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Honey Gardens plant medicine formulas taken during
pregnancy:
The
research on this is ongoing but below is the most up to date information we could find and seems to be quite reliable. We have been told by herbalists that herbs taken during the first trimester
of pregnancy should be extremely limited and for the most part are not
recommended at all. It is always
important to have women consult their alternative medical provider, midwife or
medical doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
Raw Honey – Safe for pregnant
women
The primary
concern about raw honey is
Botulinin spores which are found throughout nature: in soil, in dust, and on
the unwashed surfaces of unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Acid will inhibit the
spores from growing and producing the botulism toxin. A baby's immature digestive
system is not yet acidic enough to inhibit the toxin from being produced,
whereas the digestive system of an older child or adults is. In other words, the baby's digestive tract
provides a nice warm, air-free, low-acid environment where botulinum spores
just love to grow. When it grows it will produce the toxin. The toxin produced
by the spore is the danger. Therefore, a pregnant mom can safely eat honey. Her
digestive tract is acidic, and will prevent botulinum spores from growing --
no toxin will be produced. There is no danger to the fetus from the mom-to-be
eating raw honey or honey-containing foods.*
*reference: Sue Gilbert, MS
Wild Cherry Bark Syrup – not recommended for pregnant and lactating women
**This will appear on our new labels
Wild Cherry Bark
All stone fruits (cherries, apples, apricots, peaches, plums, pears) contain
very low levels of hydrogen cyanide in their bark and pits, therefore it is not
recommended for small children, nursing mothers, pregnant women, or people with
severe kidney or liver disease. Not recommended for long term use.
Elecampane – contraindicated for
pregnant or lactating women.
Licorice root – contraindicated during pregnancy
May elevate
blood pressure
Essential Oils – contraindicated
for pregnant or lactating women
Avoid all Essential oils internally during pregnancy or while lactating.
Rose hips – safe during pregnancy
Ginger – safe during pregnancy,
may be very helpful for morning sickness
Propolis - safe during pregnancy
Slippery elm bark – safe during
pregnancy
ElderberrySyrup – safe for pregnant and lactating women (note 2-3%
alcohol)
Elderberries – safe during
pregnancy
Propolis – safe during pregnancy
Echinacea – safe during
pregnancy, I have found no research indicating contraindications.
Rejuvenation Tonic – Contraindicated during pregnancy, mostly because of the burdock root. However this tonic is great for lactating women (great adaptogen high in vitamins and minerals).
Nettle Leaf - In large quantities may stimulate
the uterus, and therefore should be used with caution during the first
trimester, during the second and third trimester safe and very nourishing. As well as being high in vitamins
and minerals, it is also known to induce lactation and is recommended for
lactating women.
Burdock root – contraindicated
during pregnancy
- In large
quantities may stimulate the uterus, and therefore should be used with caution
during pregnancy, especially the first trimester.
Milk Thistle seed – safe during
pregnancy
Eleuthero
(Siberian ginseng) – safe during pregnancy
Kelp – safe during pregnancy
Bee pollen – safe during pregnancy
Propolis Spray –
used externally – safe during pregnancy
used internally - The propolis spray is usually used in very small amounts,
so therefore it is most likely safe internally; however there is 65% alcohol in
the formula. Also the herb Usnea is by
some sources (not all) contraindicated during pregnancy.
Usnea – some sources indicate that this herb
is contraindicated during pregnancy others say it is safe.
Purple Loosestrife- safe during pregnancy
Propolis – safe during pregnancy
Salve – safe during
pregnancy
References:
© David L. Hoffmann
B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H. Herbs to avoid during pregnancy.
Online resources –
http://www.herbalgram.com
http://www.medherb.com
http://www.botanical.com
the vision of Honey Gardens Apiaries includes
| • to connect
people to their environment through the healing power of plants and the work of the bees, • to re-unite people and encourage living a health-supportive life by returning to wholeness via simplicity |