Herbal
teas during pregnancy - what to avoid
Many women believe
that herbal teas can be soothing and relaxing during pregnancy,
and herbal teas are often suggested to pregnant women who
are suffering from pregnancy related nausea commonly known
as "morning sickness"
But what many pregnant
women do not realize is that they should not ingest any herbal
products during their pregnancy. This not only includes herbal
supplements but even seemingly innocent herbal teas.
Drinking large
amounts of certain herbal teas, including the red raspberry
leaf tea and the popular peppermint tea, is believed to cause
uterine contractions which may increase the risk of preterm
labor or even miscarriage.
Before you drink
any herbal teas, or take any herbal supplements, check with
your physician. If possible, take the actual herbal tea or
supplement with you. Some added ingredients to herbal teas
and herbal supplements may also be dangerous to pregnant women,
including black or blue cohosh, ephedra, dong quai, feverfew,
juniper, pennyroyal, St. John's wort, rosemary and thuja.
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