10 Nigerian herbs that causes miscarriage (Abortion) in Pregnancy.
Are you pregnant? There are some herbs and herbal products that you should not consume because they pose a very high risk of causing miscarriage and loss of pregnancy. Yes , you love herbs and herbal products because you think they are natural but i will advise you to stop using them for the sake of the well-being of your baby…
What are the names of these herbs to avoid in pregnancy? I was able dig up these herbs below👇
1. UNRIPE CARICA PAPAYA (UNRIPE PAWPAW)
Unripe and semi-ripe pawpaw can cause miscarriage. The research conducted by PUBMED in 2002 revealed that normal consumption of ripe papaya during pregnancy may not pose any significant danger. However, the unripe or semi-ripe papaya (which contains high concentration of the latex that produces marked uterine contractions) could be unsafe in pregnancy. To be on a safe side, you are advised not to eat pawpaw whether ripe or unripe.
2. GINGER
It became popular among pregnant women when research found that taking ginger could reduce nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. But pregnant women should be careful with ginger. Some experts worry that it could raise the risk of miscarriage, especially in high doses. Ginger seems to help with nausea caused by vertigo as well.
3. ALOE VERA
Because of its numerous health benefits, aloe vera is not something you would naturally think to avoid during pregnancy. However, Aloe Vera juice is highly dangerous to pregnant women as it contributes to uterine contractions which can result in early pregnancy loss. Consumption of Aloe Vera juice during pregnancy lowers blood glucose levels which can be potentially dangerous to Mum and baby.
4. HERBAL TEAS AND SUPPLEMENTS
There are many herbal teas that can cause uterine contractions in a pregnant woman, resulting in miscarriage or fetal stress. Herbs associated with uterine stimulation include black cohosh, blue cohosh, chamomile, comfrey, goldenseal, lemongrass, licorice root, mugwort, rosemary, sage, stinging nettle leaf and yarrow. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the majority of commercially available herbal teas are safe for pregnant women however non-commerical varieties, which are not monitored and may contain harmful amounts of specific herbs, are not safe and can cause abortion.
5. SESAME SEEDS
Sesame seeds have long been associated as a miscarriage risk with the threat heightened when the seeds are mixed with honey. The added combination can lead to spontaneous abortion and miscarriage. Sesame seeds are another category of heat inducing foods which can produce heat in the abdomen resulting in ill effects in pregnancy.
6. ALLIGATOR PEPPER
Alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta) has long been used by women to terminate unwanted pregnancies or induce labour. Women who intend to keep their pregnancy should not eat alligator pepper to avoid miscarriage and premature birth.
7. TURMERIC
Turmeric contains curcumin which might mimic the hormone estrogen in your body, according to medical experts. Turmeric can promote menstrual cramps and stimulate uterine contractions that can raise the risk of premature birth and miscarriage.
8. GORON TULA
Very popular in Nigeria especially its health benefits and sex enhancing properties….the root decoction is taken by pregnant women to induce labour since it causes strong uterine contractions. Goron tula’s ability to cause uterine contraction can lead to loss of pregnancy especially in the first and second trimester.
9. BITTER KOLA
Bitter kola is one of those herbs that pregnant women are advised to avoid so as to safe guard their pregnancy. The caffeine and other substances contained in bitter kola has the potential to cause early pregnancy loss.
10. FENUGREEK
For centuries, fenugreek has been taken to promote health and well-being. However, you shouldn’t use fenugreek if you’re pregnant. This herb has been used to induce labor, and it can cause contractions, premature labor, and miscarriage.
Honourable Mentions
UDA (NEGRO PEPPER)
Many people taunt negro pepper as an abortificient but it is not. Uda was only used as contraceptives centuries ago and even now…it cannot cause abortion and it is safe in pregnancy.
GARLIC
Contrary to some reports, garlic is very safe in pregnancy.
Ginger
Ginger is safe pregnancy. It is not an abortifacient.
CAVEAT: This list is not exhaustive. Be careful of what you consume during pregnancy.
Sources:
BABYGAGA
PubMed
Featured Image: Parents
