Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy & Lactation, A - B

Aloe (Aloe vera):  Aloe is a strong purgative (stimulates evacuation of the bowels) and should only be used under medical supervision or avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Aloe's anthranoid content appears in breast milk and has a laxative effect. There is no evidence to support that reasonable cosmetic use of aloe is harmful.

Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica/Angelicai sinensis): **See Dong Quai/Dang Gui**

Anise, Star (Illicium verum): Teas (even blends) brewed with star anise should be avoided by everyone unless you are positive it contains Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) and is not contaminated with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which has been linked to reported adverse reactions (from mild nausea to vomiting, convulsions and seizures). Some herbalists actually recommend using star anise as a morning sickness remendy, but it has some estrogen activity and should be used with caution during pregnancy/lactation, especially by women who have ever been told not to take birth control pills by their doctor.

Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera); a.k.a. Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry Root: May have abortifacient properties in large doses. Avoid during pregnancy unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.

Barberry Root (Berberis vulgaris):  Contains high levels of berberine which has been known to stimulate uterine contractions. 

Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare): The research/information available about the effects of barley/wheat grass supplements in pregnant/lactating women is seriously lacking, which is why you may find it contraindicated during pregnancy and why I've listed it here. I checked the label of a Barley Grass supplement (from "Nature's Way") and it says that it is "not for use during pregnancy". There is, however, often a difference in "supplemental" and actual food use of herbs. Barley grass has been used as a food staple for centuries. 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Medicinal, supplemental use should be avoided entirely by pregnant or lactating women. Normal amounts used for cooking are considered safe by most herbalists. **In her book, "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" (Ash Tree Publishing), Susun Weed lists Basil as a common cooking herb which may encourage miscarriage, and should be avoided during the first trimester and used with caution thereafter.**

Bayberry Root Bark (Morella cerifera): Can stimulate uterine contractions.

Beth Root (Trillium erectum):  A uterine stimulant; use only during labor. 

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): May relax the muscular wall of the uterus; some nurse-midwives in the United States use black cohosh to stimulate labor (Mayo Clinic 5/1/06). Use only after labor has begun unless under the care of a qualified natural healthcare provider.

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra): May reduce milk supply in lacating mothers.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus): Bladderwrack may contain heavy metal contamination. Know and trust your source.

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus): Use in latter stages of pregnancy only; safe for breastfeeding; may increase milk production.

Blood Root (Sanguinaria canadensis): Documented emmenogogue effect (stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus; stimulates menstruation; in early stages of pregnancy can induce abortion) and uterine stimulant.

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) a.k.a. Caulophyllum, Papoose Root, Squaw Root: Contains the compound caulosaponin, reported to be a cardiotoxic causing constriction of coronary blood vessels, produce intestinal spasms, and possess oxytocic (stimulates uterine contractions) properties. American Indians used blue cohosh to induce labor, and it is still most commonly used to stimulate and ease the effects of labor today.  Use only after labor has begun unless under the care of a qualified natural healthcare provider.

Blue Flag Root (Iris versicolor L.) or (Iris caroliniana): Because the safety of blue flag has not been established and because of the documented irritant properties of some of the constituents, blue flag should not be taken during pregnancy.

Blue Vervain **see Vervain**

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) a.k.a. Feverwort, Thoroughwort, Snakeroot: Because of the lack of toxicity data and the possibility of constituents with allergenic activity, the use of boneset during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.

Borage (Borago officinalis) a.k.a. Beebread, Bee Plant, Burrage, Starflower: Should not be used during pregnancy and lactation because of documented pyrrolizidine constituents and lack of toxicity data.

Buchu (Agathosma betulina): Use during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided because of the potential toxicity and irritant action of the volatile oil (contains pulegone, a known hepatoxin), and a lack of safety data.

Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) a.k.a. Alder Dogwood, Arrow Wood, Black Dogwood, Frangula Alnus, Frangula Bark, Frangulae Cortex: Aged buckthorn is a laxative. Improperly aged buckthorn is a purgative, causing intense intestinal spasms and vomiting. Avoid both while pregnant and lactating.

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa): large quantities may stimulate the uterus and therefore should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) a.k.a. Box Holly, Jew's Myrtle, Kneeholm, Knee Holly, Pettigree, Sweet Broom: Maximum safe doses for young children, pregnant or nursing women, and persons with liver or kidney disease have not been established.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) a.k.a. Lagwort, Plague-flower, Butterdock, Butterfly Dock, Butter-dock, Bog Rhubarb, Flapperdock, Umbrella leaves, and Bogshorns: According to Dr. Alan Greene, the Pediatric Expert for Yahoo!, Rob Reiner’s ParentsAction.org, and NPR’s The People’s Pharmacy, natural petasites (butterbur) contains highly toxic alkaloids that are known to seriously damage the liver and to cause cancer. They have also been associated with potentially fatal blood clots and with chronic scarring of the lung. Even small traces of these alkaloids are considered quite dangerous. Some commercial preparations are available where these alkaloids have been removed. They may work as well as the natural product, but we do not know. Nevertheless, butterbur in any form should not be used by women who are pregnant or who are nursing

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