"I am pregnant, and am looking for do's and don'ts of herbs during pregnancy. I didn't see anything on St. John's wort. Is this a no-no?"

"I've been taking 375 mg of St. John's wort and 405 mg of Wild Yam for about a month now. I just got the results back from my home pregnancy test, and I am pregnant ... I've just missed my first period. Are these harmful to take during pregnancy? I will not take any more until I get some results. I've asked my Doctor, and they have not called me back. I called them 2 days ago--maybe they don't know? Any information would be appreciated."

"I have been using St. John's wort for a few months now and am a firm believer, I just love it. I have a question though. My daughter has just given birth to a beautiful little girl 3 months ago and we were wondering if it is safe for her to take it as she is breast-feeding. She suffers from mild depression at times. I have not been able to find an answer to this question even at the health food store that I purchase this at. We want to make sure that the baby is safe too."

MY RESPONSE

"Researching the use of St. John's wort, I find no reason to be concerned about its use during breastfeeding or pregnancy if the recommended dose is not exceeded. We recommend making an infusion of the herb and sipping it throughout the day instead of taking it in capsule or tablet form, until the child has been weaned."

To this I add that each person has a different physiological make-up, and a different medical and family history. Only a licensed health care professional could make a final call on what is safe for each individual. The dilemma in which some of us find ourselves is that when it comes to alternatives, it's hard to find a licensed health care professional educated in herbal medicine.

There are so many factors to consider where pregnant women, infants, and the elderly are involved. The only thing we as herbalists can do is pass on the collective knowledge we have gathered through ages of herbal experiences, documented for centuries, some of which is now being proven by controlled research. The parody here is that this ancient art (herbal healing) is being newly discovered, but this time it's under the microscope where sometimes you can't see the miracle for the molecules.

THE NO NO LIST

Wild yam (dioscorea villosa) was in last week's "no no" list because of its diosgenin (a steroidal saponin) component which was the starting point in the creation of the first contraceptive pill. It is very effective in relieving menstrual pain but it is best to avoid this herb during pregnancy. It can be used during labor to ease delivery.

That "no no" list was given as a starting point for moms-to-be and their health care providers to use as a quick reference. If during pregnancy a woman is suffering from insomnia and would prefer to take an herbal remedy rather than a chemical pharmaceutical, the "no no" list may come in handy. She will know that vervain is not the right choice for her at that time.

INSOMNIA DURING PREGNANCY

Start by taking the mildest herbal remedy for insomnia first, German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), and if that doesn't help, try the next strongest, linden (Tilia). Next would be lavender (Lavandula officinalis) and then passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). Make an infusion using 1-2 tsp of one of these herbs to 1 cup of water. Drink just before bedtime. Do not take high doses of passionflower during pregnancy.

OTHER AILMENTS DURING PREGNANCY

For constipation, take 1-2 tsp of psyllium seed (Plantago spp) or linseed (Linum usitatissimum) with a large glass of water each day.

For heartburn, make an infusion of 1 tsp meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaris) to 1 cup water and drink 1-2 cups a day.

For headaches, make an infusion of 1 tsp linden (Tilia) to 1 cup water and drink up to 3-4 cups a day.

EO NO NOs

Last week we mentioned that pregnant women should avoid essential oils and aromatherapy unless under the supervision of a professional. For quick reference, the following essential oils are on the "no no" list:

• Calamus (Acorus calamus)
• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
• Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

The above oils could induce miscarriage when taken internally, but even inhalation and topical use are strongly discouraged.

• Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
• Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• Myrrh (Commiphera spp.)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

These oils could also cause adverse reactions and should be avoided as well.

SEE YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR WHEN ...

* You experience sudden swelling anywhere on your body.

* You feel dehydrated or you are not urinating.

* You are losing weight.

* You can't keep anything down, including water and/or juice, over a period of 24 hours.

* Your gums bleed and there is also swelling, puffiness, soreness, or persistent bad breath despite regular dental hygiene.

* You feel decreased fetal movement or a different pattern of movement than before.

* You begin to have visual disturbances such as double vision or you have persistent headaches.

(Reference: New Choices in Natural Healing, Rodale Press, Inc.)

ANOTHER CAUTION

Elaine Stillerman, L.M.T., cautions that pregnant women should use extremely gentle pressure when they do tapotement, a massage for sciatica. Too much pressure could stimulate the saphenous nerve, which leads into the pelvic area, causing uterine contractions.

YES YES

Enough with the negatives, give me some positives. With all these cautions, herbs are still a better choice than OTC or prescription drugs in most cases. I know they may be tough to find, but try to locate a professional who is *up* on herbal medicine. You are bringing a brand new person into this world. Wouldn't it be wonderful for him or her to be chemical free from their conception and throughout the rest of their life.

Our goal is to bring collective knowledge together to provide accurate herbal information, giving references whenever possible, for the purpose of being informed when choosing self-help and alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. At no time should this publication be considered prescription or treatment, nor should any information published herein be misinterpreted as such. The publishers can not be held responsible for the mishandling of information by its readers.

Please do not take herbal information lightly.
Remember our motto is ... When in doubt, don't!
Until next Monday I remain,

Herbally yours, Abby

Lynda "Abby" Trahan
Abby's Herb Company
P.O. Box 213
Round Top, TX 78954

lynda@abbysherbshop.com
www.abbysherbshop.com

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