Health
Herbal Teas and Preparationsduring Pregnancy
Chad Collins,Nutrix Ltd.
At this time there is not enough scientificinformation about the safety of various herbs and herbal productsto recommend their general use during pregnancy and lactation.Women should use these products cautiously and critically examineany information about their proposed benefits.
Care should be taken to ensure that herbalteas do not displace more nutrient-dense beverages, especiallymilk, because this could jeopardize calcium intake.
Herbal Teas generally considered safe iftaken in Moderation (2-3 cups/ day):
Citrus peel
Ginger
Lemon Balm
Linden Flower*
Orange peel
Rose Hip
*Not recommended for persons with pre-existingcardiac conditions. Women with plant or pollen allergies shouldbe careful not to use products that can contain herbs relatedto plants to which they have known allergies.
Some herbal teas and other herbal productscan have toxic or drug-like effects on the mother or fetus. Duringpregnancy, some herbs and herbal products could adversely affectpregnancy outcome in several ways. For example, they can producetoxic effects on the developing baby or act directly on the mother,stimulating the uterus or cause you to lose fluids.
At the present time, there is a lack ofclinical research findings to determine the safety of chronicor long-term use of herbal teas. Herbal teas generally consideredsafe if taken in moderation are listed in the text box. Becausethey often possess drug-like properties, herbal teas should betaken only in weak infusion and consumed in moderation duringpregnancy. Chamomiles have been reported to exhibit adverse effectson the uterus and, as such, are likely not appropriate for useduring pregnancy.
The composition and preparation of herbalproducts vary, which adds to the difficulty of assessing theirsafety. At present, there are no labeling requirements for herbalproducts that would clearly indicate to pregnant or lactatingwomen which ones to avoid.
Notes:
· If you must, drink herbal teasinfrequently and choose herbal teas that are generally safe duringpregnancy or select an alternative such as:
hot apple juice or Carnation Instant Breakfast.
· Note that some flavoured teas arereally regular teas with added flavour, therefore, they containcaffeine, plain water, hot lemon, hot milk, For more informationon this topic and others that relate to pregnancy, lactation andinfant nutrition; the following session are being offered:
26 May at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Nutritionfor a Healthy Pregnancy
2 June at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Breastfeeding
9 June at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Infant Feeding, Introduction ofSolid Foods
(All session at World Gym Classroom in Islander Complex, Pleasecall 946-8749 to reserve your spot.)
Article Info.Source: Nutrition for a HealthyPregnancy, Health Canada, 2000.