Herbs
Angelica
Stimulates menstruation.
Avocado Leaf
Toxic to many animals and can cause problems with lactation in animals. Studies are inconclusive on humans.
Barberry (Berberis)
Can cause brain damage in newborns.
Basil
Excessive quantities can cause a build up of toxic oils. In food is fine, but should not be consumed in concentrated or medicinal forms.
Bay Leaf
Reportedly aids flow of breast milk but historically used as an abortifacient (substance to induce abortions) in large quantities.
Bouquet Garni
This is a herb blend which contains a variety of other ingredients in small quantities. Most should be safe, but double check the ingredients.
Safe
Safe
Safe
Clary Sage
Has been known to stimulate labour in oil form.
Cuban Oregano
Like true oregano, this should not be consumed as a tea or oil.
Safe
Safe
Safe
Fines Herbes
This is a herb blend which contains a variety of other ingredients in small quantities. Most should be safe, but double check the ingredients.
Safe
Golpar (Hogweed)
Reported to have abortifacient qualities. The juice/sap from the plant is toxic and can cause third-degree burns in severe cases.
Unsafe
Herbes de Provence
This is a herb blend which contains a variety of other ingredients in small quantities. Most should be safe, but double check the ingredients.
Safe
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Linked to fertility issues and can cause the uterus to contract.
Hyssop
Okay in food, unsafe as a tea. Large quantities can reportedly cause miscarriage.
Italian Seasoning (Mixed Herbs)
This is a herb blend which contains a variety of other ingredients in small quantities. Most should be perfectly fine, but double check each one if you're worried.
Safe
Jasmine
Unsafe as a tea or oil as may cause contractions.
Safe
Lavender
Unsafe in first trimester and totally unsafe if you have a history of miscarriage. Oil and tea forms otherwise safe.
Lemongrass
Safe in food, unsafe in medicinal or concentrated forms.
Long Coriander (Culantro)
Always wash thoroughly.
Marjoram
High quantities can reportedly cause womb contractions, miscarriage, or premature labour.
Mastic
As a gum, mastic is used widely in Mediterranean dishes and desserts (including Turkish Delight). It is also used as a chewing gum. Avoid the leaf, especially in the first trimester.
Matcha
Matcha is finely ground tea leaves, and contains caffeine. It can be added to many dishes for flavouring or colouring.
Careful
Mexican Oregano
Like true oregano, this should not be consumed as a tea or oil.
Safe
Mint
All forms of mint are safe in reasonable amounts.
Safe
Oregano
The oil or tea form of oregano are considered uterine stimulants.
Parsley
High doses of parsley can stimulate the uterus and even cause miscarriage.
Peppermint
Safe as a tea. It can worsen heartburn, especially in later stages of pregnancy, so be aware if it is a particular issue for you.
Rosemary
Has diuretic properties in high doses. Some people believe it has emmenagogue properties as well.
Rue
Rue is toxic in large quantities, and can cause burn-like blisters. In remedies and herbal supplements it can cause stomach and kidney issues.
Safflower
The seed oil is considered safe (consult with your doctor first), but the flower itself is toxic.
Sage
Concentrated doses (such as a tea or oil) can lead to abdominal pain.
Safe
Safe
Thyme
Wild Thyme is also safe.
Safe
Vietnamese Coriander
Has many names, including hot mint, finger mint, Vietnamese cilantro, rau ram, and laksa leaf.
Unsafe
Safe
Wintergreen
Can lead to kidney issues in high doses.
Wormwood
May stimulate the womb, cause miscarriage, premature labour, fits, and kidney failure.