Herbs To Avoid During Pregnancy

The following list does not contain every herb that may be harmful during pregnancy but it will list ones you are more likely to come across or that may be more harmful than others not listed. Please always consult your doctor before taking any herbs.

Angelica (Angelic archangelica) : Stimulates suppressed menstruation.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) : A uterine stimulant that may cause premature contraction.

American pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides) : A uterine stimulant.

European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) : Uterine stimulant.

Osha root (Lilium filicinum) : an emmenagogue and brings on menstruation

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) : A uterine stimulant, historically used in labor

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) : A uterine stimulant, used in labor

Spikenard (Aralia racemosa)

Cotton root bark (Gossypium hersutum) : A uterine stimulant. Can be used to encourage contractions during a difficult labor though.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum): Uterine stimulant and toxic compounds may get into placenta

Peruviun bark (Cinchona officinalis) : highly toxic. Dangerous if used in high doses

Pokeroot (Phytolacca decandra) : May potentially cause congenital disabilities.

Pseudoginseng (Panax notoginseng) : May cause congenital disabilities

Pulsatilla (Anemone pulsatilla) : a menstrual stimulant

Rue (Ruta graveolens) : uterine and menstrual stimulant

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) : Uterine stimulant

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) : uterine stimulant and may also cause congenital disabilities

Squill (Urginea maritima) : Uterine Stimulant

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): Uterine stimulant

Wild Yam (Diascorea villosa): Uterine stimulant

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum): An abortifacient

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Topically safe but if ingested at high doses it can become a uterine stimulant

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) : Uterine stimulant that may cause birth defects

Black walnut (Juglans nigra)

Cascara sagrada (Frangula purshiana)

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

Aloe Vera

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum): A uterine stimulant that can cause birth defects

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus): Interfered with hormone production in pituitary gland though clinical data is lacking

Senna (Senna alexandrina)

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)

Yohimbe bark (Corynanthe yohimbe)

Sarsaparilla Root (Smilax regelii)

Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): A uterine stimulant

Dong Quai (Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis): Uterine and menstrual stimulant

False Unicorn Root (Chamaelirium luteum): A possible hormonal stimulant

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus): A uterine stimulant

Juniper (Juniperus communis): A uterine stimulant

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla xanthoclora)

Liferoot (Senecio aureus): A uterine stimulant

Mistletoe (Viscum album): A uterine stimulant and toxic to the placenta

Arbor vitae (Thuja occidentalis) : A uterine and menstrual stimulant that could damage the fetus. It is also called Western Hemlock

Autumn crocus (Colichicum autumnale) : Can effect cell division and cause birth defects

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) : contains high levels of berberine which stimulates uterine contractions

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): A uterine stimulant. In small doses, it can cause vomiting.

Broom (Cytisus scoparius) : Contains sparteine, a powerful oxytocic compound that causes uterine contractions.