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There has been a virtual explosion of interest in all kinds of …
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The lack of consistent labeling on herbal products can be a source of consumer frustration. An herb is categorized as a nutritional supplement, so its possible health benefits cannot be stated on the label, leaving the consumer with little information. The label may not list why the product should be taken, how much to take, how often, the active ingredients, how much of the active ingredients are in the supplement, or the side effects. Herbal remedies are considered natural alternatives to certain drugs, but they can also be dangerous when taken during pregnancy. Many herbs contain chemicals that can cross the placenta to the baby, and some can cause premature contractions. As with all medications, expected mothers should avoid taking any herb during the first trimester and use only minimal amounts for short periods of time thereafter, and then only when needed. There are several herbs, which should be completely avoided during pregnancy. Some of them include purgative drugs like Aloe Vera, Primula veris, Elder bark (Sambucus nigra), Rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum), Senna (Cassia angustifolia) etc. Other uterine stimulant drugs include White cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Barberry (Berberis aristata), Basil oil (Ocimum basilicum), Fetid bugbane (Cimicifuga foetida), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllus), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Common juniper and juniper oil (Juniperus communis), Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris), Liferoot (Senecio aureus), European Mistletoe (Viscum album), Indian wormwood (Artemesia vulgaris), Garden Rue (Ruta graveolens), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Shepherd's purse(Capsella bursa-pastoris), Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), Squill (Urginea maritima/Urginea indica), Wild yam (Diascorea villosa), Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) etc. that may cause birth defects which could damage the fetus. Several other herbs like Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Autumn crocus (Colichicum autumnale), Liferoot (Senecio aureus), Mistletoe (Viscum album) are known to cross placental barrier and cause birth defects. Clinical reports of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) suggest that high doses in pregnancy can lead to androgynous babies (caused by over stimulation of male sex hormones).5,6
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