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HERBS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
Many herbs contain steroids that can affect the baby's development during pregnancy and/or nursing. Others may be of a mild toxic type, and others may be strong uterine stimulants. Please read this section carefully and take heed.
Angelica - stimulates suppressed menstruation
Black Cohosh - uterine stimulant - mostly used during labor
Blue Cohosh - a stronger uterine stimulant
Borage oil - a uterine stimulant - use only during the last few days of pregnancy
Comfrey - can cause liver problems in mother and fetus - use only briefly, externally only, for treating sprains and strains -
Dong Quai - may stimulate bleeding
Elder - do not use during pregnancy or lactation
Fenugreek - uterine relaxant
Goldenseal - too powerful an antibiotic for the developing fetus, also should not be used if nursing
Henbane - highly toxic
Horsetail - too high in silica for the developing fetus
Licorice Root - can create water retention and/or elevated blood pressure
Motherwort - stimulates suppressed menstruation
Mugwort - can be a uterine stimulant
Nutmeg - can cause miscarriage in large doses
Pennyroyal Leaf - stimulates uterine contractions (NOTE: Pennyroyal essential oil should not be used by pregnant women at any time!) - do not handle if pregnant or nursing
Rue - strong expellant
Saffron - can cause miscarriage and other problems
Shepherd's Purse - used only for hemmorhaging during/after childbirth
Uva Ursi - removes too much blood sugar during pregnancy and nursing
Yarrow - uterine stimulant
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