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With its mild and floral, slightly sweet taste, it’s no surprise chamomile tea is a popular choice for both wellness and relaxation – but did you know that it also boasts several health benefits when you are pregnant.
In this post we round up those benefits and give you all the key details you need to know about enjoying chamomile tea safely during your pregnancy.
The Benefits of Chamomile Tea for Pregnant Women
Whether you are looking to ward off unwanted pregnancy symptoms or are just keen to boost your health while you are expecting, chamomile tea is one of the most popular natural remedies for pregnancy – and it comes with a whole host of benefits too:
1. Relief from Nausea and Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common complaint during pregnancy – in fact, statistics have shown that morning sickness will impact 80% of women in UK.
Chamomile tea may help alleviate symptoms of nausea and morning sickness due to its ability to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and its anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Whether it’s your first or fifth pregnancy, it’s entirely normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed – you will soon be welcoming a new life after all!
A calming cup of chamomile tea has mild sedative properties that can help in reducing stress and anxiety.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns are common in pregnancy, especially as your bump grows bigger. Chamomile tea's calming effects may promote better sleep quality, helping pregnant women get the rest they need.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help in reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with conditions like indigestion or heartburn, which are common in pregnancy....if Chamomile is not to your taste we have our BEST SELLER to help with indigestion which is formulated with Peppermint oil, which is known to have beneficial properties to aid with heartburn & heartburn in pregnancy.
5. Rich in Antioxidants
Maintaining your health throughout your pregnancy is important, and we all know that a diet rich in antioxidants can benefit our bodies, as well as our minds.
Chamomile tea contains antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress and support overall health, making it one of the best natural remedies for pregnancy.
Safety Considerations: Is Chamomile Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
Whenever you add a new wellness product into your diet during pregnancy, your primary concern should always be its safety. Anything that will jeopardise your health or increase the risk of complications should be avoided at all costs, and it’s also wise to find out about recommended doses so you can monitor any products you consume.
Chamomile tea is generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy, but it should be consumed in moderation.
The NHS stipulates recommended safe amounts of herbal tea in pregnancy, and it’s wise to stick to these guidelines as well as consulting with your healthcare provider when adding any new wellness remedies into your diet. You may also want to consider the following factors when it comes to chamomile tea and its safety during pregnancy:
Individual Reactions: People can have individual reactions to herbs, and while chamomile is generally safe, some individuals may be allergic to it. If you have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, marigolds, or daisies, you may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to chamomile.
Early Pregnancy: Some sources suggest that chamomile may have mild uterine-stimulating effects. While there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, it's advisable to exercise caution, especially during the first trimester.
Moderation is Key: While occasional consumption of chamomile tea is generally considered safe, it's essential to drink it in moderation. Excessive amounts of any herbal tea may have unintended effects.
Chamomile Supplements: Pregnant women should avoid concentrated forms of chamomile, such as chamomile supplements or extracts, unless recommended and supervised by a healthcare professional.
Expert Opinions on Chamomile Tea in Pregnancy
It always helps to seek information from expert sources that know their stuff whenever you add anything new into your routine. Luckily there is a plethora of information regarding Chamomile tea, and we’ve rounded up some of the most salient points:
Though not directly attributed to pregnancy, there is some research to suggest that the consumption of Chamomile tea can aid and support with some gastrointestinal conditions.
Research revealed that several conditions, including colic, upset stomach and ulcers (amongst other digestive issues) may be soothed and alleviated through the consumption of chamomile tea.
As we always mention, exercising caution when it comes to consuming any kind of herbal remedy is imperative. Though chamomile tea is safe for most people to consume during pregnancy, there are still some potential dangers associated with it.
Some experts suggest that because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it may be harmful to some women who are pregnant, so this is something to bear in mind when you consult with health professionals.
Alternatives to Chamomile Tea: Why We Recommend Raspberry Leaf Tea
Chamomile tea might not be everyones cuppa tea...and though chamomile tea offers its own unique advantages for pregnant women, we believe that raspberry leaf tea boasts more substantial benefits, making it a more effective option. Raspberry leaf tea benefits are wide-reaching, but perhaps one of the most obvious reasons to choose it as an alternative is thanks to its longstanding history as a pregnancy supplement.
Raspberry leaf tea has been traditionally used to tone the muscles of the uterus and is often recommended for pregnant women in their third trimester. Because of this, some believe that regular consumption of raspberry leaf tea may help prepare the uterus for labour and contribute to more effective contractions during childbirth.
How to Safely Incorporate Herbal Teas into your Pregnancy Diet
Incorporating herbal teas into your pregnancy diet can be a delightful way to sample various flavours while simultaneously obtaining certain health benefits. However, it's important to do so safely, considering the unique needs and sensitivities of both your individual health and pregnancy:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before introducing any herbal teas into your diet, consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalised advice based on your health history, any pre-existing conditions, and the specific needs of your pregnancy.
Choose Safe Herbs: Some herbal teas are generally considered safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts. These include chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and fruit-based herbal teas. However, it's crucial to verify the safety of individual herbs with your healthcare provider.
Avoid Risky Herbs: Certain herbs are known to be potentially unsafe during pregnancy. Examples include liquorice root, pennyroyal, and large amounts of certain herbal teas like those containing hibiscus. Steer clear of teas with potentially harmful herbs.
Here is a good source of Herbs to avoid in: HERE
Limit Caffeine: Some herbal teas, like black or green tea, may contain caffeine in varying quantities. While moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe during pregnancy, excessive amounts should be avoided. Opt for caffeine-free herbal teas if you are concerned about your caffeine intake.
The NHS recommend pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to 200mg per day, which is one mug of filter coffee or 2 mugs of tea.
Use High-Quality Teas: Always choose high-quality, organic herbal teas to minimise the risk of exposure to pesticides and contaminants.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for chamomile tea or raspberry leaf tea, it’s important to remember each possess their own unique benefits that can support a healthy pregnancy. The best thing you can do is make well-informed, sensible choices based on your own health and pregnancy status and it's always a good idea to consult with your GP or midwife before consuming herbal remedies.
