Is herbal tea safe during pregnancy?
“Natural” doesn’t mean tested — there’s very little safety data on most herbal teas.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
There is little research on herbal teas in pregnancy, so the NHS advises drinking no more than four cups a day and avoiding teas that contain liquorice root. Check with a pharmacist before using herbal remedies or supplements.
Why it matters
Herbs are biologically active — that’s why they’re used as remedies — but very few have been studied in pregnancy.
Some blends contain liquorice root (glycyrrhizin), and green tea contains caffeine, which counts towards your daily limit.
Concentrated herbal supplements and tinctures are a much bigger unknown than a cup of fruit tea.
What to do
- Keep herbal tea to four cups a day at most, and count green tea towards your caffeine.
- Check blends for liquorice root.
- Ask a pharmacist before taking any herbal supplement or remedy.
Common questions
Is peppermint tea safe during pregnancy?
Peppermint tea is widely drunk in pregnancy and is often used for nausea and indigestion. The general advice to keep herbal teas to around four cups a day still applies.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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