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A natural guide for expectant mothers navigating herbal choices
Pregnancy brings many questions about what's safe and beneficial for both mother and baby. When it comes to herbs and teas, the waters can be particularly murky.
Today, we're exploring lemongrass—its benefits, potential risks, and how to make informed choices during your pregnancy journey.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is known for its distinct citrusy aroma and flavour that brightens cuisines worldwide. This versatile herb has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries, valued for its digestive and calming properties. But as with many herbs, what's beneficial in general may need careful consideration during pregnancy.
At Myrtle & Maude, we understand that pregnancy demands thoughtful choices. Our range of pregnancy products is formulated by experienced herbalists who specialise in supporting women through various stages of their maternity journey—from conception to postpartum care. We believe in providing natural, organic solutions that prioritise both effectiveness and safety.
Before diving into pregnancy-specific considerations, let's look at what makes lemongrass appealing in the first place:
Lemongrass contains several beneficial compounds:
· Antioxidants including citral, limonene, and geraniol
· Essential vitamins including A, B vitamins, and C
· Minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc
· Anti-inflammatory compounds
Research suggests that lemongrass may offer various health benefits:
· Digestive support and relief from bloating
· Anxiety reduction and stress management
· Mild pain relief properties
· Potential antimicrobial effects
While lemongrass is generally recognised as safe in food amounts, its medicinal use during pregnancy requires careful consideration.
The scientific community advises caution when it comes to lemongrass during pregnancy. According to a review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, lemongrass contains active compounds that might stimulate menstrual flow and potentially affect uterine tissue. This is why many herbalists recommend limiting consumption or avoiding therapeutic doses during pregnancy.
Research from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health indicates that while small culinary amounts in food are generally considered safe, medicinal amounts or concentrated forms like essential oils warrant significant caution during pregnancy.
Most healthcare providers and herbal safety organisations classify lemongrass in the "use with caution" or "consult a healthcare provider" category for pregnant women. This doesn't mean absolute avoidance but rather thoughtful moderation and professional guidance.
Nearly 70% of women report permanent foot changes after pregnancy.
During pregnancy, a woman's feet can grow up to one full shoe size and may not return to their original size afterward. This happens because pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments throughout the body (including those in the feet), while the added weight of pregnancy flattens the arch, making feet both longer and wider.
Source: American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
If you're looking for pregnancy-safe herbal support, there are several well-researched options that might better serve your needs.
At Myrtle & Maude, our pregnancy tea range offers safe, certified organic alternatives formulated specifically for pregnancy support:
Raspberry Leaf Tea: Traditionally used during the third trimester to prepare for labour
Morning Sickness Tea: A gentle blend formulated to ease nausea during pregnancy
Breastfeeding Tea: Supportive herbs to aid lactation for nursing mothers
Each tea in our range is:
· Certified Organic
· Certified Vegan
· Packaged in biodegradable tea bags
· Formulated by expert herbalists specifically for pregnancy
When selecting herbal products during pregnancy, consider these factors:
1. Certification: Look for organic certification to avoid pesticide exposure during this sensitive time
2. Formulation Purpose: Choose products specifically formulated for pregnancy
3. Expert Input: Select products developed by herbalists with maternity expertise
4. Transparency: Choose brands that clearly disclose all ingredients
5. Quality Assurance: Opt for companies that conduct testing for purity and safety
Our Raspberry Leaf Tea exemplifies these qualities—organic, vegan, and traditionally used to support women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The carefully selected raspberry leaf comes from sustainable sources and is packaged in biodegradable tea bags, reflecting our commitment to both maternal and environmental health.
If you do choose to consume small amounts of lemongrass during pregnancy (such as in cooking), here are some guidelines:
· Culinary Use Only: Stick to normal food amounts rather than medicinal doses
· First Trimester Caution: Most herbalists recommend particular care during early pregnancy
· Consultation: Always discuss herbal consumption with your midwife or doctor
· Moderation: Use as an occasional flavouring rather than a daily staple
· Quality: Choose organic sources to minimise pesticide exposure
If your healthcare provider approves modest lemongrass consumption:
· Add a small amount to soups or curries as flavouring
· Use in minimal amounts in homemade broths
· Consider alternative herbs with established safety profiles when possible
The placenta produces more hormones during one pregnancy than a non-pregnant woman's body creates in her entire lifetime.
This temporary organ manufactures over 50 different hormones and enzymes to support the developing baby and prepare the mother's body for childbirth and breastfeeding.
Source: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
When it comes to lemongrass and pregnancy, caution is the watchword. While small culinary amounts are generally considered acceptable, medicinal quantities or concentrated forms deserve careful consideration. Every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one woman may not be appropriate for another.
At Myrtle & Maude, we're dedicated to supporting women through their pregnancy journeys with thoughtfully formulated, organic products designed specifically for maternal wellness. Our range of pregnancy teas and supplements offers safe alternatives that have been carefully developed to address the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum women.
The most important takeaway? Informed choices, professional guidance, and quality products make all the difference in navigating herbal use during pregnancy. Whether you're managing morning sickness, preparing for labour, or supporting breastfeeding, natural solutions can complement your pregnancy journey when chosen with care.
Small amounts of lemongrass in food are generally considered safe, but medicinal amounts in tea may be problematic. Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding regular consumption of lemongrass tea, especially in the first trimester. Our Morning Sickness Tea offers a safer alternative formulated specifically for pregnancy nausea. (BUY HERE)
Herbs contain active compounds that can affect hormones, uterine tissue, or cross the placental barrier. Safe herbs have established safety records through traditional use and/or research, while others contain compounds known to stimulate the uterus or affect development. Our pregnancy teas contain only herbs with established safety profiles for their intended pregnancy stage.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and generally not recommended for use during pregnancy without professional guidance. Lemongrass essential oil in particular is often contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potent compounds. For aromatherapy during pregnancy, consult a qualified aromatherapist familiar with pregnancy safety.
Herbs with well-established safety profiles during pregnancy include ginger (for nausea) and raspberry leaf (traditionally used in the third trimester). Our pregnancy tea range incorporates these safer options in formulations specific to each stage of pregnancy.
Lemon balm, lemon verbena, and small amounts of citrus zest offer pregnancy-safe alternatives that provide similar citrusy notes. For a ready-made solution, our organic pregnancy tea range offers refreshing flavour combinations formulated specifically for maternal wellness.
1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "Herbs and Pregnancy." https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/herbs-and-pregnancy-science
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Nutrition During Pregnancy." https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
3. Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. (2013). American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook (2nd ed.). CRC Press. https://www.ahpa.org/botanical-safety-handbook-second-edition
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding any herbs or supplements to your pregnancy regimen. Individual circumstances vary, and what's appropriate for one pregnancy may not be for another. Myrtle & Maude products are formulated to support normal pregnancy but are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
