Herb |
Reason for caution |
Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) |
Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. |
Anise and aniseed oil (Pimpinella anisum) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
Bitter orange (Citrus aurantiam) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or in moderate use. |
Caraway (Carum carvi) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. |
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) |
Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
Celery seed and oil (Apium graveolens) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. |
Chamomile oil |
The oil is a potent uterine stimulant to be avoided, but the dried or fresh herb is safe in moderation. |
Chili (Capsicum spp) |
Avoid high doses as they may lead to heartburn; can flavour breast milk when breast-feeding. Moderate culinary use is fine. |
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid the essential oil completely. |
Cowslip (Primula veris) |
Strongly purgative and a uterine stimulant in high doses. |
Elder bark |
Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
Fennel and fennel oil |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or during labour. |
Garlic (Allium sativa) |
Avoid high doses as they may lead to heartburn; can flavor breast milk when breastfeeding. Moderate culinary use is fine. |
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) |
Possible uterine stimulant; use in moderation for occasional teas only. |
Jasmine oil |
A uterine stimulant best reserved for childbirth to ease labour. |
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) |
Clinical reports suggest that high doses in pregnancy can lead to androgynous babies (caused by overstimulation of male sex hormones); use for short periods only. |
Lavender (Lavendula argustifolia) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or for moderate use. |
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) |
High doses can exacerbate high blood pressure; safe in moderation. |
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) |
A uterine stimulant traditionally used in slow and difficult labour; safe as a culinary herb. |
Marjoram and marjoram oil (Origanum vulgare) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. |
Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) |
A uterine stimulant that may lead to premature contractions; avoid high doses. |
Nutmeg and Nutmeg Oil |
Inhibits prostaglandin production and contains hallucinogens that may affect the fetus; once erroneously regarded as an abortifacient. Safe in normal culinary use. |
Oregano (Origanum X marjoricum; O. onites) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) |
Uterine stimulant that may also irritate the fetus in high doses; safe in normal culinary use. |
Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe for moderate use. |
Peppermint oil |
A uterine stimulant; avoid the oil entirely, although low doses of the dried herb can be used. |
Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final six to eight weeks and during labour. |
Rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum) |
Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
Rosemary and rosemary oil |
A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe in moderation and normal culinary use. Avoid using the oil entirely. |
Saffron (Crocus sativa) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe in normal culinary use. |
Sage and sage oil |
A uterine and hormonal stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
Senna (Senna alexandrina) |
Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
Tea, black (Camellia sinensis) |
Limit to two cups a day, as excess can lead to palpitations and increased heart rate. |
Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris) |
Some reports claim that it acts as a uterine stimulant, though the research is disputed; the herb is quite safe in cooking. |
Vervain (Verbene officinalis) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. |
White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) |
Reputed uterine stimulant; safe in moderation in cough drops. |
Wood betony (Stachys officinalis) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. |
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) |
A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. |
