What to Avoid During Pregnancy

“Hi,

Thanks for your reply. If you happen to have a recommendation list of what herbs to avoid during pregnancy please let me know.

Thank you! Sara”

Vaidya replies:

Dear Sara: any herb which is known to be detoxifying, as well as any herb or plant which is highly estrogenic like fennel; or shatavari. Most famous detoxifying herbs are: neem, guduchi. Stay away from these. But any other herbs with the bitter taste as well will be detoxifying – like milk thistle.

Of course, it all depends on how strong an individual is and whether the herbs are being administered orally – transmucosally – or transdermally, through the skin. But in general, any crude herb which is detoxifying and estrogenic in nature should be avoided by pregnant women. Remember, you should also avoid bitter vegetables like bitter melon, or bitter leafy greens (kale, collards, etc) and estrogenic fruits like pineapple, papaya, or asparagus, fennel sprouts, and anything made with/from soy. Also avoid licorice – it is estrogenic. In addition, at any stage of the pregnancy, it is best to avoid hot pungent foods that use too much red chillies, asafetida (or hing). Green chilies and ginger in moderation are ok, depending on whether the mother’s constitution is high pitta or not.