Can You Drink Mugwort Tea While Pregnant?
Mugwort tea is an herbal infusion made from the dried leaves and stems of the mugwort plant. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and is thought to have a variety of health benefits. However, pregnant women should exercise caution when drinking mugwort tea.
Advantages
Mugwort tea can be beneficial for pregnant women in some respects. For example, many claim that it can:
- Reduce stress – Mugwort tea is thought to help relieve anxiety and reduce stress, which could be useful in late pregnancy when hormonal and physical changes can be taxing.
- Increase breast milk supply – As mugwort tea is believed to increase prolactin levels, it could help women to produce more breast milk.
- Treat morning sickness – Some pregnant women swear by the gastrointestinal benefits of mugwort tea for treating their morning sickness.
Disadvantages
Despite these potential benefits, there are some important downsides to consider before consuming mugwort tea during pregnancy. They include:
- Possible side effects – Mugwort may cause unwanted side effects like headaches, dizziness, and skin reactions in pregnant women.
- Risk of miscarriage – Studies suggest that the compound artemisinin, found naturally in mugwort, could increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor.
- Lack of scientific evidence – While some believe mugwort tea is a useful medicinal herb during pregnancy, scientific research on its safety and efficacy is still lacking.
Conclusion
Due to the lack of scientific data and the potential side effects, pregnant women should be cautious when drinking mugwort tea. It may have some advantages, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any form of herbal medicine.
