Phytotherapy (from the Greek fyton, 'plant', 'vegetable' and therapeia, 'therapy') is the treatment of diseases by plants or plant substances. It is also known as "herbalism" and its use comes from ancient times. However, its use has extended in recent years in our environment in an uncontrolled manner and many professionals warn the use of natural products is not always safe.
At a stage as delicate as in pregnancy and also in breastfeeding, we ask ourselves, is the use of phytotherapy adequate? Has the effectiveness of certain therapies been proven? And this is important, that is, asking these questions. As one of the main rules for a healthy pregnancy is not to self-medicate or start any treatment that the doctor has not prescribed.
So, well for what a neighbor, a seller or a friend has told us, to treat nausea, sciatica, mitigate tiredness, sleep better or reduce swelling of the feet ... we take a product whose effectiveness has not been proven and that , beyond, we do not know if they are truly harmless or can harm us. And here there is a risk on which many specialists warn.
A study entitled "Phytotherapy in pregnancy and lactation: benefit or risk?" carries out a review of the literature that deals with this topic, with some interesting conclusions. It confirms that the use of medicinal plants in pregnancy is common (especially in the first trimester) in up to 55% of pregnant women, with ginger and echinacea among the most used. And, of course, the highest percentage of pregnant women uses the plants without medical indication.
Herbaceous plants and preparations in pregnancy and lactation
Regarding the effectiveness of these and other widely used products, let's see what the study indicates and the e-lactation website.
Echinacea is effective for the common cold (although there is controversy at this point and vaginal infections. Due to the lack of additional studies its use should be avoided without medical indication. One study suggests that echinacea could affect fetal development in humans and should not be used during breastfeeding without medical indication (low risk according to e-lactancia.org.
Cranberry is effective for urinary infection and can be used to prevent this condition in pregnancy. Very low risk according to e-lactation-org.
Ginger root It has antiemetic action, often indicated to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. However, the European Commission contraindicates its consumption during pregnancy, probably because one of its components (6-gingerol) administered in isolation and in high doses has mutagenic activity. Its moderate consumption can be considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Ipecaquana syrup is effective in treating hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnant women and can be used as an alternative medicine to replace industrial pharmaceutical products. Very low risk in breastfeeding.
St. John's wort is effective in postpartum depression, but some studies relate it to problems at birth, so it is not advised without medical advice. In breastfeeding you have a very low risk, but they warn that "It is necessary to ensure well the composition and quantity of drug contained in the various commercial preparations of hypericum, do not take it without medical supervision, do not abruptly suspend it and take into account that it has interactions with many medications".
Valerian It is used to combat nervousness. There are no studies that show the benefits or harmful effects of valerian in pregnancy, so its use is not recommended. It has a low risk in breastfeeding if consumed very moderately, but it is prevented that, due to its possible sedative effects on the infant, it should be avoided in case of prematurity and during the neonatal period.
Senna is a laxative of proven efficacy, without risk for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so its use is safe to prevent constipation in pregnancy and lactation.
Evening primrose oil: its effectiveness as a labor inducer is discussed. In breastfeeding you have a very low risk.
Bach's flowers. They are rather homeopathy. They have no side effects but their effect has not been shown to be different from placebo. Low risk in breastfeeding: "Although they are usually taken in small amounts (several drops a day), be careful with the total amount of alcohol ingested, since the graduation may be higher than 20 °."
The safety level of each plant varies, so a control by the healthcare professional is recommended.
In addition, we remember that the large flavonoid content of many plants, due to its potent estrogenic activity, can stop breastfeeding; Chronic use or abuse of plants with purported galactogogue properties (artichoke, anise, cumin, cimifuga, ephedra, ginseng, flax, hops, licorice, rosemary or sarsaparilla) could decrease milk production.
In short, let's not forget these important considerations about the use of infusions and natural supplements from plants during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although the use of phytotherapeutic products can be effective in helping to solve many of the problems at these stages, it is necessary to see the risk-effectiveness relationship and consult a well-informed healthcare professional about it, because many of the effects of plants on fetuses and breast milk are unknown.
