Some herbs have proved they have an adverse effect on reproductive health and fertility. For example, the results of a study published in the journal of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, indicate that St. John’s wort, echinacea and ginkgo biloba may damage reproductive cells and even cause genetic sperm mutations.

Herbs that are listed above should never be taken during pregnancy:

Angelica is known to suppress menstruation and can also cause uterine contractions

Blue Cohosh  a stronger uterine stimulant

Borage oil  a uterine stimulant – use only during the last few days of pregnancy

Cinchona cinchona and it’s alkaloids should be avoided in pregnancy because of their oxytocic effects.

Comfrey can cause liver problems in mother and fetus – use only briefly, externally only, for treating sprains and strains

Dong Quai  may stimulate bleeding

Soda and Coffee avoid caffeine, as it irritates the uterus; excessive amounts in some sensitive individuals can cause premature birthing or miscarriage.

Elder do not use during pregnancy or lactation

Eucalyptus oil difficult to eliminate through the kidneys.

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

Juniper too strong vaso-dialating, diurectic effect. Juniper and Juniper Oil are uterine stimulants and can only be usedduring labor.

Licorice Root  can create water retention and/or elevated blood pressure

Lovage causes uterine contractions

Rue  strong expellant

Ma Huang (ephedra) too strong of an antihistamine effect.

Male fern too strong a vermifuge.

Motherwort  stimulates suppressed menstruation

Mugwort can be a uterine stimulant

Mistletoe can cause contractions.

Mugwort stimulates contractions and can be toxic in large doses. Mugwort may lead to birth defects. Should be also avoided when breastfeeding.

Nutmeg can cause miscarriage in large doses

Pennyroyal stimulates uterine contractions and can cause miscarriage. (NOTE: Pennyroyal essential oil should not be used by pregnant women at any time!)

Poke root a powerful emetic (causes vomiting) and may cause birth defects.

Rue can cause miscarriage. Rue is menstrual stimulant that may cause premature contractions.

Sheperds Purse too astringent; may be used for afterbirth bleeding. Shepherd’s Purse is a uterine stimulant and hould be used only during labor. It can be also used for hemmorhaging during/after childbirth.

Tansy can cause uterine contractions, and as uterine stimulant, may cause birth defects.

Wild Ginger an ammenogogue that causes uterine contractions.

Wormwood stimulates uterine contractions and be toxic in large doses. Wormwood may cause birth defects. Should be also avoid when breastfeeding.

Uva Ursi  removes too much blood sugar during pregnancy and nursing

Yarrow is uterine stimulant, too strong astringent and mild abortifacient.

Additionally, below is a list of herbs that should not be taken without the recommendation of your herbalist, midwife, or doctor. Herbs that are laxative in nature and should therefore be used sparingly: because laxatives stimulate the muscle, including uterus, they might cause miscarriage. Laxatives found in following herbs should be used with caution because they may cause stomach griping and cramps: aloe vera, rubarb, barberry, mandrake, buckhorn, senna, cascara sagrada, docks, and meadow saffron.

Tags: conceive, fertility, herb, herbs, infertility

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