Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Reference Guide

Author: Pam Caldwell, Certified Herbalist specializing in Fertility, Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, and Lactation and founder of Herb Lore.

This is a reference list of herbs commonly used in Western herbalism that should be avoided during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. The lists are alphabetical for quick lookup. They cover the herbs Herb Lore is most often asked about, but they are not exhaustive. If you don’t find a particular herb here, that is not a confirmation that it is safe; please check with your healthcare provider or a qualified clinical herbalist.

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How to Use This List

These lists are a starting point, not the final word. Use them this way:

• Look up a specific herb alphabetically. If it appears on the list relevant to your situation (pregnancy or breastfeeding), avoid it.
• Check both lists if you’re breastfeeding. Some herbs that are listed for pregnancy are also a concern during lactation, and vice versa, but the lists are not identical.
• Don’t assume an herb is safe because it’s not on the list. Many less-common herbs aren’t included here. When in doubt, ask a clinical herbalist or your healthcare provider.
• Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding, especially if you take prescription medication or have a health condition.

Why Some Herbs Are Considered Unsafe During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Herbs are listed here for a range of reasons. The most common categories include:

• Effects on uterine activity that may be a concern during pregnancy
• Hormonal effects that may interfere with pregnancy or lactation
• Compounds that pass into breastmilk in concentrations that may affect the baby
• Effects on milk production (some herbs decrease supply)
• Toxicity concerns at certain doses or with extended use
• Lack of safety data for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

When used in cooking, occasional use of the culinary herbs listed below is considered safe.

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Herbs to Avoid During Lactation

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A Note on Culinary Amounts

Several herbs on these lists, including basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme, are common kitchen herbs. Using them to season food in normal cooking amounts is generally considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. The safety concern is with concentrated medicinal forms: tinctures, strong infusions, capsules, essential oils, or large quantities consumed regularly.

For example, sprinkling sage on a Thanksgiving stuffing is not the same as drinking strong sage tea daily. The dose makes the difference.

Pam’s Rule of Thumb

Assume that whatever you take, eat, or drink can pass through breastmilk to your baby. What it does for you, it can also do to your baby. This is especially important to keep in mind for anyone considering products marketed for weight loss or stimulants for energy (including coffee and chocolate).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any herbs safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Many herbs are considered safe during pregnancy when used appropriately, and Herb Lore offers tinctures, salves and teas formulated specifically for pregnancy support. Shop Safe Herbal Products for Pregnancy The lists above identify what to avoid; for what to take, see the pregnancy-specific products and articles linked at the bottom of this page.

Are any herbs safe during breastfeeding?

Yes. Many gentle herbs are appropriate during lactation, and certain herbs (galactagogues) are traditionally used to support milk production. See Galactagogues: Herbs that Increase Breastmilk Production for an overview.

What if I’ve already taken an herb on this list?

If you’ve taken any of these herbs in concentrated form during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the appropriate next step is to stop use and contact your healthcare provider. Don’t panic-search; just have an informed conversation with your provider about what you took, how much, and for how long.

Is it safe to drink herbal tea during pregnancy?

It depends on the herb. Many herbal teas use ingredients on the avoid list (peppermint, raspberry leaf in early pregnancy, and others have specific considerations). Stick with teas formulated specifically for pregnancy, or check each ingredient against this list. Our Certified Organic Chamomile Tea is safe for pregnant women.

Which herbs decrease breastmilk supply?

Sage and parsley are the two most commonly noted on this list as having a milk-reducing effect when used in concentrated or large amounts. Both are fine in normal cooking amounts. Other herbs may also affect supply; if you’re concerned about milk production, talk to a lactation consultant.

Can I use essential oils during pregnancy?

Essential oils are concentrated forms of many of the herbs on these lists, and several are not appropriate for use during pregnancy or with infants. This is a separate topic from internal herbal use. Talk to a qualified aromatherapist or your healthcare provider before using essential oils during pregnancy or around a young baby.

Are culinary amounts of these herbs safe?

For most kitchen herbs on the list (basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, cinnamon, ginger), normal cooking amounts are generally considered safe. The safety concern is with medicinal-strength preparations.

Why are some herbs on the pregnancy list but not the breastfeeding list, and vice versa?

The two lists reflect different physiological situations. An herb that affects uterine activity may be a concern during pregnancy but not during breastfeeding. An herb that decreases milk supply is a concern during lactation but not during pregnancy. Always check both lists if you’re moving from pregnancy to breastfeeding.

Related Articles

• Children’s Herbal Dosage Guide: Tincture and Tea Dosing by Age
• What Are Tinctures and How Do You Use Them?
• Galactagogues: Herbs that Increase Breastmilk Production
• How to Increase Your Breastmilk Supply
• Pregnancy Tea and Pregnancy Tea Plus
• Nursing Tea and Nursing Tincture