Guides
Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Many people assume natural always means safe in pregnancy. EMA monographs paint a more cautious picture. This guide is for information only; ask your doctor about every product in pregnancy.
Updated: October 15, 2026
General rule: for most, there are no data
For most herbs on Herbadex the EMA says the same: safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and use is not recommended in the absence of sufficient data. That does not mean "proven harmful"; it means "not shown to be safe".
Herbs that must not be used in pregnancy
- Ginkgo: contraindicated in pregnancy; it may increase bleeding tendency
- Willow bark: contraindicated in the last 3 months, not recommended earlier or while breastfeeding; salicylates cross the placenta and into milk
- Fenugreek: effects on reproduction in animal studies; not recommended in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for women of childbearing age not using contraception
- St John's wort: reproductive toxicity in animal studies; not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Herbs the EMA views more favourably
- Chamomile tea: per its EMA monograph, safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has been established
- Psyllium: may be considered for constipation in pregnancy and breastfeeding if a change of diet is not enough
- Ginger: no malformations in 300–1000 pregnancy outcomes; still, the EMA prefers avoiding it in pregnancy as a precaution
Care while breastfeeding
- Fennel and aniseed: their anethole passes into breast milk; not recommended while breastfeeding
- Chasteberry: may affect milk production; not recommended while breastfeeding
- Clean essential oils and skin products off the breast before feeding
What to do
If you are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use herbal products without asking your doctor. Each herb card shows the pregnancy and breastfeeding status in its safety strip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink herbal tea in pregnancy?
The EMA does not recommend most herbs it assessed in pregnancy. Safety has been established for chamomile tea; still, ask your doctor.
Can I take ginger in pregnancy?
No malformations have been seen, but the EMA prefers avoiding it in pregnancy as a precaution.
Can I drink fennel tea while breastfeeding?
The EMA does not recommend it; the anethole in fennel passes into breast milk.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flosEMA HMPC · 2015
- European Union herbal monograph on Zingiber officinale Roscoe, rhizoma – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2025
- European Union herbal monograph on Foeniculum vulgare Miller subsp. vulgare var. vulgare, fructus – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2024
- Community herbal monograph on Plantago ovata Forssk., seminis tegumentum – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2013
- European Union herbal monograph on Vitex agnus-castus L., fructus – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2018
- European Union herbal monograph on Salix [various species including S. purpurea L., S. daphnoides Vill., S. fragilis L.], cortex – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2017
- European Union herbal monograph on Trigonella foenum-graecum L., semen – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2021
- European Union herbal monograph on Hypericum perforatum L., herba – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2022
- European Union herbal monograph on Ginkgo biloba L., foliumEMA HMPC · 2015
Related herbs
Fenugreek
T Traditional useTrigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek seed is traditionally used before meals for temporary loss of appetite and as a poultice for minor skin inflammation.
Ginkgo Leaf
A Strong clinical evidenceGinkgo biloba
Standardised ginkgo extract may help age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia; bleeding risk and interactions call for caution.
Chasteberry Seed
A Strong clinical evidenceVitex agnus-castus
Chasteberry dry extract may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); regular use for 3 months is recommended for effect.
Psyllium Husk
A Strong clinical evidencePlantago ovata
Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines.
Chamomile
T Traditional useMatricaria recutita
A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation.
Fennel
T Traditional useFoeniculum vulgare
Fennel seed tea is traditionally used for bloating and wind, for mild period cramps and for cough that comes with a cold.
St. John's Wort
A Strong clinical evidenceHypericum perforatum
St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill.
Willow Bark
A Strong clinical evidenceSalix spp.
Willow bark extract may help with short-term low back pain. It contains salicylates, so it is unsuitable under 18 and with blood thinners.
Ginger
A Strong clinical evidenceZingiber officinale
Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion.