Unsafe Herbs for Pregnant and Nursing Women

This information is from a book all Herbal people should own.
Natural Health Magazine Complete Guide to Safe Herbs, What eveyone should know about Herbal interactions and side effects. By Chris D. Meletis, N.D.
These Herbs can cause miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.
Agave (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Aloe Vera (external is safe, internal use can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Apricot, Peach and Cherry (Moderate dietary consumption is safe; the pits contain cyanide and should be avoided.); Arnica (external remedies are generally safe if you are not at high risk; consult your physician before using this herb); Ashwagandha ( miscarriage); Barberry (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Basil (may increase risk of birth defects);Bee Balm, Bergamot,Oswego Tea ( uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Beet Leaf (May increase the chances of uterine bleeding and miscarriage; dietary moderation is strongly advised); Betel Nut (this herb can cause birth defects); Birthroot, Beth root (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Birthwort (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage); Bistort, snakeweed (miscarriage); Bitter Apple (Highly poisonous, may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Bitter Orange Peel (can cause birth defects, uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Bitterwood, Quassia (miscarriage); Black Cohosh Root (miscarriage); Blazing Star (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage); Borage Oil (May cause liver damage to the mother and harm to the fetus); Bryony (Highly toxic and is used cautiously by physicians); Buchu (miscarriage); Buckthorn bark (trigger contractions); Buckthorn fruit (miscarriage); Burdock root (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage); Butternut (birth defects); Cabbage, Colewort (Can interfere with mental development in the fetus); Calendula (External is safe; Internal can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); California Poppy (increase risk of miscarriage); Camphor (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage and birth defects); Cascara Sagrada (trigger contractions); Catnip (miscarriage); Cayenne (Moderate dietary consumption is safe); Celandine (Liver damage and also cause uterine stimulation); Celery (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage, moderate dietary consumption is safe); Chasteberry (can cause hormonal changes and uterine bleeding); Chicory (moderate dietary consumption is safe. Large amounts could cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Cinchona (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Cinnamon (Moderate dietary consumption is safe. Large amounts may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Citronella, Lemon Grass (Large doses can cause miscarriage and uterine bleeding); Citrus Fruits (Moderate dietary consumption is safe. Excess intake can result in uterine stimulation. Cocoa (Contains caffeine, which has been linked to miscarriage, low birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects); Coffee (Contains caffeine, which has been linked to miscarriage, low birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects); Coleus (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Colombo (paralysis and uterine contractions); Corn Poppy (miscarriage and infant death); Cotton Root (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Dandelion (it's safety has not yet been determined);Echinacea (may trigger autoimmune disorder); Elecampane (use only under a physicians supervision; may cause miscarriage); Ergot (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Fennel Seed (uterine stimulant that may cause contractions); Fenugreek Seed (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Feverfew (miscarriage); Flaxseed (limit dietary intake, especially in 1st trimester of pregnancy);Garlic (lg doses may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage, dietary moderation is strongly adviced); German Chamomile (Moderate dietary consumption and topical use are safe. Large doses can increase the risk of complications in pregnancy); Ginger (Dietary moderation is strongly advised; large amounts may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Avoid completely if the risk of miscarriage is high.); Ginseng (May alter hormonal balance; use only under a physicians supervision.); Goldthread (miscarriage); Gotu Kola (Miscarriage particularly in the first trimester); Green Tea (Moderate dietary consumption is safe); Guarana ( Contains caffeine, which has been linked to miscarriage, low birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects; Helonias (miscarriage); Hibiscus (miscarriage); Horehound (miscarriage); Horseradish (avoid dietary horseradish if you have high risk of miscarriage, uterine bleeding, or any other bleeding disorder.); Horsetail ( May interfere with metabolism of B vitamins); Hyssop (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Ipecac (May stimulate the uterus, increasing chance of of miscarriage); Iris, Orris Root (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Jaborandi (herb is Toxic; may cause birth defects and miscarriage); Jalap (uterine bleeding); Jujube (uterine bleeding) Kava Kava (toxic; may cause birth defects and miscarriage); Khella, Bishop's weed (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage) Kola Nut ( Contains caffeine, which has been linked to miscarriage, low birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects); Kousso (miscarriage); Lavender (internal use may cause uterine bleeding); Lemon Balm (external use is safe; internal use may lead to altered hormone balance and uterine bleeding); Licorice Root (Use only under a physicians supervision; can cause high blood pressure and uterine bleeding); Liverwort (can cause severe gastrointestional irritation and should not be used during pregnancy); Lovage (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Madagascar Periwinkle (miscarriage and birth defects); Malay Tea (miscarriage); Male Fern, sweet brake (vomiting and miscarriage); Marjoram (limit dietary intake; large amounts can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Masterwort (uterine bleeding and uterine contractions); Mate (hypon on the e) (Pregnant and nursing women should avoid caffeine (present in Mate), which is linked to miscarriage, low birth weight, premature delivery, and birth defects); Milk Thistle (uterine bleeding); Motherwort (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Myrrh (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Nard (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Nutmeg (limit dietary intake; large amounts can lead to miscarriage); Oregon Grape (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Osha (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Papaya (May cause uterine bleeding or miscarriage); Parsley (uterine bleeding; uterine contractions, and miscarriage. Dietary moderation is strongly advised); Pasque Flower (miscarriage); Peony (uterine bleeding); Pleurisy Root (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage); Poison Ivy (they mean swallowing it, not getting a case of it) (miscarriage); Pomegranate ( uterine bleeding); Poppy (miscarriage and infant death); Prickly Ash (may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Do not use while breast-feeding as it may irritate an infants digestion); Queen Anne's lace (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Rhubarb (miscarriage); Roman Chamomile ( Moderate dietary consumption and topical use are safe. Large doses can increase the risk of complication in pregnancy); Rosemary leaf (moderate dietary consumption is safe); Safflower oil (Large amounts may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage; Dietary moderation is strongly advised); Saffron (large doses can cause miscarriage and uterine bleeding. Dietary moderation is strongly advised.); Sage (Moderate dietary consumption is safe; large doses could cause utering contractions); Sandalwood ( miscarriage); Sarsaparilla (miscarriage); Sea Bukthorn (birth defects and miscarriage); Senna (may cause birth defects if pregnant or breast-feeding); Shephard's Purse ( May cause uterine bleeding or miscarriage); Speedwell (miscarriage and birth defects); St. John's Wort (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Stinging Nettle Leaf (uterine bleeding, uterine contractions, and miscarriage); Strophanthus (may cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and uterine contractions); Thyme (Dietary moderation is strongly advised; large amounts may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Tobacco (smoking during pregnancy causes low birth weight and may cause birth defects and premature delivery); Turmeric ( large doses can cause miscarriage and uterine bleeding. Dietary moderation is strongly advised); Uva Ursi (May cause uterine contractions while pregnant or nursing); Vervain (miscarriage); Watercress (dietary moderation is strongly advised; large amounts can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Wintergreen (large doses can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Dietary moderation is strongly advised.); Wood Sorrel (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Yarrow (miscarriage); Yellow Jasmine (Uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage)

My Herb Garden 3 years Ago. (June 24, 2008)

Unfortunately this garden no longer looks like this. It lost a fight with bermuda. I broke down this year and sprayed chemicals on it. That would kill the grass but not the plants. But many of the herbs were chocked out before I decided to use the chemical.



There herbs included are ...

Coneflowers, nasturtiam, bee balm, hyssop, horseradish, lemon balm, chives, rhubarb, garlic,spearmint, tansy, yarrow, oergano, basil, sage, thyme and Comfory. And I'm sure a few I have forgotten.

Echinachea / Purple Coneflower

This is one of my favorite herbs. I love watching it change colors from very pale pink to deep pink. Also the cones in the center change. But other than being pretty what is it good for?

Herbal Health-
Why it's used- Echinacea helps prevent and treat colds, bronchitis, gingivitus, cold sores, yeast and ear infections.
What parts can be used-The root generally used in tinctures or powders for almost any type of infection or inflammation; it can be especially useful for recurring kidney infections, as well as more common mucus and colds. Harvest after flowering; wash, chop and dry.
How it works- It contains a number of complex immune-stimulating substances.
Comments and Cautions- A numbing of the tongue is normal when using liquid forms. Do not use it if you have an autoimmune disease or if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family. Echinacea may trigger autoimmune disorders in pregnant women. High doses can occasionally cause nausea and dizziness.
Some History: The Native Americans used purple coneflowers to treat snakebites, fevers, and old, stubborn wounds. The early settlers soon adopted the plant as a home remedy for colds and influenza, and it became popular with the 19th-century Eclectic. In the past 50 years, it has achieved worldwide fame for it's antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, and it has also been used in AIDS therapy. Cultivated purple coneflower is usually E. purpurea, although E. angustifolia is considered more potent by some practitioners.

More to come...

My Herb Garden 3 years ago.

Unfortunately this garden no longer looks like this. It lost a fight with bermuda. I broke down this year and sprayed chemicals on it. That would kill the grass but not the plants. But many of the herbs were chocked out before I decided to use the chemical.

There herbs included are ...
Coneflowers, nasturtiam, bee balm, hyssop, horseradish, lemon balm, chives, rhubarb, garlic,spearmint, tansy, yarrow, oergano, basil, sage, thyme and Comfory. And I'm sure a few I have forgotten.

Had to show off what my dd (18) made...

She made them for a friend who has a big city theme. My little brother took the pictures. (so he's 37 he's still my little brother.) Then we converted them to iron on's and she designed the pillows.

Unsafe Herbs for Pregnant and Nursing Women

 Disclaimer: This is provided to give you more information and help to to research for yourself what amounts to use. PLEASE study for yourself, ask your midwife, MD about the safety of these herbs.
This information is from a book all Herbal people should own.

Natural Health Magazine Complete Guide to Safe Herbs, What eveyone should know about Herbal interactions and side effects. By Chris D. Meletis, N.D.

These Herbs can cause miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.

Agave (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Aloe Vera (external is safe, internal use can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Apricot, Peach and Cherry (Moderate dietary consumption is safe; the pits contain cyanide and should be avoided.); Arnica (external remedies are generally safe if you are not at high risk; consult your physician before using this herb); Ashwagandha ( miscarriage); Barberry (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Basil (may increase risk of birth defects);Bee Balm, Bergamot,Oswego Tea ( uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Beet Leaf (May increase the chances of uterine bleeding and miscarriage; dietary moderation is strongly advised); Betel Nut (this herb can cause birth defects); Birthroot, Beth root (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Birthwort (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage); Bistort, snakeweed (miscarriage); Bitter Apple (Highly poisonous, may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Bitter Orange Peel (can cause birth defects, uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Bitterwood, Quassia (miscarriage); Black Cohosh Root (miscarriage); Blazing Star (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage); Borage Oil (May cause liver damage to the mother and harm to the fetus); Bryony (Highly toxic and is used cautiously by physicians); Buchu (miscarriage); Buckthorn bark (trigger contractions); Buckthorn fruit (miscarriage); Burdock root (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage); Butternut (birth defects); Cabbage, Colewort (Can interfere with mental development in the fetus); Calendula (External is safe; Internal can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); California Poppy (increase risk of miscarriage); Camphor (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage and birth defects); Cascara Sagrada (trigger contractions); Catnip (miscarriage); Cayenne (Moderate dietary consumption is safe); Celandine (Liver damage and also cause uterine stimulation); Celery (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage, moderate dietary consumption is safe); Chasteberry (can cause hormonal changes and uterine bleeding); Chicory (moderate dietary consumption is safe. Large amounts could cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Cinchona (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Cinnamon (Moderate dietary consumption is safe. Large amounts may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Citronella, Lemon Grass (Large doses can cause miscarriage and uterine bleeding); Citrus Fruits (Moderate dietary consumption is safe. Excess intake can result in uterine stimulation. Cocoa (Contains caffeine, which has been linked to miscarriage, low birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects); Coffee (Contains caffeine, which has been linked to miscarriage, low birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects); Coleus (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Colombo (paralysis and uterine contractions); Corn Poppy (miscarriage and infant death); Cotton Root (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Dandelion (it's safety has not yet been determined);Echinacea (may trigger autoimmune disorder); Elecampane (use only under a physicians supervision; may cause miscarriage); Ergot (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Fennel Seed (uterine stimulant that may cause contractions); Fenugreek Seed (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Feverfew (miscarriage); Flaxseed (limit dietary intake, especially in 1st trimester of pregnancy);Garlic (lg doses may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage, dietary moderation is strongly adviced); German Chamomile (Moderate dietary consumption and topical use are safe. Large doses can increase the risk of complications in pregnancy); Ginger (Dietary moderation is strongly advised; large amounts may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Avoid completely if the risk of miscarriage is high.); Ginseng (May alter hormonal balance; use only under a physicians supervision.); Goldthread (miscarriage); Gotu Kola (Miscarriage particularly in the first trimester); Green Tea (Moderate dietary consumption is safe); Guarana ( Contains caffeine, which has been linked to miscarriage, low birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects; Helonias (miscarriage); Hibiscus (miscarriage); Horehound (miscarriage); Horseradish (avoid dietary horseradish if you have high risk of miscarriage, uterine bleeding, or any other bleeding disorder.); Horsetail ( May interfere with metabolism of B vitamins); Hyssop (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Ipecac (May stimulate the uterus, increasing chance of of miscarriage); Iris, Orris Root (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Jaborandi (herb is Toxic; may cause birth defects and miscarriage); Jalap (uterine bleeding); Jujube (uterine bleeding) Kava Kava (toxic; may cause birth defects and miscarriage); Khella, Bishop's weed (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage) Kola Nut ( Contains caffeine, which has been linked to miscarriage, low birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects); Kousso (miscarriage); Lavender (internal use may cause uterine bleeding); Lemon Balm (external use is safe; internal use may lead to altered hormone balance and uterine bleeding); Licorice Root (Use only under a physicians supervision; can cause high blood pressure and uterine bleeding); Liverwort (can cause severe gastrointestional irritation and should not be used during pregnancy); Lovage (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Madagascar Periwinkle (miscarriage and birth defects); Malay Tea (miscarriage); Male Fern, sweet brake (vomiting and miscarriage); Marjoram (limit dietary intake; large amounts can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Masterwort (uterine bleeding and uterine contractions); Mate (hypon on the e) (Pregnant and nursing women should avoid caffeine (present in Mate), which is linked to miscarriage, low birth weight, premature delivery, and birth defects); Milk Thistle (uterine bleeding); Motherwort (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Myrrh (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Nard (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Nutmeg (limit dietary intake; large amounts can lead to miscarriage); Oregon Grape (Uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Osha (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Papaya (May cause uterine bleeding or miscarriage); Parsley (uterine bleeding; uterine contractions, and miscarriage. Dietary moderation is strongly advised); Pasque Flower (miscarriage); Peony (uterine bleeding); Pleurisy Root (uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage); Poison Ivy (they mean swallowing it, not getting a case of it) (miscarriage); Pomegranate ( uterine bleeding); Poppy (miscarriage and infant death); Prickly Ash (may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Do not use while breast-feeding as it may irritate an infants digestion); Queen Anne's lace (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Rhubarb (miscarriage); Roman Chamomile ( Moderate dietary consumption and topical use are safe. Large doses can increase the risk of complication in pregnancy); Rosemary leaf (moderate dietary consumption is safe); Safflower oil (Large amounts may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage; Dietary moderation is strongly advised); Saffron (large doses can cause miscarriage and uterine bleeding. Dietary moderation is strongly advised.); Sage (Moderate dietary consumption is safe; large doses could cause utering contractions); Sandalwood ( miscarriage); Sarsaparilla (miscarriage); Sea Bukthorn (birth defects and miscarriage); Senna (may cause birth defects if pregnant or breast-feeding); Shephard's Purse ( May cause uterine bleeding or miscarriage); Speedwell (miscarriage and birth defects); St. John's Wort (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Stinging Nettle Leaf (uterine bleeding, uterine contractions, and miscarriage); Strophanthus (may cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and uterine contractions); Thyme (Dietary moderation is strongly advised; large amounts may cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Tobacco (smoking during pregnancy causes low birth weight and may cause birth defects and premature delivery); Turmeric ( large doses can cause miscarriage and uterine bleeding. Dietary moderation is strongly advised); Uva Ursi (May cause uterine contractions while pregnant or nursing); Vervain (miscarriage); Watercress (dietary moderation is strongly advised; large amounts can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Wintergreen (large doses can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Dietary moderation is strongly advised.); Wood Sorrel (uterine bleeding and miscarriage); Yarrow (miscarriage); Yellow Jasmine (Uterine stimulant that can cause miscarriage)

I found some treasures!!!

I went to a rummage sale and found 2 big boxes full of vintage patterns...
Here's a close up of just a few of the vintage ones. They cover 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.

So can you guess how much I paid for 2 boxes???


$5.00 Pretty awesome huh!!! I plan to go through them with my dd's and keep what we want then we will be selling off the rest.

I also scored 6 knitted booties for FREE!!! A friend was given them and the only thing wrong with them is that they are not sewn on the seam. That is all. She doesn't know how to do that and is past the baby times. So I get to keep them or give them away as I wish!!!! I have finished the pink and one set of yellow!

What have you found rummaging???

How do I wear My Babies???

Steph at Adventures in Babywearing wanted us to show all the ways we have to wear our baby.

I have a high quality backpack/hiking carrier that I When they are toddlers and cranky! And I got it for $25.00 at a rummage sale!!!
Then I have a padded sling and 2 wraps (like a moby) I made all but the back pack carrier.

Plus I also made Elizabeth Lee's Jacket. While it is way to big! (I made it when I was 200+ pounds it's great for keeping baby and mom warm.
Here's a close up of the panel.


I love the quick use of the sling. And most of my babies slept through all shopping like a breeze in it Until I had prairie baby. He much prefers the wrap.  I have instructions on my blog on how to make both types if you search!
Sorry this is late Steph!

Thought this was powerful!

What is in Your Workout Arsenal?

Please Post a comment on how you workout? If you make it into a post please put a link to your post! I want to see you you workout!
If you workout at a gym tell me your favorite pieces of equipment and favorite classes.

Let's Move More!!!! If your like me you have no excuse NOT to Exercise!

I have a Nordic Track Pro Skier

A Total Gym workout system


My feet for walking.


Workouts I use Pregnant







See my review on how to modify this for pregnancy

Non Pregnant Workouts

Biggest Loser Power Sculpt Workout Review

The Biggest Loser Power Sculpt
(If you go to the link you can watch a sample clip)

What type of workout is this?This is mostly weights with Cardio mixed in to intensify your workout.

Level of workout... Most places I see say intermediate. But you can modify it to be beginner. It does have 3 levels. The 3 trainers take turns. And there are people doing it less intensely. Watch Heidi.

Who is the instructor?Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper and Kim Lyons.

What you like about it? This is a really hard workout the first several times you do it. But as you gain strength you can easily up the intensity with the size of your weights. So even when your strong you can keep benefiting from the workout!


What you don't like about it? Jillian says kinda rude things to 2 of the ladies, like getto butty, and calls one poodle and such.


Modesty Factor, Some are very concerned about the modesty of the ladies for there sons and dh's so please tell us how the ladies are dressed in the dvd's. As it is a frequently asked question.
During the actual workouts the only one who shows there middrif is Kim the instructor in level 2. Otherwise everyone is wearing tank tops and long shorts.


What type of music is played? Non discript instrumental


Where did you find this dvd/video? How long ago? Was it worth the price paid?
It came from Walmart for a b-day present. It is reasonably priced and definetely worth the money.


How I modified it for pregnancy!
In case anyone else would want to use it this way I easily modified it to work for me pregnant.
Level 1
#1 when she is doing the fancy push ups. You can NOT do the up dog pregnant. So I usually just hold in plank. DO a push up. Continue to hold in plank then move to the down dog.
#2 towards the end of level 1 she has you lay flat on your back for arm, leg and ab workouts. You MUST use pillows or folded blankets and raise your head above your heart. Then just do what she does. When she does the bottom lifts I am not strong enough to lift my leg but I can still up the intensity by crossing one leg over the other then lifting.
#3 She has you do bicycle. I changed to still being on your pillows lift your legs and then just move your elbows only from side to center to side. (remove the leg motions) then the second time she does it I do crunches instead. You will still workout your abs but you won't be twisting your abs all over.

Level 2
I do not recommend this level in pregnancy

Level 3
The only time you need to modify is during the push up section. I just modify like I did on #1 in level 1.
Hope this is helpful to someone.