Medicinal plants and infusions that a pregnant woman can take (and those that are prohibited)

During pregnancy, especially in the first months, many women experience problems associated with hormonal changes.

to relieve them medicinal plants can be an option valuable. But before of taking any type of plant or infusion during pregnancy, even the slightest risk must be ruled out, and therefore it is essential to be well informed.

Plants prohibited during pregnancy

First of all plants with estrogenic effects should be avoided (which promote the production of estrogens) and oxytocic (they increase the tone of uterine contractions), which in both cases could generate a risk for the pregnancy.

This is the case of plants used as commonly as sage, valerian, mugwort, calendula, alfalfa, meadow clover, eleutherococcus or hydrastis.

Anticoagulant plants are also discouraged such as sweet clover, viburnum, arnica, garlic, guarana or turmeric, except in topical applications.

It is also warned of the inconvenience of taking hypericum in extractsdue to the existence of various incompatibilities with medicines and certain foods; ponytail and shepherd’s bag by the presence of alkaloids, as well as laxatives that could be irritating like the frangula, the senna or the forbidden cascara sagrada.

And of course, be aware of the danger of ingesting essential oils, due to the abortifacient effect of certain components that are present in lemon balm, hyssop, celery, fennel, parsley, savory and in almost all aromatic plants, such as thyme and mint.

plants and infusions that a pregnant woman can take

What to take then? selected plants can be taken during pregnancy but it doesn’t hurt to have him specialist advice:

To counter the dizziness and nausea are recommended the pennyroyal or chamomile in infusion. For venous problems, such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids, the ideal ones blueberriesor the sitz baths of witch hazel.To mitigate the anemia and bring vigor, lcress leaves or carrot juicefor its remineralizing power. flatulence they are fought with green anise seeds. vomiting peach tree leaves are useful. constipation Mild laxatives such as flaxseed or psyllium are indicated, which do not irritate the mucous membranes and lubricate the intestine. cramps Muscle pain can be relieved with celery, nettle or meadowsweet seeds. And for fluid retention and edemathe dandelion.

4 useful plants for pregnancy

DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) in pregnancy

Properties: Diuretic, cleansing, appetizer, liver and kidney protector, laxative.how to take it: Root decoction, fluid extract, capsules, in root juice or its leaves in salad.

cress (Nasturtium officinale) in pregnancy

Properties: Remineralizing, antianemic, diuretic, appetite stimulant, hypoglycemic, anti-infective.How to take it: Raw or boiled leaves in food, fresh plant juice in combination with other plants

ZARAGATONA (plantago afra) in pregnancy

Properties: Mild laxative, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, diuretic and digestive.how to take it: Maceration of the seeds, in simple or combined decoction, in powders or capsules.

BLUEBERRIES (Vaccinium myrtillus) in pregnancy

Properties: Capillary protector, venotonic, microcirculation stimulant, anti-infective, antihemorrhagic, astringent.How to take them: Decoction of fruits, dried or raw fruits, juices and shakes, in liquid extract. These wild berries are widely consumed in Anglo-Saxon countries, where they are eaten fresh, in compote, in jams, cakes and fruit salads.