Herbal Teas and Pregnancy: The Ultimate Guide to Safe and Unsafe Infusions (Sources: Health Canada)

The Benefits of Safe Herbal Teas: Hydration and Relief During Pregnancy

Infusions can act as wellness tools, provided they are chosen and consumed with discernment and moderation (generally 2 to 3 cups per day maximum ).

Hydration and Mineral Intake: Water Is The Priority

Hydration is essential to support increased blood volume and prevent constipation. Water is the best choice, but unsweetened herbal teas also contribute by adding natural flavors.

Health Canada's safety recommendations:

• Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ): One of the most studied plants for treating morning sickness. Its effectiveness is confirmed, provided that a maximum safe dosage is respected (often up to 1 gram per day).
• Rosehip (dog rose): Recognized as a significant source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant.
• Citrus or orange zest/peel: Used to flavor water or infusions, they present no risk.

Recommendations according to other government sources :

• Lemon balm, a deliciously lemony aromatic plant.
• Linden flowers (not recommended for people with pre-existing heart problems)

Basic rule:

Commonly consumed fruits and berries (apples, raspberries, blueberries, etc.) are considered safe when dried and brewed. The principle is this: if you can eat it raw at the grocery store, you can generally brew it as well. The drying process removes the water but does not create active or toxic compounds.

Dangerous Herbal Teas: The Official List Of Plants To Avoid

The risk of uterotonic , toxic or teratogenic effects makes some plants dangerous.

Suggestions of the main plants to avoid from the PHAC

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and other similar organizations categorize the consumption of the following plants as "not safe" :

Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ), stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica ), coltsfoot (donkey's-foot), aloe, Labrador tea, pennyroyal mint, juniper berries, buckthorn bark, comfrey, sassafras, patience root, lobelia, and senna.

They specifically recommend avoiding them, even in the absence of concentrated medicinal use.

Plants with specific uterine risks (spasmodic and/or abortifacient)

Other plants should be avoided due to their direct action on the uterus:

• Pimbina ( Viburnum opulus or V. trilobum ) is contraindicated. Its antispasmodic action, although sought after in cases of cramps, poses a serious risk of triggering premature contractions.
• Sage ( Salvia officinalis ) and mugwort ( Artemisia vulgaris ) should be avoided, as they contain thujone, a neurotoxic and abortive compound.
• Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ) is contraindicated due to its uterotonic properties which could be linked to risks of bleeding or miscarriage in early pregnancy.
• Consuming highly concentrated parsley infusions (in large quantities) is also to be avoided due to its potential to stimulate contractions.

Toxic and hemorrhagic risks and drug interactions

Finally, several plants present risks of toxicity, drug interactions, or bleeding (not directly related to contractions):

• Labrador tea ( Rhododendron groenlandicum ) should be avoided; in the absence of complete toxicological data on pregnancy, the precautionary principle is essential.
• Thuja ( Thuja occidentalis ) should be avoided as it contains thujone, which is abortifacient.
• St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) should be avoided due to the high risk of interactions with medications (potentially canceling out vital treatments).
• Wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ) is not recommended because it contains methyl salicylate (the equivalent of aspirin), which poses a risk of bleeding in late pregnancy.

This list is not exhaustive, and professional advice is strongly recommended. At Floèm, all our herbal tea blends contain Labrador tea, and several forest plants or ingredients are also considered medicinal plants. We state on our packaging "not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women" to follow this precautionary principle.

Plants To Be Used With Caution Or Reserved For Breastfeeding

Caution: Lack of Data and Secondary Risks

This category includes plants that are not formally prohibited by public health organizations, but for which the lack of robust safety data justifies moderate consumption or postponement to the postpartum period.

• Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum ) : To be avoided during pregnancy (possible uterotonic effect). It is very commonly used after childbirth in the postpartum period, where it is often used as a galactagogue. (to stimulate lactation).
• Red clover ( Trifolium pratense ): To be avoided due to its potential hormonal impact, especially when used for its hormonal properties after menopause. It is rich in phytoestrogens (isoflavones) which can interfere with pregnancy hormone levels.
• Ginkgo biloba and Chinese angelica (dong quai): To be avoided due to the potential risk of increasing bleeding time and could interfere with clotting, especially in late pregnancy.
• Black cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa) : Not recommended due to its potential hormonal and uterotonic effects. It is primarily used for menopausal symptoms and is not recommended during pregnancy.

Many plants are also discouraged by herbalists and pharmacists. The Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ) reminds us of the importance of consulting a professional before taking a natural health product, as the safety of many has not been established during pregnancy. 

Tip: Always Check The Ingredients of The Mixtures.

One of the biggest sources of errors when it comes to herbal teas is the consumption of pre-packaged blends . Even if the name seems harmless (e.g., "Relaxing Infusion"), a contraindicated plant (such as chamomile, thuja, or nettle) could be listed as an ingredient, whether in tea bags or loose leaf tea.

The right approach: If you're not infusing a single herb (pure ginger, for example), make it a habit to carefully read the ingredient list of any herbal tea or tea blend. If you find an herb listed among our contraindications, you have the information you need to decide if the product meets the level of caution you wish to maintain during your pregnancy.

Traditional Use and Absence of Known Toxic Compounds

This section presents plants commonly used in herbal medicine for well-being and which, despite the lack of robust clinical studies specific to pregnancy, do not contain any known toxic or uterotonic compounds . They are often well-tolerated, but should be consumed in moderation and with the approval of your healthcare professional.

• Rooibos ( Aspalathus linearis ): This is the go-to hot beverage substitute. It is widely consumed because it is caffeine-free and has no uterotonic properties.
• Verbena ( Aloysia citrodora ): Traditionally recognized for its calming effect and to aid sleep.
• Mallow ( Malva sylvestris ): Used to soothe the digestive system and against mild constipation.
• Lavender ( Lavandula intermedia ) and hawthorn ( Crataegus spp. ): These plants are traditionally used for their calming effects. As a light infusion, they are generally not associated with the risk of bleeding or contractions.
• Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ): Used sparingly, traditionally recognized to help nausea, but may worsen acid reflux common in late pregnancy (a side effect).

Quality Assurance: The importance of The Source and Testing

Plant Quality: Beyond Natural

Even plants considered safe are not immune to contaminants. Plant quality is a crucial factor: they can be contaminated by pesticides, heavy metals, or other environmental pollutants.

During pregnancy, caution is paramount. It is therefore strongly recommended to:

• Opt for certified organic plants, or those harvested in the wild to minimize exposure to pesticides.
• Source your supplies from reliable sources (recognized herbalists or specialized companies) that can guarantee the traceability of their batches.
• Ideally, choose suppliers who regularly conduct thorough testing on their batches to check for the absence of contaminants or heavy metals.

This proactive approach ensures that the desired benefits are not negated by risks related to cultivation or harvesting.

Microbiology: Why Favor Hot Infusion?

Very hot water is used as a method of homemade pasteurization for dried leaves, flowers and fruit. Raw plants contain surface bacteria; levels must comply with industry and provincial standards. 

When preparing your herbal tea, always opt for infusion in simmering or boiling water (between 75°C and 95°C, depending on the infusion time). This step is not only essential for extracting the active ingredients and flavors of the plants, but it is also a hygiene measure to reduce the potential presence of bacteria, yeast, or mold. (invisible).

Cold brewing or brewing at room temperature (called maceration) does not reach the temperature necessary to kill these potential pathogens, a risk to avoid during pregnancy. If you wish to safely consume a cold infusion, simply prepare your infusion following the instructions with hot water, then chill it in the refrigerator.

FAQ: Common Questions About Herbal Teas and Tea During Pregnancy

Here are detailed answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from pregnant women about herbal teas.

Can I drink Raspberry Leaf Tea?

Raspberry leaf tea ( Rubus strigosus ) is famous for its purported uterotonic properties. The effectiveness of this tea in shortening labor is a subject of debate. Although scientific evidence (clinical trials) is limited, insufficient, or inconclusive to claim that it accelerates childbirth, many healthcare professionals (midwives and doctors) allow its use.

They base their recommendations on traditional use and studies suggesting it may help tone uterine muscles and potentially reduce the need for interventions during childbirth. Its use, with the approval of your healthcare professional, is always limited to moderate consumption exclusively during the third trimester.

Can I Add Honey or Lemon To My Herbal Tea During Pregnancy?

Honey is generally considered safe during pregnancy if it is pasteurized. Lemon is also safe, being a citrus fruit.

Can I drink Green Tea, Black Tea, Oolong Tea or Matcha During Pregnancy?

Yes, but the main issue is the caffeine (theine) content in tea, unlike herbal teas. Health Canada recommendation:

The maximum daily caffeine intake for a pregnant woman should not do not exceed 300 mg per day This is roughly equivalent to one to two cups of coffee or two to three cups of tea. Matcha is generally more concentrated in caffeine than "standard" tea, due to its cultivation method and its powdered form.

Which Herbal Teas are Safe During Pregnancy?

Herbal teas generally considered safe (consumed in moderation and after medical advice) include: ginger (against nausea), rosehip (vitamin C) and citrus peels (ideally organic).

Which Herbal Teas Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

Herbal teas to absolutely avoid include: chamomile, stinging nettle, coltsfoot, juniper berries, buckthorn bark, comfrey, sassafras, patience root, lobelia, senna, pennyroyal mint, sage, Labrador tea, thuja, yarrow, to name just a few.

Can I Drink Kombucha During Pregnancy?

The PHAC recommends avoiding kombucha due to the risk of residual alcohol , caffeine content, and the risk of bacterial contamination with unpasteurized products.

Are Essential Oils Safe During Pregnancy?

Essential oils must be used with extreme caution and always under medical supervision. Several are strictly contraindicated.