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Herbs During Pregnancy: What Official Sources Say

What NIH, the NHS and other official sources say about herbs and herbal teas in pregnancy, which herbs they flag, and why talking to your obstetric team comes first.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

Safety first. Natural products can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read herb safety and interactions before you use anything on this page.

Before you use any herbal product while pregnant or trying to become pregnant, talk with your obstetric team. Many supplements have not been tested in pregnant women. [1] The NHS says herbal medicines are not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. [2] For overall guidance see Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Supplements and Herbs.

Quick answer
There is no single "safe list" in the sources we read. Official bodies mostly say two things: some herbs have specific warnings in pregnancy, and for many others, not enough is known. "Not enough is known" is not the same as "safe." This page only reports what named sources say. It gives no amounts and is not medical advice.

Herbs that official sources flag

These are statements from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, part of the US National Institutes of Health) and the NHS (UK). They are about oral products unless noted.
HerbWhat the source saysSource type
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum, seed)Not safe during pregnancy in amounts greater than found in food; use has been linked to increased risks of birth defects in animals and people. [3]NCCIH
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, root)Large amounts of oral extract during pregnancy are unsafe and can increase the risk of delivery before 38 weeks. [4] The NHS advises avoiding teas that contain liquorice root. [5]NCCIH, NHS
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use it. [6]NCCIH
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)May be unsafe because it may increase the risk of birth defects. [7]NCCIH
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)May be unsafe; could cause early labor or extra bleeding near delivery. [8]NCCIH
Aloe (taken by mouth)May be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. [9]NCCIH
Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)May not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. [10]NCCIH
YohimbeMay be unsafe by mouth. [11]NCCIH
Black cohoshMay not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. [12]NCCIH
Garlic supplementsMay not be safe above the amounts found in foods. [13]NCCIH

NCCIH also notes that blue cohosh and black cohosh are different herbs, and that using blue cohosh to induce labor has been linked to life-threatening complications in the infant, including seizures. [12]

Herbs with some supportive research

  • **Ginger (Zingiber officinale, rhizome).** NCCIH says research shows ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, and that ginger supplements in pregnancy may be safe. It still advises talking with your provider. [14] Evidence label: promising but limited. See Ginger.
  • Echinacea. NCCIH reports studies suggesting extracts are possibly safe for up to 7 days in the first trimester. [15]
  • Peppermint. Oral peppermint in food amounts is likely safe in pregnancy, but little is known about medicinal amounts. [16]

Where little is known

For chamomile, valerian and elderberry, NCCIH says little is known about safety in pregnancy. [17][18][19] For red raspberry leaf and sage, see their own pages: Red raspberry leaf and Sage. Proper evidence not found on this page for other herbs: we did not read official pregnancy statements for them, so their absence from the table means nothing.

Quality and medicines

Products sold as supplements have, in some cases, contained prescription drugs, including blood thinners. [1] Always tell the obstetric team about every herb, tea and supplement, and ask a pharmacist about medicine interactions. A related guide is Pregnancy: Herbs and Supplements Official Sources Flag.

Frequently asked questions

Which herbs should I avoid in pregnancy?

Official sources flag, among others, fenugreek above food amounts, large amounts of licorice, goldenseal, St. John's wort, ginkgo, oral aloe, bitter orange, yohimbe and black cohosh. [3][4][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The list is not complete. Ask your obstetric team about anything you use.

Is herbal tea safe during pregnancy?

The NHS says there is not much research and suggests limiting herbal tea, avoiding teas with liquorice root. [5]

Is ginger safe for pregnancy nausea?

NCCIH says research shows ginger may help and supplements may be safe, but advises consulting a provider. [14]

Does "natural" mean safe in pregnancy?

No. NCCIH notes that many supplements come from natural sources, but "natural" does not always mean "safe." [1]

Who do I ask?

Your obstetrician, midwife or a pharmacist. The NHS advises checking with a pharmacist before taking a herbal medicine alongside other medicines. [2]

More details: evidence, limits and cautions

The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.

Herbal teas in pregnancy
The NHS says there is not much research on herbal teas in pregnancy, so it is safest to limit them. It names peppermint and chamomile teas and suggests no more than 4 cups of herbal tea a day, while avoiding teas that contain liquorice root. [5] That is a UK health-service statement (page reviewed June 2026), not a universal rule. Tea products vary, so read the ingredient list and ask your midwife or doctor.
References
  1. NCCIH. Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  2. NHS. Herbal medicines and complementary therapies (page last reviewed 1 May 2026). Available at www.nhs.uk. Read 2026-10-23.
  3. NCCIH. Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  4. NCCIH. Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  5. NHS. Foods to avoid in pregnancy (page last reviewed 15 June 2026). Available at www.nhs.uk. Read 2026-10-23.
  6. NCCIH. Goldenseal: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  7. NCCIH. St. John’s Wort: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  8. NCCIH. Ginkgo: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  9. NCCIH. Aloe Vera: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  10. NCCIH. Bitter Orange: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  11. NCCIH. Yohimbe: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  12. NCCIH. Black Cohosh: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  13. NCCIH. Garlic: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  14. NCCIH. Ginger: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  15. NCCIH. Echinacea: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  16. NCCIH. Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  17. NCCIH. Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  18. NCCIH. Valerian: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
  19. NCCIH. Elderberry: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. 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.