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Herbal Tea in Pregnancy: Teas Sources Say to Ask About

What the NHS, EU regulators, NCCIH and pregnancy studies say about herbal teas in pregnancy, tea by tea, with licorice and senna flagged and honest gaps where evidence is missing.

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Read this first. The NHS (UK) says to avoid teas containing licorice root in pregnancy, because it may be harmful to the baby's development. [1] The EU monograph for senna leaf says its use in pregnancy is contraindicated. [2] If you think you drank something harmful, Poison Help in the US is 1-800-222-1222. [3] Otherwise, bring the tea box to your midwife, obstetrician or pharmacist and ask.

What the main sources say

The NHS says there is not much research on herbal teas in pregnancy, so it is safest to limit how much you drink; it advises no more than 4 cups of herbal tea a day (peppermint and chamomile are its examples). [1] This is a UK statement; the US sources we read give no cup limit. MotherToBaby (US) says most herbal products have not been well studied in pregnancy, and that some have been shown to bring on labor, hormone changes or uterine contractions. [4] NCCIH says many dietary supplements have not been tested in pregnant women. [5]

Tea by tea

Tea (plant)What the source saysStrength of evidence
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)NHS: avoid. NCCIH: large amounts of oral extract (about 250 grams of licorice a week) are unsafe in pregnancy. EU monograph (2026): not recommended [1][6][7]Evidence of harm at high intake; tea amounts not described
Senna leaf (Senna alexandrina)EU monograph (2018): contraindicated [2]Regulator caution based on experimental data
Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)Traditional use: a pregnancy tea said to shorten labor, with no experimental data supporting the claim. [8] Research: a 2021 review of 13 studies found no demonstrated harm or benefit in human studies; one study saw a shorter second stage of labor that was not statistically significant. [9] A 2024 observational study of 91 women saw no safety concerns, but its authors say this should not be taken as evidence of safety. [10] One case report describes low blood sugar needing less insulin in gestational diabetes. [11] EU monograph (2014): not recommended [12]Insufficient evidence
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)NCCIH: little known. EU monograph: safety not established for most preparations. [13][14] A registry study of 3183 women found no link between chamomile, peppermint or green tea and low birth weight. [15] A review discusses polyphenol-rich foods, including herbal teas, possibly affecting the fetal ductus arteriosus (a heart vessel) late in pregnancy, and a case report concerns camomile tea (title only read). [16][17]Mixed; insufficient evidence
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)NCCIH: amounts commonly found in food are likely safe; medicinal amounts, little known. EU monograph: safety not established [18][19]Insufficient evidence (NCCIH: food amounts likely safe)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)EU monograph (2025): data on 300 to 1000 pregnancy outcomes indicate no malformation or newborn toxicity, yet as a precaution it prefers avoiding use. NCCIH: ginger supplements may be safe; ask a provider [20][21]Promising but limited
Fennel, lemon balm, passionflower, valerian, nettle, lavender, hops, elderflower, marshmallow, aniseEU monographs: safety not established, use not recommended [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]Insufficient evidence

Hibiscus, rooibos and many other teas: pregnancy safety is not described in the sources we read. The EU monograph for dandelion leaf says safety has not been established. [32]

Other points

  • Study limits. The low-birth-weight study was self-reported with a 38.5% response, and the authors say evidence on herbal product safety in pregnancy is lacking. [15]
  • Pennyroyal. LiverTox says pennyroyal oil (Mentha pulegium) was used in the past as an abortifacient and is highly toxic by mouth. Check blends for it and ask. [33]
  • Caffeine. The NHS limits caffeine to 200 mg a day. [1] Some herbal drinks are caffeinated, for example yerba mate. [34] See caffeine in herbal teas.
  • Alcohol. Tinctures and liquid products can contain alcohol, which should be avoided in pregnancy. [4] See alcohol in herbal extracts.
  • Contamination. MotherToBaby notes herbal products might contain metals, pesticides or unlisted ingredients. [4] See quality testing.

What a reader can do

Ask your midwife, obstetrician or pharmacist, and tell them every tea and extract. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. See pregnancy and breastfeeding safety and herbs sources say to ask about. Proper evidence not found: randomized trials of herbal tea safety in pregnancy; our PubMed search for herbal tea in pregnancy returned observational studies, surveys and case reports. [35]

Frequently asked questions

Is raspberry leaf tea safe in pregnancy?

Not established. An EU monograph says safety has not been established, and a 2021 review found no demonstrated harm or benefit in human studies. [12][9]

How many cups of herbal tea are okay in pregnancy?

The NHS (UK) says no more than 4 cups a day and avoid licorice root; no US source we read gives a number. [1]

Is chamomile tea safe while pregnant?

NCCIH says little is known. A registry study found no link with low birth weight, but it was self-reported. [13][15]

Is peppermint tea safe in pregnancy?

NCCIH says amounts commonly found in food are likely safe, while the EU monograph says safety has not been established. [18][19]

Which teas should I avoid when pregnant?

The NHS says to avoid licorice root teas, and the EU senna monograph says senna is contraindicated. Ask about the rest. [1][2]

References
  1. NHS (UK). Foods to avoid in pregnancy. Read 2026-10-23.
  2. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Senna alexandrina Mill., folium, EMA/HMPC/625849/2015, Revision 1, last revision or adoption 25 September 2018. Read 2026-10-23.
  3. Poison Control (US national poison help service). poison.org. Read 2026-10-23.
  4. MotherToBaby (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists). Herbal Products fact sheet. Read 2026-10-23.
  5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Read 2026-10-23.
  6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety. Read 2026-10-23.
  7. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Glycyrrhiza glabra L., G. inflata Bat., G. uralensis Fisch., radix, EMA/HMPC/108399/2024, last revision or adoption 4 March 2026. Read 2026-10-23.
  8. Survey of Raspberry Leaf Tea in pregnancy. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2022. Survey of 121 postnatal women. Abstract read 2026-10-23.
  9. Biophysical effects, safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf use in pregnancy: a systematic integrative review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021. Abstract read 2026-10-23.
  10. Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) use in pregnancy: a prospective observational study. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024. 91 records. Abstract read 2026-10-23.
  11. Raspberry Leaf and Hypoglycemia in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Obstet Gynecol. 2016. Single case report. Abstract read 2026-10-23.
  12. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Rubus idaeus L., folium, EMA/HMPC/44211/2012, last revision or adoption 28 January 2014. Read 2026-10-23.
  13. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety. Read 2026-10-23.
  14. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos, EMA/HMPC/55843/2011, last revision or adoption 7 July 2015. Read 2026-10-23.
  15. Exposure to specific herbal products during pregnancy and the risk of low birth weight. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012. Registry-based case-control study, 3183 women (38.5% response). Abstract read 2026-10-23.
  16. New insights on fetal ductal constriction: role of maternal ingestion of polyphenol-rich foods. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2010. Review. Abstract read 2026-10-23.
  17. Premature constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus following the maternal consumption of camomile herbal tea. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2009. Case report; only the title was available to us (no abstract). Read 2026-10-23.
  18. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety (includes a statement on peppermint tea). Read 2026-10-23.
  19. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Mentha x piperita L., folium, EMA/HMPC/572705/2014, last revision or adoption 15 January 2020. Read 2026-10-23.
  20. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Zingiber officinale Roscoe, rhizoma, EMA/HMPC/885789/2022, last revision or adoption 7 May 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
  21. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Ginger: Usefulness and Safety. Read 2026-10-23.
  22. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Foeniculum vulgare Miller subsp. vulgare var. dulce, fructus, EMA/HMPC/372839/2016, Revision 1, last revision or adoption 31 January 2024. Read 2026-10-23.
  23. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., folium, EMA/HMPC/196745/2012, last revision or adoption 14 May 2013. Read 2026-10-23.
  24. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Passiflora incarnata L., herba, EMA/HMPC/669740/2013, last revision or adoption 25 March 2014. Read 2026-10-23.
  25. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Valeriana officinalis L., radix, EMA/HMPC/150848/2015, last revision or adoption 2 February 2016. Read 2026-10-23.
  26. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Urtica dioica L.; Urtica urens L., folium, EMA/HMPC/508015/2007, last revision or adoption 14 January 2010. Read 2026-10-23.
  27. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, flos, EMA/HMPC/734125/2010, last revision or adoption 27 March 2012. Read 2026-10-23.
  28. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Humulus lupulus L., flos, EMA/HMPC/682384/2013, last revision or adoption 6 May 2014. Read 2026-10-23.
  29. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Sambucus nigra L., flos, EMA/HMPC/611512/2016, last revision or adoption 27 March 2018. Read 2026-10-23.
  30. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). EU herbal monograph on Althaea officinalis L., radix, EMA/HMPC/436679/2015, last revision or adoption 12 July 2016. Read 2026-10-23.
  31. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Pimpinella anisum L., fructus, EMA/HMPC/321184/2012, last revision or adoption 12 November 2013. Read 2026-10-23.
  32. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wigg., folium, EMA/HMPC/579636/2008, last revision or adoption 12 November 2009. Read 2026-10-23.
  33. LiverTox, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. LiverTox: Pennyroyal Oil (record as indexed in PubMed). Read 2026-10-23.
  34. LiverTox, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. LiverTox: Yerba Mate (record as indexed in PubMed). Read 2026-10-23.
  35. National Library of Medicine. PubMed searches run through the NCBI E-utilities on 2026-10-23 (search terms are named in the text). Read 2026-10-23.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.