While chamomile is commonly used as a relaxation aid, many don’t know that it can also be consumed as tea. Some may view chamomile as unsafe for pregnant women because of the potential negative effects of other herbs and spices found in this drink. But what exactly are the risks of drinking chamomile while pregnant, and is it safe to have it once you’re expecting? There are several benefits of drinking chamomile while pregnant. It reduces stress, which helps deal with common pregnancy discomforts, such as nausea and morning sickness. In addition, research shows that it can help boost libido in both partners during pregnancy. However, there might be some risks when drinking this herbal concoction during your pregnancy.
What is Chamomile?
Chamomile is an aromatic herb that belongs to the sunflower family. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has also been cultivated in other countries, such as the U.S., Egypt, and Australia. While chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, it is mostly used as a medicinal herb for its calming and soothing effects. The most common type of chamomile is blue chamomile, which has light blue color flowers. Studies show that blue chamomile is more effective in treating anxiety and sleep disorders compared to other types of chamomile. It also has a higher concentration of flavonoids and coumarin, two medicinal agents that are responsible for its sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. This is the reason why most chamomile products are blue chamomile.
How Does Chamomile Tea Help During Pregnancy?
Most pregnant women experience fatigue, nausea, and increased stress levels during their first trimester. In most cases, these are normal and are not harmful to both mom and baby. However, when these symptoms persist, it can affect the health of both expectant and breastfeeding mothers. These common pregnancy discomforts can be treated with relaxation techniques, and one of them is drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea can help ease morning sickness, cramps, and headaches during pregnancy. It also has relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce stress. Meanwhile, drinking chamomile tea can also help boost libido in both partners during pregnancy. Chamomile has been proven to increase the level of fertility-boosting hormones in women, which can help increase the chances of getting pregnant.
Potentially Negative Effects of Chamomile Tea While Pregnant
While it has many health benefits, chamomile tea can also cause some side effects in pregnant women. Chamomile contains coumarin, which can be toxic during pregnancy. Pregnant women who drink chamomile are advised to monitor the amount they consume to avoid having toxic levels of coumarin. In general, pregnant women are advised to avoid medicinal herbs and teas because they can cause side effects on the fetus. Although rare, some herbs can have negative effects on the growing baby, such as uterine contractions, and even trigger premature birth. However, not all medicinal herbs are bad for pregnant women. For example, St. John’s wort is another herbal tea that can help treat depression during pregnancy. Cinnamon is also a safe herb that can be added to chamomile tea to make it taste better.
How to Prepare Chamomile Tea for Pregnant Women?
Before you start drinking chamomile tea, you should consult with your OB-GYN first. This will help keep you and your baby safe while drinking herbal teas during pregnancy. – You can drink chamomile tea any time of the day, but it is best to drink it before bedtime. – Drink 2 cups of chamomile tea per day. Make sure to use a tea bag to make it easier to control the amount of tea you are consuming. – Chamomile tea is best prepared using boiling water. You can also add a little bit of sugar as an option.
Summary
Chamomile tea is an herbal beverage made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. The tea is commonly used to treat various conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. Chamomile tea can also be used to help treat common discomforts experienced by pregnant women, such as fatigue, morning sickness, headaches, and cramps. Although chamomile tea can help treat common discomforts experienced by pregnant women, it can also cause negative effects in pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised to drink chamomile tea only after consulting with their OB-GYN.