Is it OK to drink herbal tea or take Echinacea??

Qbanrican84 · October 2015

Has anyone been told they can't drink teas or take herbal supplements?

I have high cholesterol, and I found out one of the ways to get it down (besides watching what I eat) is drinking black tea. Has anyone had any issues with this?

Also, I like to take tons of echinacea if I feel a cold coming on or something, does anyone know if these are safe to take?

I know generally they tell prego's that we can only take tylenol, and benadryl and that's about it. I just wasn't sure if anyone else ran into this situation.

Cwg22 · October 2015

My OB office isn't very strict about many things - told me I can have sushi from a non-sketchy place, deli meat, etc. But they do say to stay away from herbal teas and stick with black. I'd ask yours to be sure, but I think the general recommendation is ingredients in herbal teas haven't been studied in pregnant women , but black tea has, and it's fine. And I think some herbs in herbal teas are known to be harmful. I have no idea about echinacea in particular.

MilkAndSugar · October 2015

I've had the same issue with having to re-evaluate my tea. I thought herbal teas would be generally safe, but after researching a few of my teas and seeing warnings, I guess not. Consult with your doc about your particular teas. I had a cold lately and I drank Stash Lemon Ginger tea. Helped with nausea and the cold. I haven't officially checked it for safety but I don't see how it could be harmful...

If you like herbal teas, Earth Mama Angel Baby has herbal teas that are safe to consume in pregnancy. https://earthmamaangelbaby.com/products/mama-to-be-pregnancy-tea-sampler. I've only had the Peaceful Mama tea, but I like it a lot.

hgsurvivor · October 2015

My OB was actually the opposite with Herbal teas. Said go ahead! I didn't ask about black tea since I don't like, but doesn't it have caffeine in it?

I have the flu right now - actually tested positive for it - and yeah only Tylenol and Benadryl and plain Robitussin for coughing and sore throat. No decongestants or antihistamines, no combination cold pills like DayQuil or Tylenol cold because they often contain other ingredients besides Tylenol and Benadryl. Also those cough drops with zinc are ok but not zicam as it has other ingredients.
That's when she said all herbal teas are good.
Anything prescription for cough or the antiviral for flu, all that's out. Trust me, this whole week I've been blaming DH and his stupid sperm for getting me KU right before getting the flu and now I'm miserable unable to take ANYTHING for real.

longhurrdontcurr · October 2015

I work for an herbal supplement company and our Echinacea has a warning label for pregnant women. Generally speaking, most herbs are not safe/approved for pregnancy. Or they might be ok only in a certain trimester.
I would definitely consult your ob before taking any herbs. The earth mama angel baby teas are fine though!
If you are worried about your immune system you can take vitamin c and it's of course safe during pregnancy

Also make sure you get enough vitamin d and b vitamins!

BLM10 · October 2015

Echinacea is on the NO list from my doc. I have a list of herbs to avoid as well. Can copy it later if you like.

hgsurvivor · October 2015

Yes definitely ask your doctor!

Just chiming in about the immune system thing that @longhurrdontcurr mentioned, when I need an immune
system boost I make a tea with fresh ginger root, fresh garlic, and limes. All slices, I also squeeze de lime slices a bit. You need a very decent amount of each to make it substantial. Add water and boil. Strain and drink.
Have something slummy nearby so you can chug it and eat the yummy treat to get the taste out hahaha.
I know it sounds disgusting but all three are power houses for immune system.

vulpini · October 2015

With my first, my OB advised me to vary my herbal teas so I wasn't getting a lot of any one herb. I just drink fruity Tazo teas, nothing too unusual though.

Lyzza350 · October 2015

I just can't believe tea can be dangerous. I know that's what they say but anyone else find it a bit rediculous? Take tylonal not stay away from that dangerous camomile! I'm gonna ask my midwife when I go in, but I happily gave up drinking and all sugar from my diet for this pregnancy. I need something! Lol I also bought this pregnancy tea to try to be safe and guess what!? "Dangerous" ingredient in it. Wtf?

Qbanrican84 · October 2015

Thanks @MilkandSugar and @longhurrdontcurr for the tea recommendation! Feels good to know there is something out there that's safe to take

@BVBabyHoepful, thanks! Yea I think it might have caffeine in it, I'm not sure, I don't normally drink teas unless something is wrong with me lol...also thanks for the tea recipe...i'll try that, I have no problem with ginger, garlic and limes...I actually make a little blend of lemon, ginger, garlic, honey, and cayenne pepper when I'm getting sick too...that helps quite a bit!

cluelesssm · October 2015

Ugh. I have been drinking Celestial Seasonings decaf Apple Chamomile Tea in an effort to not drink coffee. I thought tea was ok! I guess i will hold off.

NamelessAria · October 2015

I've heard so much mixed information on herbal teas. Most of the things I've read about taking echinacea says not to while pregnant.

When I first found out I was pregnant I was mostly drinking herbal teas but then I kept finding mixed information. I decided that at least while I'm still so early on and things are so "unsafe" I'll skip the herbal teas since I'm not sure they're okay. I mean they probably are fine in moderation but still.... I worry.

I started drinking "herbal coffee" called Teeccino several months back and it's a pretty good coffee substitute. I really enjoy it. It's just carob, chicory, roasted dates, almonds and that sort of thing. No actual herbs and no actual coffee. And it's caffeine free. It may be worth looking into for anyone really missing their coffee. I'd recommend the French Vanilla, Caramel nut of pumpkin spice (if you like pumpkin spice stuff of course). DH really likes the Hazelnut, Almond Amarreto, Chocolate (the spicy maya one) and French Vanilla. The chocolate mint one is also amazing.

Since I also have IC so I can't have anything acidic it's been hard on me. I feel like all I drink anymore is water, gatorade, teeccino and occasionally some peppermint tea or blueberry juice.

MynaBird · October 2015

vulpini said:
With my first, my OB advised me to vary my herbal teas so I wasn't getting a lot of any one herb. I just drink fruity Tazo teas, nothing too unusual though.

That seems like really wise advice. Thanks for sharing. It's easy to forget that some of these foods to avoid aren't because ZOMG ONE SERVING WILL RUIN YOUR BAYBEE but because there could potentially be (unknown) effects from continuous use. And there's a huge difference between herbal tea with a few ingredients you know to be safe and some complex concoction designed as a natural remedy.

agillespie15 · October 2015

I used to drink a lot of green tea. Sweet Paradise green tea from Pure Water Company to be exact. I have heard to stay away from green tea, which I thought was really good for you!!!! Any one know??

cluelesssm · October 2015

I just read in my book "What to Expect When You are Expecting" that the jury is still out on green tea since it can decrease the effectiveness of folic acid. It says if you are a green tea drinker, drink in moderation.

agillespie15 · October 2015

cluelesssm said:
I just read in my book "What to Expect When You are Expecting" that the jury is still out on green tea since it can decrease the effectiveness of folic acid. It says if you are a green tea drinker, drink in moderation.

Thank you!!!!

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