Many people have turned to holistic approaches to health care, which include the use of herbs, as an alternative to traditional medicine. There are some herbs, however, that shouldn’t be used during pregnancy because of what they do to reproductive organs or because of naturally-occurring substances found in them.

Culinary herbs (basil, oregano, etc.) usually are safe in the small amounts used in cooking, but not in larger doses used for teas. Anthraquinone laxatives stimulate muscle, including the uterus, possibly causing miscarriage. Uterine stimulants should be avoided for the same reason. Alkaloids, bitter principles or essential oils should be avoided because they affect functions in the mom-to-be’s body as well as in the fetus. Abortifacients also might cause miscarriage. Emmenagogues promote and regulate menstruation, which should be avoided during pregnancy.

If you have questions about an herb or what is a safe amount, avoid the herb or ask an herbal practitioner or homeopathic doctor.