In brief: Pregnancy calls for real care when it comes to herbal infusions. A few plants are broadly accepted in moderate amounts: ginger (morning sickness, EMA-recognised use), chamomile, linden, orange blossom, lemon verbena, rooibos. Many others are best avoided. Never start a regular infusion routine without guidance from your midwife or doctor.
During pregnancy, many expectant mothers look for natural alternatives to tea or coffee, or want to ease the discomforts that come with these months (nausea, fatigue, disturbed sleep). Herbal infusions can help, provided you choose wisely. This page distinguishes broadly accepted plants from those to avoid, but is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Why caution matters during pregnancy
Plants contain active compounds that can:
- Cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus.
- Influence uterine circulation (emmenagogue or contractile effects).
- Interact with pregnancy hormones.
- Alter the body's fluid and electrolyte balance through diuretic effects.
For these reasons, ANSES and most health authorities urge caution. No prolonged course of herbal infusions should be undertaken without advice from your midwife or doctor. The occasional culinary use (a cup of linden now and then) is a different matter from a daily routine.
Plants broadly accepted in moderate amounts
These are the plants most commonly approved by healthcare professionals, in reasonable quantities (1 to 2 cups per day):
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): well-established use recognised by the EMA for pregnancy-related morning sickness. Limit: 1 g/day (approximately 1 cup). See our ginger guide.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): generally well tolerated in moderate amounts. See our chamomile guide.
- Linden (Tilia cordata): widely accepted, a classic for calm and comfort. See our linden guide.
- Orange blossom (Citrus aurantium flos): gentle and mild, traditionally used by expectant mothers.
- Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora): generally well tolerated. See our verbena guide.
- Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis): caffeine-free, smooth, rich in antioxidants. A lovely alternative to tea.
- Lemon balm in moderate amounts, for digestive discomfort and mild anxiety.
Plants to avoid during pregnancy
This list is not exhaustive. When in doubt, ask your midwife:
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): affects uterine circulation.
- Rosemary in large amounts: emmenagogue effect.
- Parsley in concentrated infusion: emmenagogue.
- Hibiscus: possible uterine effect.
- Nettle as a prolonged course: suspected emmenagogue effect at high doses.
- Vervain (Verbena officinalis) (different from lemon verbena): not recommended.
- Liquorice in large amounts: affects blood pressure and mineral balance.
- Raspberry leaf (before 36 weeks): acts on uterine muscle tone.
- Intensive draining or laxative plants (senna, buckthorn, concentrated cherry stem).
- All essential oils taken orally: avoid without professional guidance.
- Green tea and black tea: caffeine should be limited to 1 to 2 cups per day.
Plants for common pregnancy discomforts
- Morning sickness: ginger (1 g/day, EMA-validated).
- Mild sleep difficulties: chamomile, linden, orange blossom.
- Digestive discomfort: chamomile, lemon balm in moderate amounts.
- Thirst and hydration: rooibos (caffeine-free), a light red berry infusion.
- Occasional stress: a gentle blend of chamomile, linden and orange blossom.
How to prepare herbal infusions during pregnancy
- Reduced dose: 1 teaspoon per 250 ml cup (rather than a tablespoon as in standard adult use).
- Steep for 10 minutes in near-boiling water (95 °C / 200 °F).
- Frequency: 1 to 2 cups per day at most, never as a continuous course over several weeks.
- Reliable sources: choose organic plants, ideally from a pharmacy or a trusted brand.
- Variety: rotate between plants to avoid building up the same active compound.
Disclaimer: the information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for the advice of a midwife or doctor. Pregnancy is a time when any use of herbal plants deserves validation by a qualified healthcare professional. If you experience any concerning symptoms (bleeding, contractions, fever), seek medical attention immediately.
Sources: European Medicines Agency, Community herbal monograph on Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizoma (well-established use, pregnancy nausea) · Borrelli F. et al., American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology on ginger and nausea (PMID:19216660) · ANSES, recommendations on the use of plants during pregnancy · WHO monograph on medicinal plants commonly used in pregnancy.
Written by
Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions. Tea selector since 2016, trained in tasting and passionate about sharing the cultures of tea and herbal infusions.
Published 5 April 2019 · Updated 21 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- The most broadly accepted: ginger (for nausea, max 1 g/day), chamomile, linden, orange blossom, lemon verbena, rooibos. Always in moderate amounts, and check with your midwife before making any of these a regular habit.
- Yes, in moderate amounts (1 g/day, approximately 1 cup). It is the only herbal use explicitly recognised by the EMA for morning sickness. Beyond that quantity, seek professional advice.
- 1 to 2 cups a day of broadly accepted plants, varying what you drink. Do not continue any single plant for more than 2 weeks without professional guidance.
- Always ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist. They know your individual situation and can point you in the right direction.
Further reading
Take a look at our guide to herbal infusions while breastfeeding, our ginger guide, our chamomile guide, or our linden guide. Ready to explore? Browse our organic range.