For some yes, for others no! Many types of tea and herbal tea can be consumed in moderation during pregnancy; about 2 to 3 cups a day. On the other hand, certain plants contain substances that can be harmful to the fetus.
Some of these can poison the baby, cause congenital defects or even provoke a spontaneous abortion. Therefore, before consuming any flavoured tea or herbal tea, it is important to read the label and identify which types of herbs are contained in each infusion.
Herbs to Avoid:
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Litte Known Effects
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Known Undesirable Effects
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- Burdock
- Hop
- Rooibos Tea
- Linden
- Valerian
- Wild Yam
- Japanese Mint
- Fennel
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- Aloe
- Black cohosh with blue or black leaves
- Buckthorn
- Calendula
- Chamomile
- Chaste Tree or Monk’s Pepper
- Coltsfoot
- Comfrey
- Chinese Angelica
- Joint Fir/Pine
- Primrose
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Juniper
- Kava
- Licorice
- Labrador Tea
- Lobelia
- Passionflower
- Sage
- Sene
- St John’s Wort
- Tea Tree
- Thuja or Cedar
- Bearberry
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Certain plants are safe to consume, but in moderate quantities, a maximum of 2 to 3 cups a day:
- Orange or citrus fruit peel
- Echinacea
- Peppermint
- Red raspberry leaves
- Briar
- Rosemary
If you have any doubts on certain plants, avoid their infusion since their effect on pregnancy may not have been verified yet. Remember that fluid intake is very important during pregnancy. Drink milk, water and juice to ensure adequate hydration.
