Herbs in pregnancy

Every expectant mother should know which herbs can be taken during pregnancy and which ones should be categorically avoided, as this is important not only for her, but also for the health of the future baby. Some herbs that promote conception are categorically contraindicated during pregnancy, because they can provoke a miscarriage.

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What herbs can you drink during pregnancy?

Linden blossom, infusion of marshmallow flowers and roots, coltsfoot leaves, primrose, and urban avens are considered harmless for treating colds and coughs during pregnancy.

Valerian root can also be used for medicinal purposes during pregnancy, but only for a short period and in small quantities. It is best to refuse alcohol tincture and use a home-made infusion. To do this, pour a teaspoon of roots with a glass of warm water and leave for 6-8 hours.

Birch leaves are good for swelling. An infusion of two teaspoons per 200 ml of boiling water should be kept for half an hour and drunk warm until the swelling disappears.

Also during pregnancy it is allowed to consume calamus, balsam, meadowsweet, goldenrod, elm-leaved meadowsweet, burdock, flax seeds, blueberries, agrimony, and rose hips.

The fact of using a decoction or infusion of even a harmless herb should always be agreed with the doctor supervising the pregnancy.

What herbs should not be used during pregnancy?

What herbs are prohibited during pregnancy, and what herbal infusions can harm health and provoke a miscarriage? Many expectant mothers, trying not to harm the child, deliberately choose natural, natural medicines, which is not always true. By and large, this is true, but not all herbal infusions are useful during pregnancy - some herbs have an abortive effect, increasing the tone of the uterus, provoke a miscarriage or premature birth, and also affect the functioning of the central nervous system of the fetus and cause its pathologies in the early stages of pregnancy.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, it is better to avoid using herbs and other medications; if there is an urgent need, then do it in small doses and at short intervals, and applying decoctions and extracts to the skin is not at all dangerous.

Plants that contain potent substances can affect both the mother's and the child's body. These are: autumn crocus, barberry, Canadian wolf's foot, borage, ginseng, lobelia, mandrake, Ma Huang.

Plants with a laxative effect are contraindicated. Anthraquinone in these plants affects not only the muscles of the large intestine, but also the uterus. These are aloe, alder buckthorn, Pursha buckthorn, laxative buckthorn, cassia.

Other folk remedies that should be avoided during pregnancy include infusions and decoctions of basil, cloves, black cohosh, blessed cricket, black cohosh, lycopersicum verginense, hyssop, lovage, male fern, oregano, podophyllum, melia, mahonia, saturya, sumac, wild yam, turmeric, and ginerium.

This is not a complete list of herbs that may be harmful to a pregnant woman or have a side effect. To avoid any problems, before using any herb or mixture, you should consult with your doctor or homeopath.

Dangerous Herbs During Pregnancy

Dangerous herbs during pregnancy are those that can harm both the woman's body and the fetus, and in severe cases lead to loss of pregnancy. Pregnancy is often accompanied by various ailments, which is associated with a decrease in the body's defenses. Pregnancy implies the rejection of many medications, so the only alternative is homeopathy.

• Parsley can be considered a dangerous herb - it contains substances that affect the muscles of the uterus, causing it to contract, and this can cause premature birth.
• The succession plant can cause birth defects in the fetus;
• Hyssop leads to an increase in the tone of the uterus, which can cause termination of pregnancy;
• Rhubarb can cause defects in the formation of the skeleton of the unborn child;
• Tansy increases blood pressure and affects the tone of the uterine muscles, which provokes a miscarriage;
• Calamus has a very pronounced diuretic effect, which also affects the development of the fetus;
• Cornflower is harmful during pregnancy for two reasons: it contains a cyanide complex and has a diuretic effect.
• Wormwood can cause seizures, hallucinations and other mental disorders, as well as bleeding.
• Thyme and sage can also cause bleeding.
• Elecampane can affect the tone of the uterine muscles, which can also cause termination of pregnancy.

Before taking decoctions or infusions of the above herbs at your own risk, you should first consult with your doctor or the doctor who is monitoring your pregnancy.

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Herbs that are beneficial during pregnancy

Herbs useful during pregnancy are not so numerous in their kind. As a rule, they are very relevant, because they do not harm the body of the mother and child. Such herbs are irreplaceable as natural non-toxic anti-inflammatory agents, as well as sedatives, diuretics, and general cleansers.

Birch leaves and buds. They have a diuretic, antibacterial, sedative, cleansing and anti-inflammatory effect, restore water-salt imbalance. Recommended for toxicosis in late pregnancy, edema and kidney pathology. In this case, an infusion of birch buds is effective - 1 teaspoon of buds should be poured with a glass of boiling water and infused in a thermos for 3-4 hours. Use 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Lingonberry leaves and berries. Effective in urinary tract pathologies, as they have a pronounced antimicrobial and diuretic effect, and are also rich in essential vitamins.

Valerian root has a pronounced sedative effect and can also be used as a diuretic, choleretic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, and hypotensive natural remedy.

Blueberries, rich in vitamins A and C, mineral salts, organic acids, can be used as a vitamin complex that strengthens the body of the mother and child. Blueberries also reduce blood sugar levels and promote bile secretion.

Blackberries and their leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, E, B, K, P, PP and other important micro and macro elements that are essential for a pregnant woman. In addition, blackberries have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and mild laxative effects.

Viburnum is indicated as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory natural preparation with anti-allergic and antispasmodic action. Viburnum decoctions and infusions can be drunk for painful contractions, muscle spasms.

Herbs useful during pregnancy and their infusions and decoctions should be taken strictly in the recommended doses.

Motherwort herb during pregnancy

Motherwort herb during pregnancy is one of the unprohibited sedatives that will not harm the future child. During pregnancy, due to hormonal surges, the nervous state of the pregnant woman fluctuates all the time. This is due to the fact that upon reaching a new trimester of pregnancy, the balance of hormones changes rapidly, which very noticeably affects the well-being and behavior of the woman.

The safest way to normalize the condition and calm the anxiety of a pregnant woman is to use calming herbs in small quantities. For example, motherwort herb relieves irritation, improves digestion, evens out the heart rhythm, relieves smooth muscle tone, relaxes, reduces blood pressure, and also prevents nausea and eliminates flatulence.

Motherwort herb can be brewed independently, but it is better to mix it with your favorite tea - then its taste will not be so sharp. Half a teaspoon per cup is enough to achieve the desired effect.

However, it is important to remember that before self-medicating, you need to consult with the doctor who is monitoring your pregnancy. Timely consultation and diagnostics will help prevent the development of any complications.

Senna grass during pregnancy

Senna grass is not included in the category of permitted safe herbs during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many physiological changes - progesterone, with high levels, inhibits peristalsis, which reduces intestinal tone. At later stages, due to the pressure of the uterus on the lower parts of the intestine, it shifts and disrupts normal functioning. Also, a reduction in fluid intake can provoke constipation.

Constipation during pregnancy is not uncommon, but at the first signs of bowel movement disorders, you need to address this problem. Constipation can cause hemorrhoids, lead to microflora imbalance and the development of cystitis, colpitis. Also, due to the imbalanced intestinal microflora, the likelihood of developing purulent-septic complications increases.

Senna is a classic natural remedy for constipation, but it is contraindicated during pregnancy. The active ingredients in its composition affect the smooth muscles of not only the intestines, but also the uterus, which can provoke contractions and cause termination of pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to choose a safer natural laxative that will not harm the unborn child.

Maternal grass during pregnancy

Motherwort during pregnancy or, as it is also called, "oregano", refers to female herbs. It is included in herbal teas, which are usually recommended for diseases of the reproductive system - it normalizes the menstrual cycle, helps with inflammation of the appendages, promotes pregnancy. But motherwort has one drawback - it cannot be used internally during pregnancy either in pure form or as part of medicinal teas.

However, external use of oregano will not harm the fetus, so the herb can be safely used for some ailments. For purulent rashes and furunculosis, you can make compresses with oregano decoction, and to maintain skin cleanliness and prevent rashes, you can wash your face with oregano decoction in the morning and evening.

If you have a headache, you can wash your hair with a not too concentrated decoction - this will not only relieve the unpleasant sensations, but will also improve the health and strength of your hair, which suffers noticeably during pregnancy.

In case of inflammatory processes of the oral cavity – gingivitis, stomatitis, you can rinse your mouth with a small amount of oregano decoction 4-5 times a day. As a natural anti-inflammatory and disinfectant, oregano will help to get rid of the problem in a short time. In case of angina, rinsing with oregano gives especially pronounced positive dynamics, but do not forget that the decoction cannot be taken internally.

But in order to prevent any complications, you cannot rely entirely on natural remedies; at the first signs of any ailment, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

Grass floor floor during pregnancy

The grass Pol Pola during pregnancy (another name is Erva woolly) is used mainly for the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis, and during pregnancy, exacerbation of any chronic disease is unacceptable, since it is almost impossible to carry out effective treatment without synthetic drugs. And any antibiotics and other potent drugs have a toxic effect not only on the mother's body, but also on the child in utero. And this is fraught with the development of severe pathologies of the nervous system, brain, cardiovascular system, liver.

Pol pola is contraindicated in all forms of hypoparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, osteoporosis and other disorders of calcium excretion from the body. However, the grass pol pola, despite its effectiveness, is not always well tolerated by pregnant women, which is manifested by intoxication of the body and metabolic disorders. Such conditions are unacceptable and can lead to problems with the fetus, so it should be used with caution, only after consulting with a gynecologist. Self-medication and blind trust in folk methods of treatment, advice from friends and relatives can affect the health of both mother and child.

Chamomile herb during pregnancy

Chamomile herb is relevant in many situations during pregnancy, and its scope of application is so wide that decoctions and infusions of chamomile can be used to treat both internal organs and as an external remedy. Chamomile herb is used as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent, and is also effective in treating inflammatory processes in the mouth, stomach, intestines, and gynecological inflammations.

During pregnancy, you can drink chamomile tea - it soothes stomach pain, relaxes, and helps relieve nervous tension. For flatulence, a decoction of chamomile flowers is drunk as an anti-inflammatory, mild laxative, and also acts as an antifoam. During bouts of toxicosis, a chamomile decoction helps cope with nausea and nervous tension, and for a sore throat or gum inflammation, you need to rinse with this decoction several times a day. In the early stages of pregnancy, warm douching with a chamomile decoction helps with inflammation of the genitals.

But do not forget that you can drink no more than 400 ml of decoction per day. Substances contained in chamomile flowers can stimulate the production of estrogen, which can lead to termination of pregnancy. You need to drink the decoction very carefully and in a strictly specified dosage, having previously agreed on the treatment regimen with a gynecologist.

Succession herb during pregnancy

The herb succession is used during pregnancy as a diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, hemostatic and regenerating folk remedy.

The succession is effectively used to treat various skin diseases - the active components in its composition act as a disinfectant and healing substance. Very often, the succession is prescribed in combination with burdock, leaves of wild pansy, young branches of black currant, raspberry and other plants. Decoctions are prescribed for both external and internal use.

Also, a decoction of the succession is used for baths, compresses, bandages - this is the most effective treatment for seborrhea, allergic rash. For psoriasis, ointments based on the succession are actively used. In small therapeutic doses, the succession is used as a sedative, but it is not suitable for constant use, since accumulating in the body leads to even greater nervous excitement.

In general, the herb succession is not contraindicated during pregnancy and does not lead to the development of serious pathologies, but before starting treatment it is still better to inform your gynecologist.

Lingonberry herb during pregnancy

Lingonberry grass is very popular during pregnancy. Lingonberry berries, its leaves and young shoots contain many vitamins and active substances that have an exceptionally beneficial effect on the mother's body without harming the fetus. Lingonberry grass has a powerful bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect, which significantly expands the scope of its application.

Decoctions and infusions of lingonberry, rich in vitamins and microelements, are very useful for colds during pregnancy, and are also irreplaceable in the prevention of colds in the cool season. But still, the main area of application of decoctions and infusions of lingonberry leaves is the treatment and prevention of diseases of the urinary tract. Lingonberry decoction, without irritating the mucous membrane and without loading the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys, has an antimicrobial effect in nephritis, cystitis. It is undesirable to use decoctions in the acute period of the disease, and for prevention and treatment in the subacute stage, you will not find a better folk remedy.

You should take the decoction during pregnancy with caution - when taking other herbs, the effect of the lingonberry decoction may be enhanced, and this is not always desirable. Therefore, before you independently switch to taking lingonberry herb, you need to inform your gynecologist about your choice.

Echinacea herb during pregnancy

Echinacea herb during pregnancy, as shown by studies of geneticists, does not lead to intrauterine pathologies of the fetus, and throughout the pregnancy supports the mother's body's defenses. If the correct dose of the drug is observed, the risk of termination of pregnancy is extremely low, unlike those cases when pregnant women were prescribed synthetic immunomodulators and antibiotics by doctors.

In order not to be exposed to unnecessary risks, it is better to bring the issue of taking echinacea to the attention of your doctor or the doctor supervising your pregnancy. Echinacea is mainly prescribed for the treatment of purulent skin diseases, as well as sinusitis, cystitis, etc.

Alcohol tinctures of Echinacea are contraindicated during pregnancy, so it is best to take it as decoctions, infusions and additives to tea. Echinacea extract in injections is contraindicated, as it leads to the development of immunodeficiency in the fetus. As a result, the child will not be able to resist the influence of the internal environment at all.

You need to drink echinacea decoction strictly, in a course not exceeding 10 days. It is also better to use echinacea preparations not in the early stages of pregnancy and under the supervision of a gynecologist. Physiological increase in immunity in the early stages can lead to the fact that the fetus will be perceived as foreign and this will provoke a spontaneous abortion.

Valerian herb during pregnancy

Valerian herb is prescribed during pregnancy as an effective sedative. The most convenient form of taking the drug in such a situation is valerian tablets and an infusion of its herb. In any pharmacy you can buy valerian roots from which a healing decoction is prepared.

Valerian herb does not have a negative effect on the fetus, so you can take it without fear of harming the baby. But this should not mean that valerian can be taken in unlimited quantities - any medicine in a critical dose can become poison.

Valerian herb during pregnancy has a calming effect on a woman, and also relieves muscle spasms, which is very important. This drug is prescribed mainly in the early stages of pregnancy, when almost all synthetic drugs of various types of action are contraindicated and when there is a risk of miscarriage. Valerian is also prescribed in the last trimester of pregnancy - when pregnant women are bothered by gestosis. Valerian infusion has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the uterus, stopping hypertonicity and calming the pregnant woman herself. The standard dosage of echinacea tablets does not exceed 1-2 dragees 3 times a day, an hour after meals. In such situations, it is best to take valerian in courses - then a constant effect will be maintained, which will have a positive effect on the well-being of the mother and the condition of the fetus.

Bogorodskaya grass during pregnancy

Bogorodskaya grass during pregnancy or thyme, as it is also called, is prescribed during pregnancy only after examination by a doctor and detailed diagnosis of the condition of the mother and fetus. During pregnancy, thyme is prescribed in rare cases, mainly as a diuretic and diaphoretic. Bogorodskaya grass is effective in the prevention and treatment of cystitis, bronchitis, colds, tracheitis, indigestion, externally, a decoction of thyme is used as a bactericide for rashes and wounds.

Thyme should not be consumed by pregnant women who suffer from arrhythmia, cardiovascular insufficiency, cardiosclerosis, and hypothyroidism. In case of high blood pressure, it is also better to refrain from drinking the decoction of Bogorodskaya grass - the active substances in its composition lead to a stable increase in pressure for a certain time, a rush of blood to the pelvic organs. Thyme also provokes contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus and activates contractions, which is very undesirable during pregnancy and can lead to premature birth at any stage.

It is best to drink a decoction of thyme in the late stages of pregnancy - this is an excellent way to keep the uterus in good shape and prepare it for labor. But you cannot decide such issues on your own, the course must be carried out under the strict supervision of a gynecologist, who decides whether the woman's body is ready for childbirth and whether it will harm the fetus.

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Herbal tea during pregnancy

Herbal tea during pregnancy is very useful and is a worthy safe alternative to synthetic drugs and antibacterial agents. Every mother wants her baby to be completely safe from the harmful effects of drugs and to receive the necessary supply of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

A great alternative in such a situation is phytotherapy, or more precisely, treatment with herbal teas. Herbs contain several times more useful components than fruits and vegetables, and their main advantage is that herbs, for the most part, do not cause allergies. But when taking herbs, you need to be careful with the dosage, and it is also important to know and understand which herbs are harmless and which can lead to fetal pathologies and termination of pregnancy. In small quantities, white tea, linden tea, tea with chamomile, and lemon are useful for pregnant women.

It is important to know that not all herbal teas are useful during pregnancy. There are a number of medicinal plants that, despite their undeniable benefits, are absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. These include teas with the addition of fennel, ginseng, marsh mint, black cohosh, slippery elm, licorice, fenugreek, sage, hops, and wormwood. The effects of many herbal teas have not been fully studied and it is impossible to fully judge how the main components of herbs will affect the entire body.

Reviews of herbs for pregnancy

Reviews of herbs during pregnancy often cannot provide objective information about how the active substances of the herbal collection will act on a specific organism. Each person is individual and the mechanism of action of the medicinal substance in the body is carried out differently, everything depends on age, concomitant pathologies, additional treatment. Self-medication can have a very detrimental effect on the health of both the mother and the fetus, regardless of whether it is a medicinal plant that supports the body or one of the abortive herbs used to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

In any case, you cannot base the choice of herbs taken during pregnancy on reviews alone. It is safest to first consult with the doctor supervising the pregnancy, undergo a full examination, assess all the risks, and only then decide to take a particular herb. You also need to strictly adhere to the dosage of the medicinal form, because even a medicinal decoction in a large dose can become poison.

Reviews of herbs during pregnancy that are considered abortive also do not give confidence that in each individual case their use will achieve the desired goal, but even the opposite. Abortive herbs kill the fetus and cause too weak contractions - this is not enough for the fetus to be born. As a result, blood poisoning, local inflammation and severe intoxication develop, which leads to the death of the mother. Before taking any medicinal herbs, it is better to discuss this decision with a doctor. This is the only way to protect your life and the life of the child.