For many, herbal tea comforts and can gently treat both nausea in the morning and problems with sleep. When you’re pregnant, the guidelines are different. Even though some herbal remedies can be unsafe for you or your baby, a few of them may also induce labor or stop the body from taking in necessary food components. There’s some positive news, though. A lot of herbal teas are good for pregnancy and breastfeeding—just make sure you avoid the ones that may be harmful.
We’ll start by looking at each cup of coffee, one after another.
What You Need to Know About Herbal Tea
Keep in mind as we start with the lists: herbal teas are not reviewed or regulated in the same way as medications. Even if something is natural, that doesn’t guarantee it’s safe when you are pregnant.
Herbal teas are drinks that come from the leaves, flowers, roots or seeds of different plants. Strong compounds in herbs can influence hormonal balance, digestion, nerves and uterine muscle contractions. Because of this, you should select herbs that experts say are safe during pregnancy.
Why Using Some Herbs Can Be Unsafe
Several herbs can cause the uterus to contract. Though it may help during labor, you don’t want it to happen right in the beginning of your pregnancy.
Certain herbs might alter blood pressure, hormone levels or enzymes in the liver, affecting your pregnancy. Some substances can make their way through the placenta and have an effect on your unborn child.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider or certified herbalist before starting to take any new herbs.
Teas You Can Drink Safely During Pregnancy
There’s good news for you: Several types of herbal teas are safe and helpful for your body during pregnancy. Let’s explore some of the best options below:
Drinking ginger tea is known to help with morning sickness
Among the herbs, ginger is one of the best studied for helping reduce nausea in pregnant women. Sipping on ginger tea can ease your stomach trouble, get rid of dizziness and keep you from getting dehydrated.
Research has found that you can safely eat ginger in moderate quantity during pregnancy (totaling up to 1 gram daily). Don’t use extremely strong ginger concentrate, but fresh ginger root makes a gentle, effective tea.
If you’re feeling bloated or nauseous, drinking peppermint tea can help
In the first trimester, many women turn to peppermint to relieve digestive problems. It eases the muscles in your stomach which can help you overcome indigestion, gas and nausea.
Although peppermint tea is usually safe, drinking lots of it can cause acid reflux, so stay within a cup or two each day and notice your own reaction.
Rooibos Tea Does Not Contain Caffeine and Has Lots of Minerals
Many women turn to Rooibos, from South Africa, because it is red, rich in antioxidants and does not contain caffeine.
Besides vitamins, dairy helps in getting minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc needed for a healthy pregnancy. It’s also light, easy to drink and won’t cause upset stomach problems.
Nettle Leaf Tea Is Safe To Consume (in Moderation)
Nettle leaf includes iron, calcium and folate, all of which are useful for a healthy pregnancy. It’s frequently found in herbal mixes designed for nutrition during pregnancy.
Netlettering, though, is strong and may increase uterine contractions at large doses. If you will be using it, look for a pregnancy-safe blend or only drink limited amounts in the final part of your pregnancy.
Only use Red Raspberry Leaf Tea during the late phase of your pregnancy because it is unsafe otherwise
While red raspberry leaf is often recommended for pregnancy, you have to take it at the right time. It strengthens the uterus and could help with labor—yet doctors suggest waiting until the second trimester.
Midwives generally advise women to have red raspberry leaf tea during the second or third trimesters, starting about week 32. At first, drink one cup a day and add more gradually if your provider tells you it’s safe.
Lemon Balm Tea: Tea With a Soothing and Energizing Effect
Lemon balm is a mild herb related to mint and brings a calming feeling to those who drink it. It’s commonly used to help manage anxiety, unease and trouble sleeping, all of which are common during pregnancy.
You can enjoy lemon balm in small quantities, since it is generally safe. This is an excellent choice for a nighttime cup when you can’t slow your thoughts.
What to Avoid in Herbal Teas When Pregnant
It’s also important to consider avoiding herbal teas in pregnancy that can stimulate the womb, have hormone-like effects or contain poisonous substances.
Passionflower: Not good for people on hormonal medication
It has been found that excessive consumption of licorice root during pregnancy can raise the risk of babies being born too early and can result in problems with the child’s brain development.
Raised blood pressure is also possible, putting women who might have preeclampsia at risk. It’s better to avoid using it completely if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Dong Quai is excellent for increasing uterine activities
This herb is often used in Chinese medicine to manage periods. However, in pregnancy, it acts as a powerful uterine stimulant.
Drinking alcohol can lead to contractions and make a miscarriage more likely in the first three months. Sage should be avoided while you are expecting.
Pennyroyal may be dangerous if used in large quantities
Medicines prepared with pennyroyal were once used to cause menstruation or abortion, but this plant is very dangerous for pregnant women. Even a small intake of those substances will cause liver problems and harm to an unborn fetus.
Taking this herb is unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Having large amounts of Sage and Parsley
It’s good practice to cook with sage or parsley, but drinking these herbs as concentrated tea is not a good idea. Taking either mugwort or wormwood in large amounts has been connected to a higher risk of miscarriage.
Enjoy culinary portions of these herbs and don’t include them as part of your daily tea routine.
Because of side effects, ginseng is not advised
Ginseng may disrupt the body’s hormone levels and has been found to have poor effects on developing eggs in some animal research. As a stimulant, it helps to boost blood pressure and increase heart rate.
Most specialists advise against using ginseng when you are pregnant.
Drinking Herbal Teas While Nursing
You shouldn’t stop being aware of what’s in your tea after the baby arrives. There are many herbs used in pregnancy that are friendly for nursing too, but here’s the important part:
Safe Teas for Mothers Who Are Breastfeeding
- Fenugreek and fennel are plants known to help with milk production in nursing mothers.
- Chamomile supports the health of the mother and soothes her baby.
- Ginger and peppermint can soothe your digestion after having a baby.
- Rooibos and lemon balm help you relax and keep you hydrated, free of caffeine.
Recommend drinking these in small amounts and monitor your baby’s reaction, as a few herbs may make your breast milk taste differently or cause gas.
Teas You Should Avoid During Breastfeeding
- Peppermint and sage (if used heavily) may decrease the amount of milk a mother makes.
- Licorice root is still thought to be unsafe for the same hormonal reasons.
- Stimulating teas with caffeine can pass through breastmilk and lead to problems with your baby’s slumbers.
The total amount of caffeine you have each day should not exceed 200–300mg, no matter the source.
Ways to Pick Herbal Teas Without Health Risks
If you’re unsure, stick to labels that say it’s ok for pregnancy or check with someone who can guide you. Look for blends that say “caffeine-free” and “safe for pregnancy” on the label, and always read the ingredient list.
Try drinking just one kind of herbal tea at once to check your body’s reaction. Skip teas that have many ingredients unless they are sold by companies well-known for caring about pregnancy wellness.
In the end, stick with low-risk drinks, because your health matters.
If you aren’t careful with the herbs, herbal teas can be harmful during pregnancy and after birth. Ginger, rooibos, lemon balm and red raspberry leaf are all gentle herbs that nature provides for use in pregnancy.
Be patient, ask what you don’t know and ensure you’re safe at all times. Brewing tea carefully helps your entire bodies and your baby stay healthy.
At beveragemfr.com, we understand how important safety is during pregnancy. That’s why we offer carefully crafted herbal tea blends made with gentle, pregnancy-friendly herbs like ginger, rooibos, lemon balm, and red raspberry leaf. Our selections are clearly labeled, caffeine-free, and thoughtfully formulated to support you during this special time. Explore our safe and soothing options—because both you and your baby deserve the very best with every sip.