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Why most medicinal plants are contraindicated during pregnancy?
 Drawing courtesy of ©dibujosparapintar.com |
Indeed, many of the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine are contraindicated during pregnancy.
The effect of medicinal plants is proportional to the weight of the individual. In the case of the fetus, some substances could cause problems in pregnancy.
Some plants are also unsafe because they can cause reactions in the mother affecting pregnancy.
In other cases, the use of certain medicinal plants is not recommended as a precaution, because it has not been studied their safety in pregnancy yet, and some of plant principles are probably not advisable.
It is best to use safe remedies in any condition that might occur during pregnancy and consult any doubts that appear with your doctor.
What plants can be used in pregnancy?
In any case, it is always recommended to use in low doses those plants that can be taken during pregnancy, although not being contraindicated, (in infusions or preparations with a small amount of plant)
 Photo of infusion |
Before taking herbs in pregnancy, you should consult a doctor.
Many affectations of pregnancy, such as heartburn, constipation, fatigue or gestational diabetes can be controlled with a correct guidelines, adequate food and suitable supplements, or food supplements if necessary.
How to resolve constipation in pregnancy
It is natural that during pregnancy the frequency of stools decreases, since in this stage constipation usually appears or increases. The depositional rate is slower for the bolus to stay longer in the intestine so that more and better nutrients from food can be absorbed.
 Photo of yogurt with walnuts, kiwi, oatmeal and raisins. A diet rich in fiber help solve constipation naturally |
To resolve constipation, there are remedies that can be used while still pregnant. It consists mainly of fiber supplements and drinking plenty of water.
It may also be advisable to accompany these supplements with yogurt, because probiotic bacteria that yogurt contains improves the efficiency of the fiber.
In case of heartburn, you can take it with milk or vegetable drink.
As suitable fiber supplements in pregnancy, can be used any of the following:
– Chia seeds (1 tablespoon in yogurt, salads, or with 1 cup water, 2 times a day)
– Oat bran (1 tablespoon in yogurt, salads, or with 1 cup water, 2 times a day)
– Food supplements: capsules of glucomannan or agar agar according to instructions leaflet
IMPORTANT! You need to take plenty of fluids for the fiber to properly act. If not hungry, you can drink rice milk (fortified with calcium), since it will settle the stomach.
Another recommendation is to take a diet rich in fiber, with consumption of brown rice, whole wheat bread, fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruit and seeds, natural sources of fiber.
Fiber rich recipes such as the following are recommended: Muesli with yogurt recipe
Wheat bran is not recommended nor the type “fiber cereals or sticks” (fiber cereals hat are made with wheat bran and also a lot of sugar is added) it is not recommended
* More information: diet to solve constipation
Laxative teas that can NOT be taken during pregnancy
In general, medicinal plants have not to be taken it without medical consent and after ensuring that they are not contraindicated in pregnancy.
Attention! Laxative teas ARE VERY contraindicated as you can find in the supermarket and herbalists, containing senna or cascara, buckthorn, rhubarb, cassia or senna !!! They do not solve chronic constipation and because of its stimulating effect of the musculature, they can cause miscarriage.
* See: Dangers of laxative teas
Remedies for reflux or heartburn in pregnancy
 Carrot juice is suitable for heartburn. |
If reflux or heartburn, you should read the following information and tips for reflux.
– Chamomile is a plant that is not officially contraindicated in pregnancy and can be used to treat reflux or heartburn. Similarly, it is recommended to light tea, with a small amount of plant.
Carrot juice drink is advisable in those cases when a pregnant woman suffers from heartburn.
In many cases, these problems can be solved with proper diet. Certain foods and cooking methods can cause stomach discomfort.
* More information: Diet for reflux and heartburn
In any case of the above, if you are pregnant, the doctor is the only person suitable to advise you personally. Check with your doctor before taking these supplements or other remedies |
*Keep reading:
Pregnant women can meet their nutritional requirements and what foods are more desirable referring to page:
– Needs of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy and lactation
– Menu for pregnancy
* Other items of interest:
More information on pregnancy diet and care.
