Pregnant women are frequently instructed to reduce or avoid caffeine intake, particularly coffee and tea beverages. Unfortunately, this can be difficult, as many rely on their morning cup of Joe for energy and relaxation; thankfully there are various herbal tea options that are safe during gestation with potential health benefits.
Herbal teas are made from plants’ roots, roots, berries, flowers, seeds and leaves – unlike regular caffeinated tea, most herbal varieties naturally lack caffeine. Although this may sound ideal for pregnant women who wish to stay caffeine-free while expecting or breastfeeding, not all herbal teas contain herbs considered safe during gestation and lactation; hence the confusion. Many have asked whether pregnant people can drink herbal tea while expecting, and what type of herbal teas are safe during gestation or lactation.
Most herbal teas have not been subjected to scientific review, which may render them unreliable for some pregnant women. Furthermore, lack of regulation creates the risk that the ingredients in certain herbal teas could accidentally mix with herbs that are contraindicated during gestation and cause harmful side effects such as miscarriage or other complications in women who consume the teas – this risk increases significantly with bulk purchases of herbal tea as there’s greater chance that herb bags accidentally contain herbs contraindicated during gestation.
Midwives and health professionals generally believe that teas made with rooibos, peppermint, ginger, lemon balm and chamomile are safe in moderation during pregnancy, offering comforting effects from relieving morning sickness to improving restful sleep. Furthermore, studies indicate some herbs may possess uterine-toning properties which could facilitate labor.
If you have questions about the safety of herbal teas during your pregnancy, talk with your midwife or doctor. They can offer guidance regarding which options would be safest.
If you want to give homemade pregnancy herbal tea a try, the easiest way is by purchasing bulk herbs at either your local co-op or Present Moment Herb Store in Minneapolis. Once you find something you like, just follow these steps for brewing it as described below.