When it comes to the unborn baby, there may be doubt of what to consume as it may have a direct impact on the baby. Echinacea is a herb that is widely popular for centuries for its medicinal properties. The roots and other parts of this herb are effectively used to boost immunity and battle various other infections in the body. It also has benefits for the health of a pregnant woman.
In this article:
Is it Safe to Use Echinacea while Pregnant?
Can Echinacea Cause Miscarriage?
Side Effects of Echinacea in Pregnant
What Herbs Should be Avoided During Pregnancy?
What Can be Done to Help Colds and Flu During Pregnancy?
Benefits of Echinacea Tea While Pregnant
Yes, it is safe. The benefits of Echinacea while pregnant are –
Speeds Up Recovery
If there is any infection or ailment during pregnancy taking Echinacea may help in speeding up the recovery or reducing the recovery time of that ailment.
Helps in Curing Recurrent Infections
Pregnancy may take a toll on the immunity and thus may make it more prone to falling sick. Sometimes, there are recurrent bouts of some infection and under such situations, Echinacea may prove to be beneficial. This is because this herb is effective in strengthening immunity which in turn makes the body help fight the infection.
Helps in Healing Sunburns
If there are sunburns during pregnancy, then this herb can be applied topically to cure the condition.
Effective in the Treatment of Haemorrhoids
suffering from hemorrhoids during pregnancy then it can be applied topically to reduce the pain and healing the wounds.
Beneficial in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Eczema
These are very discomforting skin conditions. Both these conditions may improve if apply Echinacea on the skin breakouts that may occur in these skin conditions.
Helps in Preventing Infection
this herb is beneficial in the formation of T-cells. It is also very effective in improving the ability of white blood cells (WBC) in keeping various kinds of pathogenic infections at bay. The presence of Echinacein, a medical compound in this herb is very effective in preventing various bacteria and viruses from penetrating the healthy cells of the body.
Effective Topical Disinfectant
apart from healing various infections and other medical ailments, it is also very fruitful to cure minor cuts, bruises, and wounds and thus can be used as an effective topical disinfectant.
Helpful in Treating Many Other Ailments
this wondrous herb is beneficial in treating various ailments such as bronchitis, hay fever, urinary tract infection, vaginal yeast infection, and many others.
Can Echinacea Cause Miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur during pregnancy. According to two studies in animals suggested that Echinacea products might increase the risk of marriage. But, it is not clear how the preparations and dose levels used in the studies compare with those used in humans. Therefore, there are no studies looking at Echinacea and the chance for miscarriage in human pregnancy.
Also, Echinacea is a category A medicine in pregnancy, indicating controlled studies in healthy pregnant women have demonstrated no fetal risk.
Side Effects of Echinacea in Pregnant
Echinacea is a safe herb but sometimes it may lead to certain complications during pregnancy and side effects may include –
- In case suffering from asthma or any kind of plant allergy, then it may not be a good idea to consume this herb as it may trigger an allergic reaction.
- It may also lead to allergies in some women if that is the case, stop the consumption at once and contact the doctor.
- It may trigger autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, collagen, etc.
What Herbs Should be Avoided During Pregnancy?
The following herbs are considered likely unsafe during pregnancy are –
- Saw Palmetto – if used orally have hormonal activity
- Goldenseal – if used orally can cross the placenta
- Dong Quai – if used orally due to uterine stimulant and relaxant effects
- Ephedra – if used orally
- Yohimbe – if used orally
- Pay D’ Arco – if used orally in large doses, contraindicated
- Passionflower – if used orally
- Black Cohosh – if used orally in pregnant women, not at term
- Blue Cohosh – if used orally, uterine stimulant and can induce labor
- Roman Chamomile – if used orally in medicinal amounts
- Pennyroyal – if used orally or topically
What Can be Done to Help Colds and Flu During Pregnancy?
When mothers-to-be become ill with cold or flu, it is important to take good care by getting adequate rest, staying well hydrated and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and zinc can help to support the immune system and boost it. Echinacea is a herb that has been used for centuries in western herbal medicine to support a healthy immune response and by supporting the mother’s immune system during pregnancy, it may be helpful to take this during an early sign of infection, exposure to infection or as a preventative during cold and flu.
Conclusion
Echinacea is a very useful herb and thus proves to be beneficial in treating many medical ailments during pregnancy. Consult the doctor before taking this herb for curing any ailment.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26895223
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17085774
