Herbal teas are hot - even your local grocery store boasts dozens of varieties. But there's a caveat: the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbs. They don't get the same scrutiny as foods or prescription drugs, so consumers have no way of knowing if the herb will stand up to its claims. Even more concerning for moms-to-be is the lack of research establishing that herbs are safe during pregnancy.
On the plus side, the Natural Medicines Database helps consumers determine which herbs are likely to be safe and which are better left on the shelf. Here's a snapshot view of their findings:
Likely unsafe:
- Saw Palmetto
- Goldenseal
- Dong Qual
- Ephedra
- Yohimbe
- Pay D' Arco
- Passion Flower
- Black Cohosh
- Blue Cohosh
- Roman Chamomile
- Pennyroyal
Possibly unsafe:
- Aloe
- Ginseng
- Evening primrose
- Feverfew
- Kava Kava
- Senna
Likely safe:
- Red Raspberry Leaf
- Peppermint Leaf
- Ginger root
- Slippery Elm Bark
- Oats & Oat Straw
- Blond Psyllium
- Black Psyllium
- Garlic
- Capsicum
