Chinese Herbs During Pregnancy and What to Avoid

05 Mar 2026

By: Yi TCM Admin

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to healthcare by focusing on techniques and treatments that have been practised throughout history. TCM continues to provide a complementary role in supporting Western medicine, particularly for women’s fertility and pregnancy. While herbs are a cornerstone in TCM’s supporting role, not all herbal remedies are recommended for use during pregnancy.

Key Considerations for Herb Use During Pregnancy

The use of TCM herbal remedies has been inscribed in various historical works, with each herb having specific medicinal properties that have been used for generations. Herbs are categorised based on their energetic properties, such as hot (熱/热), warm (溫/温), cooling (涼), sweet (甘), and bitter (苦). These qualities are what make each herb particularly suited for treating specific conditions, as determined by the TCM physician’s diagnosis.

Pregnancy is a delicate condition that involves a balance of nourishment to support the mother and the foetus. Helping the mother cope with the many effects they experience during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, requires careful selection based on a herb’s recorded properties. Herbs suitable for pregnancy are aimed at boosting an expectant mother’s energy levels, supporting their nutrition, stabilising the pregnancy, and helping alleviate morning sickness and other side effects.

What Chinese Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

To ensure your safety and that of your baby, it may be wise to avoid these contraindicated elements and consult a qualified TCM physician for advice and treatment.

Specific Animal/Insect Products

TCM does occasionally use animal parts (such as scorpions and leeches) for specific medical conditions. However, these should be avoided during pregnancy.

Uterotonic Elements

“Uterotonics”, or uterine stimulants, are meant to stimulate uterine contractions to facilitate labour, among other functions. Certain herbs, such as parsley, saffron (红花), and peach kernels (桃仁), are known to be uterotonic and should be avoided to prevent the risk of unstable pregnancy and bleeding during early pregnancy.

Laxative Effects

Herbs with a laxative effect may also cause significant discomfort or complications, which could lead to adverse effects on your pregnancy. Some of these herbs included rhubarb (大黄) and mang xiao (芒硝), both of which are known purgatives.

Hormone Level Changes

Certain herbs may cause hormone fluctuations due to natural compounds that mimic the reproductive hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen is a vital hormone that regulates reproductive functions, and a fluctuation in oestrogen levels could cause disruptions that may adversely affect your pregnancy.

Anticoagulant Properties

Herbs with blood-thinning properties, such as ginkgo and red sage, should not be combined with herbs like dong quai that may stimulate blood circulation, as this can increase the risk of bleeding. These anticoagulant herbs should only be used under the supervision of a professional TCM practitioner if the benefits of its use outweigh the risks.

Potential Side Effects

TCM holds that certain herbs should not be used together, as they may interact adversely. It is always advisable to seek the support of a professional TCM physician, who can prescribe the correct herbs to nourish your body and support your pregnancy.

Herbal Consumption Considerations for Each Trimester

Herbal consumption during pregnancy requires careful planning by a professional TCM physician. Given that herbal interactions without professional advice may be harmful to your pregnancy, a prior consultation will ensure you receive a herbal prescription aimed at supporting your pregnancy during each trimester.

First Trimester

The first trimester is an important milestone, as it requires sufficient nourishment to support the embryo’s development. Herbal remedies must be carefully prescribed to minimise symptoms of pregnancy (including frequent urination and morning sickness) and improve Qi to support the embryo’s well-being. Chinese yams and E Jiao are two herbs commonly prescribed to stabilise a pregnancy and support embryonic development, while ginger and perilla leaf may alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness, such as nausea and bloating.

Second Trimester

As your baby gradually grows, it remains vital to supplement your diet with nutrient-rich options to keep you and your baby healthy. You may also experience some constipation and heatiness towards the end of this trimester. Herbal remedies can also help to support you during this trimester, including herbs that promote intestinal motility without any laxative effects.

Third Trimester

As you prepare for delivery and the postpartum recovery period, the third trimester should focus on monitoring your nutrition and removing heatiness to prevent jaundice. Herbs that may stimulate uterine contractions or affect blood pressure should be avoided. Any such change could potentially be harmful to these final stages and should be avoided throughout these last few months.

Yi TCM can assist you with holistic health care through traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), complementing Western medicine and supporting both your physical and emotional well-being. Contact us today for a thorough consultation to help meet your health needs.