Herbal teas - not good steer clear!

[Mackmummy]

I have a baby app that gives me handy hints every day and today it says not to drink herbal teas, not good for baby. I don't drink them anyway but i'd forgotten about this one. Have read on here somewhere someone said they had got a load of herbal teas as they were talking about cutting down on caffeine drinks but I can't remember who said it so thought i Would put this up in the hope they see it.

 

[Davina]

No herbal tea?! Really! Gosh- I'd never have suspected that one, thanks for passing on. Does this even extend to things like mint n lemon and ginger do you think? Does it say why?

 

[Londongirl]

Really? That seems weird. I drink quite a lot of mint tea as its caffeine free and soothes my nausea.

Just found this on the nhs website:

There isn't much evidence around the use of herbal teas in pregnancy, but the widespread use of herbal teas by pregnant women is relatively reassuring. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises pregnant women to take a cautious approach, having not more than around four cups of herbal tea a day. They also advise pregnant women to talk to their midwife or doctor about which herbal products are safe to have in pregnancy.

 

[Sarah13]

Depends what it is and how much of it you drink. I don't drink normal tea but drink herbal, fruit and green teas but always check or limit them. Some are great towards the end for strengthening your uterus such as raspberry leaf!

 

[ClimbingRose]

I know they found our recently that lots of herbal teas are packed full of pesticides which are bad! But you can always buy organic ones like clipper!
Some teas such as raspberry leaf arent recommended, unless you're over due and want to encourage the baby out! (I think its raspberry leaf anyway)
If drinking mint tea or ginger tea helps with sickness, and getting enough fluids in, it cant be a bad thing, but dont go mad on them, and try to buy organic, or simply make your own with hot wat and a few slices of ginger. xx
p.s green teas have caffeine in unless they specify otherwise, so if you are trying to cut out caffeine then thats one to avoid. Its a mine field isnt it!)

 

[Sarah13]

Raspberry leaf doesn't make you go into labour but strengthens your uterus so supposedly your contractions are stronger. You shouldn't start drinking it until after 36 weeks though and build it up slowly as its not good for you before that.

 

[SarahCourtney]

Depends on the ingredients. I Bought ginger tea to help with morning sickness but it also had lemongrass in which is a no no in pregnancy.

If you fancy herbal tea, read the ingredients and simple google any ingredients you're not sue about. Most fruits are okay but a crazy amount of herbs are not allowed!

 

[SharonP]

Ok I have to emphasise this is NOT professional advice and I am not wearing my holistic therapist hat here.

The reason herbal teas have an avoidance advice in pregnancy is because they have certain therapeutic properties. Although not as strong as essential oils (which are 1000x stronger than the plant they are extracted from) they are still stronger than the plants themselves. There is a high proportion of herbs plant extracts that contain chemicals that not only can but do cause miscarriages and other problems. The general practice within aromatherapy is not to use any oil other than tea-tree or lavender in pregnancy (indeed even they are used with caution.) although they are healthier and better than black tea or coffee, my advice would be to be extremely cautious.

 

[Jojo84]

teas you can drink while pregnant

ginger tea - good for sickness
nettle tea
dandelion leaf (but not too much!)
peppermint tea
roobois tea (thisis actually quite good for you)

remember also that earl grey is not suitable for pregnancy, even decaffeinated.

 

[Emapot1]

I drink camomile tea....is anyone aware if this is not so good? It just soothes and calms me! I have one or two cups every other day.. I cut out normal tea just because of the caffeine. x

 

[SarahCourtney]

I drink camomile tea....is anyone aware if this is not so good? It just soothes and calms me! I have one or two cups every other day.. I cut out normal tea just because of the caffeine. x

Apparently you're not supposed to drink it in pregnancy but not sure why. Also take it with a pinch of salt to be honest because they constantly changes the rules of what we can and can't eat and drink and different countries' rules vary too! Lol

 

[Emapot1]

Oh great! Well I will change to peppermint I guess. I actually don't like camomile on a normal basis so perhaps its a crave? The smell is what I like oddly!

x

 

[SarahCourtney]

Oh great! Well I will change to peppermint I guess. I actually don't like camomile on a normal basis so perhaps its a crave? The smell is what I like oddly!

x

http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/en/uk/shop-by-fragrance/camomile-tea/icat/camomiletea?setpagenum=

Haha I swear. By Yankee Candles. Very expensive but worth every penny.

 

[Mackmummy]

I think I'll stick to decaf breakfast tea and sugar free vimto!

 

[SharonP]

Sorry guys, just checked my books. Chamomile and peppermint both have chemicals in them that promote menstrual flow and as such are contraindicated (unsafe) for use in pregnancy. I know it's a pain but please the warnings about herbal teas are there for a reason.

 

[Jojo84]

H

 

[Jojo84]

heres an article on tea in pregnancy

http://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/tea-during-pregnancy-teas-to-drink-teas-to-avoid#.UtA3m9J_szw

it says peppermint is fine here

 

[Jayjay027]

Roiboos tea is great. Really lovely and good for you.
Get some tetley red bush. Yum yum x

 

[leesey]

Why is earl grey not allowed? If it's because of the caffeine it doesn't mean you can't have it it just means you're limited per day? I'm hoping there's not another reason as I just had a cup!

I've been drinking fruit teas most days. Twinings red berry mostly. Sometimes it's all I can stomach. Never seemed to be an issue last time I was pregnant but will double check with midwife on Monday xx

 

[SharonP]

Jojo I cannot see the sources used to make their claims. Therefore I cannot comment on it. Ultimately though each one must make their own decision. I am just saying what my reference books for work say.