Linden, verbena, thyme, mint, laurel, there is a wide variety of plants that can be consumed as an infusion. However, for pregnant women, certain herbal teas are recommended and others should be avoided. Naturopath Hélène Comlan helps you take stock.
Lots of pregnant women practice self-medication, thinking to do good by consuming certain plantsbut beware, warns naturopath Hélène Comlan, also author of the book “Herbal teas with 1000 virtues: 80 pleasure & well-being recipes” (Marie Claire Editions), they can have an abortive action (promoting the expulsion of the egg), an impact on estrogen… in short, it is better to consult a naturopath, ask your pharmacist for advice if he knows about it well in herbal medicine or a good herbalist. Because during pregnancy, some plants are beneficial to health, others should be avoided. We take stock of the herbal teas to take or not to infuse when you are pregnant.
What herbal teas can a pregnant woman drink?
Verbena herbal tea
Many plants, consumed in the form of herbal teas can contribute to improve your sleep and be consumed safely during your pregnancy. This is the case for the leaves of Verbena, of Lindenand some Orange Blossom that will help you get a good sleep just like the lemon balm has excellent relaxing virtues in case of insomnia or stress. Note that you can also use hydrolats, flower waters (rose, orange) and add a few drops to your linden infusion, for example.
Thyme herbal tea: effective against nausea?
Consumed in small quantities by pregnant women, no more than one cup a dayherbal tea Thyme has multiple benefits. Indeed, it can soothe your nausearelieve your liver and help you clear your airways in case of common cold.
Herbal tea with mint, ginger, to better digest
you suffer from nausea, frequent in early pregnancy? Bet on a Ginger infusion. Rather in roots, because consumed in herbal tea, the taste is better there than in powder. You can add some fresh mint leaves (well washed all fresh plants by soaking them with a drop of vinegar if you are not immune to toxoplasmosis) for improve your transit.
Mallow herbal tea
Pregnant women frequently suffer from cystitis. If you are not able to take medication to treat your urinary problems, a Mallow infusion will help you fight against urinary discomfort. You can combine it with Heather for his draining action.
Laurel herbal tea
Good for boost your immune systemstimulate you in case of tirednessthe herbal tea of Laurel can be consumed during pregnancy, but in moderation.
What herbal teas should you avoid during pregnancy?
Chamomile herbal tea
If certain species of Chamomile can be used during pregnancy, attention warns the naturopath: “Feverfew, also known as Roman Chamomile, should be avoided because it will affect estrogen”.
Hibiscus herbal tea
Very rich in antioxidants, the infusion ofHibiscus is however to avoid in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding because it will have a detox effect and can also impact your liver. Besides the big chamomile and hibiscusother phytoestrogen plants are not recommended during pregnancy.
- This is the case of Fennelof Hop and some Sage because these plants contain phytoestrogens which can impact your hormones and lead to risk of miscarriage. Their consumption is therefore absolutely not recommended before reaching term.
- Renowned for their detoxifying effect, bitter plants such as buckthornthe Rhubarb or the Licoricecan impact the liver and intestine, which is not good for pregnant women who are already often prone to intestinal disorders.
- Finally, if the Valerian and the St. John’s wort are infusions recommended to improve sleep, their consumption should be avoided during pregnancy because they act on estrogen and the nervous system.
Pregnant, should you prefer organic herbal tea?
“Of course, it’s always better to go organic. But beyond the label, the most important thing is the origin of the plants we consume“ emphasizes Hélène Comlan. His advice: rather than favoring organic herbal teas, choose those that are grown in Francein a dynamic environmentally friendly or from plants that you grew yourself.
What herbal tea to fight against water retention and circulatory disorders?
A herbal tea of Chestnut or of red vine is an excellent drink to fight against the problems of Water retention, common during pregnancy. In case of blood circulation disorders, feeling of heavy legs or appearance of hemorrhoids, other classic ailments affecting pregnant women, consume herbal teas made fromWitch Hazel can relieve you effectively.
Sage, raspberry… Which herbal teas to speed up labour?
If they are not recommended during pregnancy because of their abortifacient effects, herbal teas made from raspberry bushof Sage or of Licorice can be consumed, in the long term, to promote expulsion. They then go help the cervix get to work.
How much herbal tea per day during pregnancy?
Another recommendation from the naturopath: even the herbal teas recommended during pregnancy should not be consumed excessively: do not drink it no more than one to two cups a day.