You love hot drinks. It’s simple: you can’t live without them! But now that you’re pregnant, you’re not sure which plants to choose for your infusions. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you pick the right herbal tea during pregnancy.
Can you drink herbal tea during pregnancy?
The question is perfectly legitimate, since we know that plants are far from harmless. They contain active chemical compounds that can have an impact on the body. That is precisely why they are used for therapeutic purposes (herbal medicine, food supplements, homeopathy… and herbal teas). During pregnancy, paying close attention to the plant infusions you consume is essential, as they can have a direct effect on the foetus.
That said, it is entirely possible — and even recommended — to drink herbal tea while pregnant, because:
- pregnancy calls for optimal hydration, of at least 2 litres per day;
- drinking enough fluids, including herbal infusions, can help reduce water retention, ease constipation, prevent urinary tract infections and relieve venous insufficiency, all common discomforts of pregnancy;
- your baby also needs hydration, which is essential for healthy development;
- herbal tea is a great alternative to tea and coffee, which are not forbidden but should be consumed in moderation.
Which plants should be avoided during pregnancy?
As mentioned above, certain plants are not recommended during pregnancy. They can affect the health of the expectant mother, the course of the pregnancy, and the baby’s wellbeing. Among the plants to avoid:
- peppermint, common laurel, spike lavender, mugwort, vervain and yarrow, known as abortifacients, which may trigger uterine contractions and, potentially, premature labour;
- common sage, liquorice, ginseng, hops and fennel, which are phytoestrogen plants;
- feverfew, clary sage, parsley, angelica and saffron, which are traditionally known to stimulate menstruation;
- red vine, ginkgo biloba, horse chestnut and witch hazel, venotonic plants commonly used to relieve heavy legs, are not recommended during pregnancy (as per the European Medicines Agency);
- “detox” and draining plants, as they “release” toxins from the body, but those same toxins may be absorbed by the foetus — meadowsweet, dandelion, black radish or artichoke;
- valerian and St John’s wort, which are relaxing but may affect the baby’s nervous system.
This list is not exhaustive. Before consuming any herbal tea, it is best to seek advice from your doctor.
Which herbal teas are best during pregnancy?
On the other hand, certain plants consumed as herbal teas are permitted and even recommended for pregnant women. To make sure you’re choosing the right ones, it’s best to prepare your own blends at home or visit a specialist shop (such as an herbalist), where you can find mixes specifically suited to pregnancy.
Among the plants to favour:
- nettle, rich in vitamins and trace elements, which give it remineralising properties that are particularly valuable during pregnancy. It also contains silica, which is excellent for helping to prevent stretch marks;
- ginger, ideal in early pregnancy to ease nausea, and also later on for its action against gastro-oesophageal reflux (acid reflux caused by stomach compression);
- mallow, whose flowers are rich in mucilages — gentle fibres that support good digestion and help combat constipation;
- rosehip (wild dog rose), highly revitalising and beneficial for immunity, thanks to its high vitamin C and antioxidant content;
- linden and orange blossom, timeless classics that promote relaxation and restful sleep;
- raspberry leaf, but only in the final weeks of pregnancy, as it acts as a tonic on the uterine muscles, helping to prepare for labour and reduce post-partum inflammation.
If you are unsure or would like a specific herbal tea to soothe your pregnancy discomforts, nothing beats the advice of a healthcare professional: your GP, obstetrician-gynaecologist, midwife or pharmacist.