Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.
HERBS TO AVOID OR USE WITH CAUTION DURING PREGNANCY
Many herbs contain steroids that can affect the baby’s development during pregnancy and/or nursing. Others may be of a mild toxic type, and others may be strong uterine stimulants. Please read this section carefully and take heed.
Angelica – stimulates suppressed menstruation
Black Cohosh – uterine stimulant – mostly used during labor
Blue Cohosh – a stronger uterine stimulant
Borage oil – a uterine stimulant – use only during the last few days of pregnancy
Comfrey – can cause liver problems in mother and fetus – use only briefly, externally only, for treating sprains and strains –
Dong Quai – may stimulate bleeding
Elder – do not use during pregnancy or lactation
Fenugreek – uterine relaxant
Goldenseal – too powerful an antibiotic for the developing fetus, also should not be used if nursing
Henbane – highly toxic
Horsetail – too high in silica for the developing fetus
Licorice Root – can create water retention and/or elevated blood pressure
Motherwort – stimulates suppressed menstruation
Mugwort – can be a uterine stimulant
Nutmeg – can cause miscarriage in large doses
Pennyroyal Leaf – stimulates uterine contractions (NOTE: Pennyroyal essential oil should not be used by pregnant women at any time!) – do not handle if pregnant or nursing
Rue – strong expellant
Shepherd’s Purse – used only for hemmorhaging during/after childbirth
Uva Ursi – removes too much blood sugar during pregnancy and nursing
Yarrow – uterine stimulant