Herbal Tea During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, herbal tea deserves the same careful attention as any other supplement. Some botanicals affect the body in ways that matter more during pregnancy and nursing than at any other time.
This page is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a complete list, and it does not replace guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. Always speak with your OB-GYN, midwife, or pharmacist before starting, continuing, or stopping any herbal tea or supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Herbs and supplements — including plain culinary herbal tea — can cross into breast milk or affect pregnancy in ways that regular foods generally don't.
Why This
Matters
Some herbs are commonly discussed as needing extra caution at specific points in pregnancy.
Pregnancy Changes the Calculation
During pregnancy, herbs can potentially reach a developing baby, and during breastfeeding, certain compounds can pass into breast milk. Some herbs are traditionally associated with effects like uterine stimulation or hormone-like activity, which is exactly why they're treated differently during pregnancy even when they're perfectly ordinary the rest of the time.
This isn't a reason to avoid herbal tea altogether — many blends are considered fine throughout pregnancy. It's a reason to check each one specifically rather than assume.
Types of Herbs That May Need Extra Caution
This is not a list of "bad" herbs — many of these are common, well-regarded botanicals. The point is that during pregnancy or while breastfeeding specifically, their effects deserve a conversation with your care team first.
Hormone-Like Herbs
Licorice root contains compounds with hormone-like activity and has been studied in connection with pregnancy outcomes at higher amounts, making it one of the more consistently flagged herbs during pregnancy.
Herbs Affecting Blood Clotting
Ginkgo has noted effects on blood clotting, which is typically approached with extra caution during pregnancy and especially close to delivery.
Traditionally Flagged Botanicals
Passionflower has traditionally been associated with uterine-stimulating properties in some herbal literature, which is why it's commonly discussed with caution during pregnancy specifically.
Already Covered in Depth
We have a full dedicated guide on one specific herb already: Hibiscus Tea and Pregnancy, worth reading if any of your blends contain hibiscus.
Herbs From Our Catalog Worth Discussing With Your Care Team
This list covers herbs found in our teas that are commonly discussed in pregnancy and breastfeeding safety literature. It is not exhaustive, and inclusion here does not mean a specific herb is unsafe for you — it means it's specifically worth mentioning to your OB-GYN or midwife.
Licorice Root
One of the most consistently flagged herbs during pregnancy, due to hormone-like compounds and studies looking at higher-amount use during pregnancy.
Found in: Turmeric Relief Herbal Tea
View Profile →Turmeric
Culinary amounts are generally considered fine, but concentrated turmeric supplements are typically discussed with more caution during pregnancy.
Found in: Turmeric Relief Herbal Tea
View Profile →Ginkgo
Has noted effects on blood clotting, typically discussed with caution during pregnancy and especially close to delivery. No current product from us contains ginkgo as an ingredient.
View Profile →Tell Your Care Team What's in Your Cup
Our teas are crafted as everyday culinary and wellness beverages, not as medicine, and they are not intended to treat, diagnose, or replace any care during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said, herbs are herbs, regardless of who sells them or how they're packaged.
If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, please treat every herbal tea the same way, including ours: bring the ingredient list to your prenatal appointment, and don't start, continue, or stop drinking any herbal tea without your care team's input.
Herbal Tea & Pregnancy FAQ
General answers only. Please confirm anything specific to your situation with your OB-GYN or midwife.
Can I drink herbal tea while pregnant?
It depends on the herb, your trimester, and your individual health history. There's no single universal "safe list" — always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before starting or continuing any herbal tea.
Is herbal tea safe while breastfeeding?
Many herbal teas are considered fine during breastfeeding, but some compounds can pass into breast milk. It's worth a specific check with your pediatrician or midwife, especially for any new blend.
Why is licorice root flagged so often for pregnancy?
Licorice root contains compounds with hormone-like activity, and studies looking at higher-amount consumption during pregnancy are part of why it's one of the more consistently mentioned herbs in pregnancy safety literature.
Does this apply differently by trimester?
Yes, often it does — some herbs are discussed differently depending on trimester, particularly closer to delivery. This is exactly the kind of nuance worth discussing directly with your provider rather than generalizing.
What should I bring to my prenatal appointment to discuss this?
A simple list or photo of the ingredients on any tea or supplement packaging is genuinely helpful and makes the conversation easier and faster.
Where can I find more detailed, medical-grade information?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health publish detailed, regularly updated information on herbs during pregnancy. Links are provided below.
Additional Reading
For detailed, regularly updated medical information, we recommend these established resources.
Herbal tea, on its own, cannot replace prenatal vitamins, prenatal care, or any medication prescribed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Never stop, skip, or adjust any prescribed care because you're drinking an herbal tea — even one discussed on this page. Any change to your care plan should only happen with guidance from your OB-GYN or midwife.
When In Doubt,
Ask Before You Sip
Herbal tea can be a comforting part of daily life, but during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the safest choice is always the one made together with your OB-GYN or midwife. Explore our dedicated guide on Hibiscus Tea and Pregnancy and our general guide, Can Tea Replace Medicine?
