[Are herbs safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding]

The review rejects the popular understanding of the security and potential benefits of herbal products for pregnant or lactating women. The survey does not claim to be exhaustive, but presents a number of publications concerning cases of proven harmful impact after use of herbal preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most of these studies come from developing countries and relate to Asian herbal products that are increasingly marketed and used in Europe. Many of the cited authors believe on the importance of the proper information making prudent the practitioners and patients about the risks of use of plant products, especially during pregnancy and lactation. While definitive data emerge, all herbal products should be viewed with caution, although there are no explicit warnings that herbals should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. This especially refers to the usage of herbs during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is essential that patients are informed about the safety issues of herbals. After all, pregnancy is not a pathological condition and therefore it does not require treatment. So the debate about the benefit of food supplements and herbal remedies is beyond the rational need to use them for specific indications during pregnancy.