Herbal Supplements

Today more than 60 million Americans are medicating themselves with herbal supplements. By assuming that ?natural? remedies are safe, your patients are probably not fully discussing the issue with you, if at all. Research shows that many do not see the need to inform their physicians of their use of alternative medicine including herbal supplements. This is a serious issue, since ?natural? does not always mean ?safe,? Few studies have been conducted testing herbal preparations in pregnancy. Some of these products, including ingredients suspected of causing potential damage to you and your baby. While many of these dietary supplements are safe, there are some very hazardous ones

Since herbal products are considered dietary supplements, they are not regulated by that agency as are traditional drugs. The manufacturers of these products are not required to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of their products before they reach the market. In addition, they do not have to adhere to any of the standard quality controls used for drugs. As a result, the composition of herbal products may vary greatly from one batch to another. Some herbal products have been contaminated and could pose a risk in pregnancy. When a pregnant woman is suffering from pregnancy-related discomforts or other ills, she should not assume that it is safe to take an herbal remedy. She should discuss her symptoms with her health care provider who can recommend the safest possible treatment.

Useful Herbs in Pregnancy

The following herbs have been used traditionally for various reasons during pregnancy. Choosing which herbs to use depends on individual circumstances. It is not necessary to use all the herbs in the hopes of avoiding all possible problems that may occur during a pregnancy. Use only those herbs, singly or in combinations as teas or tinctures, which fit your needs. As always be in contact with your health practitioner if you are experiencing serious problems or discomfort. This information is taken from a medical website discussing the uses of various herbs in pregnancy. It is not meant to be used to diagnose a problem, and should be discussed with your doctor before taking. 

• • Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) — rich in calcium, trace minerals and vitamins E, K, and carotene
  • Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) — tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth; use only during third trimester
  • Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) — helps relieve leg cramps; helps prevent possible miscarriage
  • Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) –tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth; use only during third trimester
  • Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — reduces constipation with regular use; calming — 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses
  • Cleavers (Galium aparine) — diuretic to reduce edema (fluid build up esp. in feet and wrists; helps decrease high blood pressure
  • Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) — antispasmodic (relieves muscle cramps); helps prevent possible miscarriage
  • Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinales) — rich mineral source; root tea or tincture decreases constipation; root & leaf tea are diuretic decreasing edema and raised blood pressure
  • False Unicorn Root, a.k.a. Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteum) — helps prevent possible miscarriage; eases nausea
  • Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) — reduces constipation, carminative (relieves excess gas)
  • Ginger (Zingibar officinalis) — relieves nausea; — very high amounts may lead to miscarriage
  • Hawthorn (Cratageus spp.) — improves circulation; decreases high blood pressure
  • Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) — rich mineral and silica content for strong bones; long-term use requires thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation
  • Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) — calming; relieves nausea — 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses
  • Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) — calming; relieves nausea; carminative
  • Nettles (Urtica dioica) — rich mineral source
  • Partridge Berry, a.k.a. Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens) — tones uterus to prepare for birth
  • Peppermint (Mentha piperita) — carminative
  • Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) — tones uterus; improves contractions; decreases constipation
  • Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) — calming
  • Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) — relieves contipation; nourishing
  • Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) — relieves uterine pains
  

Herbal Tea
Until more is known about the effect of herbs in pregnancy, the FDA has urged caution on the use of herbal teas during pregnancy and lactation. Thus it is probably safest to limit the amount of herbal teas you consumed, until more research is done on the topic. It is safest to stick with regular and caffeine free tea.