Herb

Reason to avoid

Aloe Vera

The leaves are strongly purgative and should not be taken internally.

Arbor vitae (Thuja occidentalis)

A uterine and menstrual stimulant that could damage the fetus.

Autumn crocus (Colichicum autumnale)

Can affect cell division and lead to birth defects.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Contains high levels of berberine, known to stimulate uterine contractions.

Basil oil

A uterine stimulant; use only during labor.

Beth root (Trillium erectum)

A uterine stimulant; use only during labor.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosus)

May lead to premature contractions; avoid unless under professional guidance. Safe to use during childbirth.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

A uterine stimulant that in quite small doses also causes vomiting.

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

A uterine stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance. Safe to use during childbirth.

Broom (Cytisus scoparius)

Causes uterine contractions so should be avoided during pregnancy; in parts of Europe it is given after the birth to prevent blood loss.

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)

Interferes with hormone production in the pituitary gland, so best avoided.

Clove oil

A uterine stimulant used only during labor.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Contains toxic chemicals that will cross the placenta; do not take internally.

Cotton root (Gossypium herbaceum)

Uterine stimulant traditionally given to encourage contractions during a difficult labor, but rarely used medicinally today.

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Uterine stimulant, oxytocic.

Dong quai (Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis)

Uterine and menstrual stimulant, best avoided during pregnancy; ideal after childbirth.

False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)

A hormonal stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Uterine stimulant; may cause premature contractions.

Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Uterine stimulant; may lead to premature contractions but safe during childbirth.

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus)

Uterine stimulant; may cause premature contractions.

Juniper and juniper oil (Juniperus communis)

A uterine stimulant; use only during labor.

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla xanthoclora)

A uterine stimulant; use only in labor.

Liferoot (Senecio aureus)

A uterine stimulant containing toxic chemicals that will cross the placenta.

Mistletoe (Viscum album)

A uterine stimulant containing toxic chemicals that may cross the placenta.

Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding.

American pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides)

Reputed uterine stimulant to be avoided during pregnancy.

European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding.

Peruvian bark (Cinchona officinalis)

Toxic; excess may cause blindness and coma. Used to treat malaria and given during pregnancy only to malaria sufferers under professional guidance.

Pokeroot (Phytolacca decandra)

May cause birth defects.

Pseudoginseng (Panax notoginseng)

May cause birth defects.

Pulsatilla (Anemone pulsatilla)

Menstrual stimulant best avoided during pregnancy; limited use during lactation.

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Uterine and menstrual stimulant; may cause premature contractions.

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects.

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

A uterine stimulant; use only during labor.

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding.

Squill (Urginea maritima)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects.

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects.

Wild yam (Diascorea villosa)

A uterine stimulant to avoid unless under professional guidance; safe during labor.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum)

A uterine stimulant that may also cause birth defects; avoid unless under professional guidance. Also avoid when breastfeeding.