Herbs contraindicated in pregnancy

Herbs contraindicated in pregnancy

Herbs for horses are part of a natural diet, but do you know which herbs are not recommended for the pregnant mare or other pregnant mammal? Here is a list compiled from various resources that you may find useful.

When it comes to pregnancy, it is important to do some research before giving anything to the future mother. Even though it seems to be as natural and common as an herb can be.

This list is not exhaustive and I'm sure I'll come across some other herbs!

Effects on plant name

Aloe Vera (Aloe Vera) uterine stimulant

Angelica (Angelica spp.) uterine stimulant

Chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus) emmenagogue

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) Uterine stimulating, abortifacient, hormonal effects

Burdock (Arctium lappa) uterine stimulant, oxytocic

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or recutita) Possible abortifacient, emmenagogue, uterine stimulant

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) uterine stimulant

Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata) Abortifacient

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Teratogenic, mutagenic fetotoxin

Fennel (Foeniculum officinale) uterine stimulant

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Oxytocic, emmenagog, abortifacient

Garlic (Allium sativum) Large doses can stimulate the uterus, can have an emmenagogue effect, passes into milk and then passes to the foal, which can upset the delicate digestive system

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Be careful during early pregnancy as it can be a uterine stimulant

Ginseng (Panax spp.) May adversely affect the fetus

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) uterine stimulant, emmenagogue

Juniper (Juniperius communis) uterine stimulant

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia and all other species) emmenagogue

Mint – all types – (Mentha spp.) Reduces milk flow

Feverfew (Leonurus spp.) uterine stimulant

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) uterine stimulant, emmenagogue

Red clover (Trifolium sham) abortifacient, emmenagogue

Raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus) uterine stimulant and should be avoided early in pregnancy, but are fine at the end for birth preparation and in low doses

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient

Sage (Salvia officinalis) Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) emmenagogue

Turmeric (Curcuma longa aromatica) uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient

Verbena (Verbena officinalis) uterine stimulant

Wormwood and Mugwort (Artemisia absinthum & vulgaris) Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient

Glossary of terms:

Abortifacient: induces abortion

Emmenagogue: promotes menstrual flow

Oxytocic: promotes birth

uterusStimulant: produces uterine cramps

Teratogenic: capable of disrupting the growth and development of an embryo or fetus

Mutagen: an agent that can cause mutations

Fetotoxin: a substance or agent that may poison or cause degenerative effects in a developing fetus or embryo

References:

SG Wynn, BJ Fougere “Veterinary herbal medicine”Mosby Elsevier, 2007

PO Mnimh “The Complete Medicinal Herbs of the Herbal Society”Dorling Kindersley book1993

M Pedersen “Nutritional Herbology”Wendell W. Whitman Co., 2002