Herbal teas during pregnancy: which ones to take and which ones to avoid
We are inclined to always consider natural herbs useful, or at least harmless. But during pregnancy it is better to pay attention to what you take because some herbal teas could cause side effects, in short, be not indicated or even harmful to health in the delicate phase that the body is experiencing.
Do not drink herbal teas of any kind without getting well informed about the ingredients and characteristics of the different herbs, it is a good rule to adopt during pregnancy.
Also find out all the other things a mom-to-be should avoid!
Which herbal tea to choose?
The first rule is to make sure that the herbal tea does not contain essential oils. In fact, these oils are able to reach the fetus and the effects have not yet been studied in depth.
Another good rule is not to overdo it: it applies to every expectant mother but also in general. It is always best to use common sense and not to exceed one or two cups of herbal tea a day.
The most common herbal teas such as chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, linden, hawthorn, mint and passion flower are usually considered beneficial in pregnancy. Many of these plants are able to relieve small annoyances typical of pregnant women, but we do not imagine quick and miraculous solutions, in case of ailments it is better to contact the gynecologist.
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Ginger for nausea and vomiting
Ginger is an excellent natural solution in case of nausea and vomiting, frequent complaints especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. For a slight annoyance, the prepackaged herbal tea or the one prepared at home by placing a few slices of fresh ginger root in boiling water is fine. If the discomfort is more persistent, it is better to choose the dry extract (eye because it requires a phytotherapeutic prescription).
Obviously we are talking about a transient annoyance: if instead you have severe nausea and frequent episodes of vomiting, contact your doctor who will be able to provide you with the best therapeutic indications.
Valerian in case of insomnia and stress
Women who are expecting a baby find it difficult to relax or sleep well. To pamper yourself and reconcile sleep you can use a classic hot herbal tea, with valerian, chamomile, lime and passion flower. It does not work miracles but taken regularly it helps to regain serenity.
Even creams can be a very relaxing cuddle during pregnancy!
Birch against abdominal swelling
Birch is very useful against abdominal swelling because it is rich in an active ingredient, betulin, with anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Expectant mothers can drink a birch-based herbal tea to counteract the water retention typical of management and purify themselves. It is preferable to drink birch tea between meals. Alternatively, to reduce the swelling sensation typical of the first months of pregnancy, it is advisable to drink a fennel tea from time to time. In fact, fennel manages to reduce the formation of air during digestion and makes you feel lighter but be careful here too, the good rule of thumb is not to abuse it!
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Chamomile against heartburn
Chamomile teas are certainly not harmful in pregnant women and can soothe these annoyances as long as they are mild. For this purpose, chamomile is often paired with marshmallow, another medicinal plant with valuable anti-inflammatory and emollient properties.
Lemon balm also creates a protective film on the stomach lining and reduces the effects of burning. Herbal teas are a natural remedy in case of poor digestion but to solve the problem it is good to take care of the diet.
Orange and cinnamon against fatigue
Expectant mothers frequently suffer from drowsiness and lack of energy, often from the first weeks. A widespread feeling of fatigue typical of the initial period (first trimester) and also of the last weeks of pregnancy.
It is essential to allow yourself the right rest but to relieve fatigue green tea can be useful or you can prepare a nice energetic herbal tea by boiling three slices of orange and half a stick of cinnamon in hot water. With this type of natural remedies, however, it is good not to overdo it: cinnamon is a stimulant and green tea contains caffeine!
Horse chestnut for circulation
During the nine months of waiting, many women complain of circulatory problems in the legs and arms and the appearance of unsightly capillaries. A horse chestnut and witch hazel herbal tea is useful for relieving tingling and heaviness in the legs and providing relief.
Mallow and flax seeds for the well-being of the intestine
Herbal tea with mallow leaves and flax seeds is a real panacea during the months of pregnancy, to be drunk in the morning, possibly on an empty stomach to activate the intestine and regain forgotten regularity.
Just prepare an herbal tea with mallow, add a teaspoon of flax seeds and let it rest for 15 minutes before sipping it.
Hawthorn against tachycardia
Anxiety keeps many future mothers company. If sporadic episodes of tachycardia occur (and there are no pathological triggers such as hypertension) it may be effective to drink a herbal tea based on hawthorn before going to bed. This plant has mild sedative properties, regulates blood pressure and calms the heart.
What herbal teas to avoid in pregnancy
There are plants and natural remedies that contain health risk factors and properties that are not recommended during pregnancy. Among these, we find gingko, ginseng, Iberian, devil's claw, rhubarb, feverfew, tea tree oil, aloe, bearberry and licorice (an occasionally can eat, but it is not recommended to take large doses of licorice when pregnant).
Natural doesn't always mean safe. This is because some of the natural remedies cause contractions, stimulation of the uterus, alter blood clotting factors or can be toxic for the baby.
When you take herbal teas during pregnancy, always rely on an expert herbalist because he will be able to advise you on the best dosages and choose only official purchase channels. Finally, avoid taking herbal teas in wellness centers or farmhouses: during gestation it is important to know the precise ingredients of everything you drink.
