Various Chinese herbs have been used for pregnancy, fertility, and abortions for thousands of years. Many traditional herbalists make complicated mixtures for specific problems. These herbs have often not been studied in the United States for safety in pregnant women.
Function
Traditional Chinese herbs may help an infertile woman become pregnant, to treat ailments such as colds or the flu, to ease first trimester pregnancy symptoms, or to help a woman maintain a pregnancy if she has had many miscarriages. Chinese herbs may also be given to aid male fertility and to cause abortions of unwanted pregnancies.
Significance
According to Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda in " and Pregnancy: Where to Draw the Line?" many pregnancies have complications, whether herbs are used or are not. Herbs may either help or hurt pregnancies.
Benefits
Tang-kuei and Peony Formula, which contains the Tang kuei root, peony root, and sometimes ingredients such as German chamomile, has been extensively studied and is not believed to harm a developing fetus in any way. These traditional herbs are used in the treatment of morning sickness and infertility and to prevent miscarriage.
Alternatives
If you are pregnant, you may be able to use alternatives to herbal formulas such as ginger for morning sickness, acupressure for soreness, and salt water for colds and influenza. According to Dr. Dharmananda you should not consume large amounts of ginger until it is better studied to see its effects on the developing fetus.
Warning
Use herbs to the smallest degree possible during pregnancy and only if the benefits outweigh the risks. According to Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda in "Chinese Herbs and Fertility" herbs used to treat infertility should be stopped once pregnancy is suspected or confirmed.
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