What are herbal teas?

Herbal teas are made from plants other than the tea plant. They can be made from different parts of plants, such as:

• roots
• bark
• buds
• berries
• flowers
• seeds
• leaves

To make the tea, you pour hot water over the plant parts. The water and tea are left to brew for a few minutes, before being strained and served.

Unlike black or green tea, herbal teas do not contain caffeine. Caffeine can pass through your placenta to your baby. Too much caffeine can affect both your and your baby’s health. It can cause some complications with your pregnancy.

You can buy herbal teas in supermarkets, health food stores and pharmacies.

Herbal teas are a form of herbal medicine.

What benefits may herbal teas have?

Many people choose to drink herbal tea when pregnant or breastfeeding. Herbal tea may help with pregnancy symptoms.

Some herbal teas claim to:

• soothe an upset tummy
• calm anxiety
• prepare your uterus for labour
• help you sleep

Are herbal teas safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There are mixed views on the safety of herbal teas during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Herbal teas can affect your baby by:

• crossing the placenta in pregnancy
• transferring into your milk while breastfeeding

Like other complementary medicines, herbal teas are often not studied scientifically. The studies that are done are often not of good quality.

Even though herbal teas are made from natural ingredients, this does not mean they are necessarily safe. The amounts of natural ingredients they contain can vary. Herbal teas may also contain ingredients that are not listed on the label.

These ingredients may pass on to your baby, or they may interfere with other medicines you are taking.

Some herbal medicines may contain contaminants such as:

• heavy metals
• pesticides
• conventional medicines

These may be harmful to you and your baby.

Can I drink herbal tea while pregnant or breastfeeding?

It's always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist before you drink any herbal teas while you're pregnant or breastfeeding, especially if you are taking prescription medicine.

Different herbal teas are made from different ingredients. Drinking different types of herbal tea will limit the amount of each herb that your baby is exposed to.

Limit yourself to 2 cups of herbal tea a day.

If you are breastfeeding, watch out for any unusual side effects. If you notice anything that worries you, talk to your doctor or maternal child health nurse.

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Which herbal teas can I drink while pregnant and breastfeeding?

There is not a lot of research about which herbal teas are safe to drink while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Large amounts of some herbs may be harmful during pregnancy. They can potentially harm your baby or trigger contractions, increasing your chance of preterm labour.

Herbal teas that are likely to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Ginger tea can help ease nausea. It should be safe to drink in moderation while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Peppermint tea is one of the most used herbal medicines in pregnancy. It can be helpful in easing nausea and flatulence (wind). Studies have shown peppermint tea does not harm you or your baby. You should avoid very large amounts of peppermint tea.
• Some people drink raspberry leaf tea during their last trimester to help them prepare for labour and birth. Drinking raspberry leaf tea has not been shown to be helpful in any studies. It is likely that this tea is safe in pregnancy and when breastfeeding.

Herbal teas to be careful with during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Green tea isn't a herbal tea, meaning it contains caffeine. You should limit how much you drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Herbal teas to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding

There are reports that some herbal teas should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as they may not be safe for you or your baby. Ask your doctor or midwife about herbal teas that should be avoided.

Teas where there is not enough information about safety

• A cup of chamomile tea before bed may relax you. However, there is a suggestion it could stimulate your uterus or lead to circulation problems for your baby. Higher rates of preterm labour and miscarriage have also been reported. It is best to avoid drinking chamomile tea in large quantities.
• There isn’t enough information on dandelion tea to know whether it is safe to drink while pregnant or breastfeeding.
• There isn’t enough information on rose hip tea to know whether it is safe to drink while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Resources and support

• For information on prescription, over the counter and herbal medicines, call 1300 MEDICINE on (1300 633 424).
• The NSW Government has a factsheet on herbal medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• The Royal Women’s Hospital has practical information about herbal medicines and breastfeeding.

Other languages

The NSW Food Authority have translated their food safety during pregnancy brochure into many community languages.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

You can find out more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pregnancy health on Stronger Bubba Born or watch the How to Have a Safer Pregnancy video.