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Herbal remedies have been used for centuries in many countries for a large variety of ailments. Herbal remedies are being recommended and prescribed more often in Australia by naturopaths, homoeopaths, herbalists and other health care practitioners.
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This leaflet is intended as a guide only, and the information is based on current knowledge of herbal remedies and their effects.
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In all cases, it is advisable that patients seek advice if contemplating the use of any herbal remedy during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The Royal Women's Hospital Drug Information Centre does not recommend the use of herbal preparations during pregnancy or breastfeeding, due to a lack of documented safety information. If a herbal preparation is recommended to you, and you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to ask your prescriber about the safety of the preparation for you and your baby.
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Herbal preparations should be avoided wherever possible during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, some herbal products may be used after the first trimester. Consult the prescriber for further information.
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Reasons to be careful
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- Most herbal and homoeopathic remedies have not been tested to determine their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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- Herbal remedies are often quite expensive to buy, and many have not been scientifically proven to be effective.
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- No remedy is a substitute for good nutrition, adequate exercise and plenty of sleep.
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- Herbal remedies have not been proven as safe and effective substitutes for medication prescribed by your doctor.
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When and what to avoid
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During the first 12 weeks and the last 12 weeks of pregnancy avoid all herbals.
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- If there is a history of threatened or actual miscarriage.
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- If there is a history of difficulty in conceiving.
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- If there is any abdominal pain.
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- If there is any lower back pain.
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You should also avoid
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- Herbs with a stimulating effect on the uterus
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- Herbs which promote menstruation
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The list of herbs you should avoid is fairly extensive. The following are some examples:
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| Pennyroyal |
Mugwort |
Bryonia |
| Angelica |
Sage (in large quantities) |
Golden Seal |
| Senna |
Origanum Oil |
Male fern |
| Feverfew |
Mistletoe |
Parsley in medicinal dosage |
| Liquorice (in certain cases) |
Kelp |
Rue |
| Kombucha tea |
Juniper |
Southerwood |
| Dong Quai |
Aloes |
Autumn crocus |
| Gingko Biloba |
Blue or black cohosh |
Wormwood |
| Nutmeg (in high doses) |
Irish Moss |
Buckthorn |
| Echinacea |
Tansy |
Roe |
| Broom |
Thuja |
Peppermint (in high doses) |
| Mandrake |
Barberry |
Blackroot |
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Vitamins and minerals to avoid
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- Vitamin C (at doses of greater than 1000mg daily)
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Before using herbal preparations during pregnancy contact your naturopath, homoeopath or herbalist.
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For more information
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The Royal Women's Hospital Drug Information Centre
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Tel: (03) 9344 2277
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Email: drug.information@rwh.org.au
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Fax: (03) 9349 2756
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Hours: 9am-5pm Monday - Friday
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This fact sheet is also available in: Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Khmer, Macedonian, Serbian, Somali, Tigrinian, Turkish, Vietnamese
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