubus idaeusWidely used in pregnancy in the hope of an easier labor, but it hasn't been properly tested and isn't proven safe.
Shame O' LadyMimosa pudicaTRAMIL advises not to use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Snake Gourd RootTrichosanthes kirilowiiWarning: contains trichosanthin, which ends pregnancies; it was used in China to cause abortions.
VervainStachytarpheta jamaicensisNot recommended during pregnancy; it's thought to be able to cause miscarriage.