- 3School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
This review assesses the safety of elderberry and echinacea during pregnancy. Both herbs are frequently used to treat or prevent upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), and studies have revealed that pregnant women also utilize them. From their inception through November 2013, the electronic databases PubMed, ISI Web of Science, AMED, EMBASE, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, and Cochrane Library were searched. The collected articles’ pertinent references were also used. There were no clinical studies found that addressed the safety of either plant during pregnancy. Two modest animal studies and one prospective human study on the safety of echinacea during pregnancy were found. There were no reports of elderberry safety in pregnancy in either animal or human research. Between 1995 and 2013, 20 clinical trials examining the effectiveness of various echinacea formulations in diverse population groups were found. Between 1995 and 2013, three clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of two distinct elderberry preparations were found. It is not possible to draw any conclusions about the safety of Echinacea sp. during pregnancy based on the results of investigations on humans and animals. There was no increased risk of significant abnormalities, according to the prospective, controlled trial in people. On the basis of the identified studies, the effectiveness of Echinacea sp. appears questionable. More than 2000 people received the treatment, yet equally many high-quality research reported both positive and bad outcomes. Elderberry has been shown to be effective against influenza in all three clinical trials, however only 77 people received the medication. Health care professionals should not suggest pregnant women take echinacea or elderberry against upper respiratory tract infections due to a lack of evidence of efficacy and safety.
Why should pregnant women avoid taking echinacea?
Echinacea is usually safe to consume when you are expecting, but to be careful, you might want to stay away from it. This is why:
Although many doctors consider echinacea to be low risk, there isn’t enough evidence to indicate that it is completely safe to take while pregnant. Because few studies evaluate these products on expectant mothers for safety concerns, that is true for the majority of vitamins and herbal products.
Among other forms, echinacea is available as tablets, capsules, lotions for external use, and beverages. It is often taken orally in the hope that it may strengthen the immune system and help prevent colds and other upper respiratory infections, although randomized controlled trials have not supported this claim. Some people also use it topically to treat burns and wounds and to treat urinary tract infections.
Although echinacea has been used as a herbal treatment for many years, there are few published studies about its usage during pregnancy, and the effectiveness of those studies is still up for debate. In one study, researchers tracked 261 pregnant women who consumed various echinacea preparations. During the first trimester, it was taken by more than 112 of them. There were no rises in miscarriages or baby birth abnormalities.
Another study examined data on echinacea use during the first trimester and found no evidence that it increases the incidence of birth abnormalities. Echinacea is one of the most frequently utilized medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (That study also advised against taking echinacea while nursing because there isn’t enough evidence to suggest it is safe.)
Although this knowledge is comforting, there aren’t enough research to conclusively say whether taking echinacea while pregnant increases the chance of birth abnormalities or other issues.
The preparation and components of herbal treatments like echinacea can vary widely because they are not subject to the same FDA regulations as prescription drugs. This makes it challenging for specialists to extrapolate study findings to other echinacea products on the market, which is yet another reason to use herbal medicines with caution.
Additionally, it has been discovered that certain echinacea formulations have lead contamination. The development of a baby’s brain can be harmed by high blood lead levels during pregnancy.
Prior to taking any medication, vitamin, or herbal supplement during pregnancy, it is always advisable to see your doctor. Call your healthcare practitioner or bring the bottle to your subsequent prenatal appointment if you’re uncertain about a product’s safety.
Sources
2011; Nordeng H, et al. Relationship between the usage of herbal medications during pregnancy and the outcome of the pregnancy in 600 Norwegian women who also used other types of drugs concurrently. Clinical Practice of Complementary Therapies, 17(3):147-51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21742280/ [Retrieved in August 2021]
2010; Cuzzolin, L., et al. Focusing on pregnancy outcomes, 392 pregnant women in Italy used herbal products. Drug Safety and Pharmacoepidemiology, 19(11), 1151–1158. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20872924/ [Retrieved in August 2021]
D. Perri et al., 2006. Echinacea (Echinacea angustafolia, e. purpurea, and e. pallida) is safe and effective to use throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17085774 Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 13(3):e262-7 [Retrieved in August 2021]
2016; Heitmann K, et al. The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study examined the pregnancy outcomes following prenatal echinacea exposure. 72:623–30 European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26895223/ [Retrieved in August 2021]
Which teas should pregnant women avoid?
All types of tea, including oolong, black, green, white, matcha, chai, and others, are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. They have caffeine, a natural stimulant that shouldn’t be used in large amounts while pregnant.
They each contain around the same amount of caffeine per cup (240 mL) as the following (2, 3, 4, 5, 6):
- 6080 mg of matcha
- Tea, oolong: 3858 mg
- tea, black: 4753 mg
- 4753 mg of chai
- tea: white, 2550 mg
- tea, green: 2949 mg
Caffeine crosses the placenta readily, and your unborn child’s developing liver has trouble processing it. As a result, caffeine doses that would ordinarily be regarded as safe for adults are more likely to have adverse effects in newborns.
According to research, mothers who consume excessive amounts of caffeine during pregnancy run the risk of having babies that are preterm, have low birth weights, or have birth abnormalities. The risk of miscarriage or stillbirth may also increase with high caffeine consumption during pregnancy (7, 8, 9).
When pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg per day, these dangers seem to be at a minimum (8).
However, the genetics of some women can make them more susceptible to the negative effects of coffee. For instance, studies indicate that a tiny percentage of women may experience a 2.4 times increased risk of miscarriage when ingesting 100–300 mg of caffeine daily (8).
Caffeinated teas are generally safe to consume while pregnant because they have less caffeine than coffee. To avoid drinking too much caffeine each day, their consumption may need to be restricted (10, 11).
Teas with caffeine, such as chai, black, green, matcha, oolong, and white teas, should be used in moderation during pregnancy. Despite being generally safe, pregnant women may benefit from restricting their daily consumption of these caffeinated teas.
Can I take Echinaforce if I’ve had the flu vaccine?
Echinaforce use is not contraindicated either before or after receiving a flu shot. It is still recommended to use Echinaforce every day even if you have had the flu shot because the shot does not protect you from cold viruses. Colds are the main cause of infections in the winter.
How do I know if I have a cold or the flu?
Sometimes, it can be challenging to determine. Although the symptoms of the flu (or influenza) are similar to those of the common cold, they are typically more severe. You might also get a fever, sweating, and muscle aches.
I already have a cold /flu / sore throat…is it too late for me to start using Echinaforce?
No, simply raise the dosage by taking 2 tablets, 3-5 times day, before meals, or 20 drops, 3-5 times daily, with a little water, until your symptoms go away. Then, once they do, go back to the daily amount in point 1.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t take Echinaforce?
Echinacea or the Asteraceae (daisy) plant family allergies, which manifest as an itching rash, should not be used by anyone on Echinaforce. Please consult your doctor before using Echinaforce if you have an auto-immune condition of any kind or are taking an immunosuppressant medicine.
Can I take Echinaforce during my pregnancy?
You can; in fact, a Canadian study and, more recently, a Norwegian cohort study that examined the effects of echinacea consumption during pregnancy found no higher risk of deformity or unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.
Can I take Echinaforce long term?
Yes. Long-term use has no known negative consequences. Keep in mind that Echinaforce does not boost the immune system. Utilizing it year-round to strengthen your immune system on a daily basis is advised because it modifies (regulates) the immune system.
Can I purchase Echinaforce on my medical aid?
Yes, Echinaforce is NAPPI coded in South Africa, which enables you to buy it through your medical insurance if your plan allows you to buy OTC medications or if your doctor has prescribed it to you.
When pregnant, is lemon echinacea tea safe to drink?
The portion of your immune system that defends against viruses and bacteria operates at a decreased intensity when you are pregnant. Because of this, expecting mothers frequently experience more colds and flus, coughs, and sore throats than usual. 1,2
So what can be done to combat the common cold and the flu while pregnant? Pregnant women should take good care of themselves while they are sick with the flu or a cold; they should get enough rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a nutritious diet. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals like zinc and vitamin C can enhance the immune system. 3,4 Western herbal medicine has utilized the herb echinacea purpurea (often known as echinacea) for centuries to encourage a healthy immune response. 5
Can echinacea be consumed when expecting? Echinacea is categorized as a Category A medicine in pregnancy according to traditional herbal medicine categorization, which means controlled research in healthy pregnant women have shown no risk to the fetus. 6 Echinacea is one of the few plants that is safe to use while pregnant.
How does echinacea assist? Echinacea may be beneficial to take during any early symptom of infection, exposure to infection, or as a prophylactic during cold and flu season in order to maintain the mother’s immune system during pregnancy. When taken at the first sign of infection, echinacea is a traditional herbal remedy used in western herbal therapy to help reduce the symptoms of the common cold. 7
What else might be beneficial? In addition to getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, and drinking lots of water, there are other substances that may help strengthen the immune system during pregnancy. Breast milk contains a kind of protein called lactoferrin, which may improve immune system function and increase immune cell activity. 7 During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is an increased need for vitamin C and zinc, and zinc is crucial for the maintenance of a healthy immune system. 3,4 For more details on dietary supplements, consult your healthcare provider. Always read the label and only use as instructed. Consult a medical professional if your symptoms don’t go away.
Echinacea with fertility – does it work?
There is no proof that echinacea can increase your chances of getting pregnant, despite the fact that it may be your go-to herb on days when you feel like you’re getting a cold. Echinacea, St. John’s wort, and ginkgo biloba may all potentially have a detrimental effect on your fertility, according to some research. High quantities of the herbs may harm reproductive cells and hinder sperm from fertilizing eggs, according to a study from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. A little dose of echinacea should be safe to take if you start to feel under the weather, but avoid taking big doses of it if you’re trying to get pregnant and consult your doctor before using it if you’re already pregnant.
Can you use chamomile when pregnant?
Pick teas produced from fruits and herbs you would use in cooking as a general rule. Never prepare your own herbal tea while you are expecting or nursing using plants you’ve harvested.
Large doses of some herbs may cause contractions to begin and raise the possibility of premature labor, or they may have an impact on your baby.
Likely or possibly safe herbal teas
Tea with peppermint: One of the most often used herbal remedies during pregnancy is peppermint. Though you should avoid very big amounts and the first trimester since it can promote menstruation, studies have proven it doesn’t harm the mother or the baby.
Red raspberry leaf tea: To assist them get ready for delivery, some pregnant women drink raspberry tea in their third trimester. Although it is expected to be safe during pregnancy, certain studies have found that it can increase contractions, thus it is advisable to exercise caution in the first trimester.
Ginger tea can help with nausea relief. While you are expecting or nursing, it should be safe when used in moderation.
True herbal teas don’t include green tea. You should only consume a little amount of it while pregnant or nursing because it contains caffeine.
Chamomile tea: A cup of chamomile tea before bedtime may help you unwind, but once more, limit your intake. There is a possibility that it could stimulate the uterus or cause issues with your baby’s circulation.
Teas where there is insufficient information about safety
Rose hip tea: Not enough research has been done on rose hip tea to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or during nursing.
Dandelion tea: Not enough research has been done on dandelion tea to determine whether it is safe to consume during pregnancy or during nursing.
Lemon balm tea is frequently used to treat sleeplessness, irritability, and anxiety. It is thought to be potentially harmless. These usage, however, have not been supported by a study, and its safety during pregnancy has not been examined.
Which herbal teas to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Sage tea: While you can use sage in cooking, you should stay away from concentrated forms of the herb during pregnancy, such as those found in teas. It has been connected to high blood pressure and miscarriage.
Avoid drinking parsley tea when pregnant. Drinking excessively might damage your baby’s development and raise your risk of miscarriage.