by Lara Whybrow
I was looking for this information for myself and I thought it was so beneficial that I had to pass it along.
Herbal teas are wonderful for health but some should be avoided during Pregnancy because of their powerful effects and active ingredients.
This article, written by Dan J from Herbal Infusions, lists common herbs that have been linked to miscarriages or birth problems. As I always say, rather safe than sorry!
Here is an extract:
I was looking for this information for myself and I thought it was so beneficial that I had to pass it along.
Herbal teas are wonderful for health but some should be avoided during Pregnancy because of their powerful effects and active ingredients.
This article, written by Dan J from Herbal Infusions, lists common herbs that have been linked to miscarriages or birth problems. As I always say, rather safe than sorry!
Here is an extract:
There are certain herbs that should not be consumed while trying to conceive or while pregnant. Some of these items on the list below are sure to surprise you.
1. Parsley
Most people think I'm crazy when I tell them this. After all - It is a garnish for Italian dishes, right? How bad can it be? Culinary amounts are fine... however, when Pregnant or trying to conceive, large medicinal doses should be avoided as they can in fact be harmful. Parsley has been used as a cure all for a number of ailments: bad breath, digestive problems, kidney problems, bruises and insect bites, lice and parasites, promoting hair growth, and most importantly in this case to stimulate menstrual flow and increase breast milk production. Parsley contains myristicin and apide both of which stimulate the muscles in the uterus, and this can cause serious complications including miscarriage. In fact, at one time parsley was used alone and with other herbs to induce miscarriage.
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2. Ginger
Ginger can suppress menstruation and has been used for menstrual irregularities. While ginger is great for you normally, it should be avoided in Large Amounts when pregnant. Research has shown that ginger is a powerful thromboxane synthetase inhibitor. (English translation: It can potentially effect testosterone binding in the fetus). Once again, a culinary amount is fine, just don't go crazy and take it in medicinal amounts.
3. Sage
If you are using this herb in a culinary amount, you are okay - but there are a few little known, or perhaps long forgotten facts about sage that you might want to make yourself aware of. Sage oil has a high concentration of a chemical called thujone, which in certain doses, is toxic. Purified sage oil is highly toxic and should NEVER BE TAKEN INTERNALLY. It will cause convulsions in both animals and humans, and has resulted in comatose, mental deterioration and death. Our friend Vincent Van Gogh - Yes - The artist who went crazy and cut his own ear off - was good friends with an old time drink called absinthe. You have probably heard of absinthe, but did you know that the famous ingredient in absinthe is thujone? Well - There you have it. Many say that thujone is what made Van Gogh go mad. Even a prolonged use of sage tea has been deemed by some health officials to be hazardous to anyone, pregnant or not. Sage also has a mild estrogen like effect and can bring about a delayed menstruation period... as such, it should be avoided in large amounts during pregnancy.
4. Rosemary
While most places you look will tell you that this herb has never been shown to induce abortion, health authorities also advise pregnant women not to take it in large amounts.
5. Celery Seed
That's right - Another common kitchen herb that can make things go wrong during pregnancy. Who knew? Celery comes from the same family as parsley, so it is not surprising that it would have some of the same properties and effects. It too has been used to cure delayed menstruation and has been used in Large Doses to end pregnancy. Avoid it in large or medicinal amounts.
6. Pineapple
I know, I know, you probably think I've gone off the deep end. Am I going to list every item in your kitchen?!? No - I promise I'm not...but I wanted to include these common items because that is what you will be most likely to have and therefore consume. The leaves of the unripened Fruit have been used as a diruetic for centuries and also have been used as a tonic to stimulate menstruation. The unripe fruit is actually considered posionous as it can induce vomiting. Large doses of the ripe fruit juice can actually cause uterine contractions. Unless you are ready to give birth, you don't want that. As with everything else - Pineapple, and Pineapple juice - consume in moderation.
7. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
In large doses this can stimulate estrogen levels in the body and interfere with progesterone. (Progesterone is essential in pregnancy). Vitamin C has been used to prevent implantation of he oveum as well as weaken it's grip if already fertilized and implanted. So - cut out popping vitamin C pills and add vitamin C rich foods to your diet instead.
8. Pomegranate
This is one of my favourite fruits. It is known as a fruit of the gods, and it has been depicted in paintings and carvings for centuries... but why? Did the ancients know something about it that we don't? Probably. Pomegranate has contraceptive effects. (This doesn't mean to stop your birth control and start eating pomegranates instead ladies!) It has been proven however, that pomegranate seeds can reduce fertility rates. Maybe those folks from before our time knew something after all, huh? I mean, why on earth would people keep pomegranate, celery seed, and parsley next to their bedsides? Hmmm... something tells me it may have been more than a breath freshener.
Now on to the less known herbs that you probably don't keep hanging around in your kitchen pantry.
read the rest of the article here: http://herbalinfusions.ca/blogs/tea-health/8262127-fertility-conception-and-pregnancy-teas-and-herbs-to-avoid?comment=722370937#comments
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