Herb Girls Products & Pregnancy

It can be tricky navigating the does and don'ts of herbal remedies while pregnant. Unfortunately in the West, there's just not enough clinically backed science for medical professionals to advocate for the use of many herbs before/during/after pregnancy, even if they may be safe. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering using herbs while pregnant:

1. Where Does It Come From? This is HUGE. Herbs aren't regulated by the FDA which means you don't know what you are getting unless you trust the company you are purchasing from. Make sure the supplier you use is able to provide details on the herb/products origins, and always opt for organic -  the benefits far outweigh the slight price difference.

2. How Much Are You Taking? "Danger is in the dosage" is a phrase that applies here. For example, a sprinkle of Cinnamon on your morning oatmeal may be a harmless treat, but in large amounts, Cinnamon's great warmth and moving energetics make it a powerful uterine stimulant while pregnant. For this reason, it's important to assess all the herbs - culinary & medicinal - you consume and make sure you aren't overdoing it.

3. Who Are Your Resources This one comes with a bit more nuance, but it's important to understand that there are many voices in the medical and herbal field. No matter the herb, you will get conflicting results for many a Google search about its safety while pregnant. Always exercise caution and go to sources you trust. Since there is so much noise on the web, we look to tradition and tried and true textbooks. If you are working with a midwife, doula, holistic doctor, they can also help!

Since we have so many mommas in our community, we wanted to share the safety ratings for the herbs used in our products. See below!
Also, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any clarifying questions!

Safety Rating

1 - safely consumed when used appropriately
2 - the following restrictions apply unless otherwise directed by an expert
2a- external use only
2b- not during pregnancy
2c- not while nursing
2d- other specific use restrictions
3 - only use under the supervision of an expert; labeling must include dosage, contraindications, etc.
4 - insufficient data for classification

Powdered Herb Blends

Gold Dust
Turmeric - Class 2b*, 2c*,  2d Therapeutic quantities not to be taken for those with bile duct obstruction or gallstones, stomach ulcers or hyperacidity; stand dose is 1.5-3 g daily; 4.5-9 g when prepared as tea
Eleuthero - Class 4 It is likely there are no issues if taking 1 tsp/day of powdered herb during pregnancy/nursing, but data is lacking. Always check sourcing for adulterated products.
Maca - Class 1, Class 4 A German doctor released his own article with claims that there is evidence that taking Maca during pregnancy can prevent miscarriage, likely safe but data is limited 
Cinnamon - Class 1
Fenugreek - Class 2b, Promotes milk flow (galactagogue)
Cardamom - Class 1
Nutmeg- Class 1
Black Pepper- Class 1

Matcha Magic
Matcha- Class 1
Shatavari- Class 1 
Rose- Class 1
Eleuthero- Class 1 
Cardamom- Class 1
Ginger- Class 1

RALLY
Dandelion- Class 1
Reishi- Class 1
Chicory - Class 1
Shatavari- Class 1 
Ashwagandha- Class 2b*, 2d, May potentiate the effects of barbiturates; not recommended for those with hyper-thyroid function; Traditionally used to improve conception and to provide strength and stamina to mom and growing baby. After birth, it is thought to help mom regain energy and stimulate milk flow. Large amounts can cause early menstruation and therefore there lies the risk of abortion (uterine stimulant), which is why it’s discouraged by conservative doctors. Do not exceed 1 tsp/day during pregnancy and always check with primary healthcare provider
Cardamom- Class 1
Cinnamon- Class 1

Loose-leaf Teas 

Bless You Tea
Nettle- Class 1
Rose- Class 1
Calendula- Class 1
Elecampane- Class 2b*, 2c*
Horsetail- Class 2d, contraindicated in cardiac or renal dysfunction; don’t exceed 2 g/day of powdered form. Powdered form is not recommended for children due to silica. If taking 5 g, have with food
Ginger*- Class 1
Licorice*- Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d Not for prolonged use in high doses; contraindicated in diabetics, hypertension, liver disorders, severe kidney deficiencies, and hypokalemia; may potentiate potassium depletion of thiazide diuretics, stimulant laxatives, cardiac glycosides, and cortisol; reduce sodium and increase potassium when taking

Defender
Ginger- Class 1
Elderflower- Class 1 
Elderberry- Class 1
Holy Basil-Class 1
Lemon Balm- Class 1
Licorice*- Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d, see previous
Cardamom- Class 1

Healing Harvest Tea
Roobios -  Class 1
Oat straw -  Class 1
Orange peel -  Class 1
Licorice* - Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d, see previous
Ginger*-  Class 1
Angelica* -Class 2b*, 2d avoid prolonged sunlight exposure; emmenagogue/uterine stimulant
Artichoke -  too little data

Sexy Time Tea
Hawthorne (leaf and flower) - Class 1
Damiana - Class 1
Hawthorne Berry - Class 1
Rose - Class 1
Ginger* - Class 1
Licorice* - Class 2b*, 2c*,  2d, see previous

Sol Tea 
Hibiscus - Class 1 
Lemongrass - Class 2b*; emmanogogue/uterine stimulant
Holy basil - Class 1
Schisandra - Class 1

Wonderful Woman
Oat Straw - Class 1
Tulsi - Class 1
Nettle - Class 1
Raspberry Leaf - Class 1
Rose - Class 1
Ginger* - Class 1
Red Clover - Class 2b* (used in minimal amounts here)
Cardamom - Class 1

You’ve Got Male
Nettle- Class 1
Lemongrass- Class 2b*, emmanogogue/uterine stimulant
Hawthorn Leaf- Class 1
Hawthorn Berry- Class 1
Hibiscus- Class 1
Epimedium- Class 2d*, Not for singular long-term use at large doses; In very large doses, can cause vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, nosebleed, and respiratory arrest
Ashwagandha- Class 2b*, 2d-see previous
Ginger*- Class 1
Licorice*- Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d-see previous

***Licorice, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Artichoke leaf, and Black pepper can all cause issues when taking in unnaturally large amounts and without the balancing support of other herbs. We use very small amounts of these synergizing herbs in our formulas, not large therapeutic doses that can have a uterine stimulants effect.***

Our safety ratings were obtained from The Botanical Safety Handbook by The American Herbal Products Association Staff, 1997. 
Other Resources:
Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions Plus Herbal Adjuncts with Medicines, 4th Edition, Francis Brinker
Publications by the American Herbal Products Association