Forbidden Teas During Pregnancy – Which Ones and the Risks

last updated on: 03.06.2025 | Medical review by:

Gynecologist and Obstetrician

It is a fact that pregnancy is a time that brings many doubts for women, especially first-time mothers. They are usually more apprehensive and everything that happens to their body is a surprise. What is allowed to eat, what is allowed to drink, what is the best position to sleep in, which medications are forbidden, which places are safe to go—these are just some of the questions many mothers ask during the pregnancy period.

They are not wrong to have so many questions, since there really are many kinds of restrictions. Specialists have various recommendations to avoid any negative effects during this period. So it’s no surprise that there are several types of teas forbidden during pregnancy, even when they are natural. But why?

Are all teas forbidden?

First, it’s important to understand that not all types of teas are forbidden during pregnancy. In fact, there are many types that are allowed, and some even benefit pregnant women. The big danger is not knowing which teas are allowed and which teas should be avoided during pregnancy¹.

Which teas are forbidden during pregnancy?

The list of teas that can cause some type of problem for pregnant women is extensive. Depending on the amount consumed, many of them can have serious consequences such as malformations in the baby and even miscarriage². The main teas forbidden during pregnancy are:

Rue Tea
Buchinha do Norte Tea
Cinnamon Tea
Peppermint Tea
Boldo Tea
Juniper Tea
Angelica Root Tea
Rosemary Tea
Senna Tea
Vine Tea
Agoniada Tea
Evening Primrose Tea

These are just some of the main types of teas that can bring consequences for pregnant women. Not everyone is used to drinking this many different kinds of tea, but it is always important to be alert and know what should or should not be consumed during pregnancy.

Why are some teas harmful for pregnant women?

Despite the belief that herbs always help your body, many can be harmful during pregnancy. That’s because your body is constantly changing and generating another life. This means that this other life is still very fragile and not prepared to receive certain types of substances. For the pregnant woman’s body these substances may not seem like much, but they are actual poison for the baby.

Some teas, like cinnamon tea, for example, affect the uterine muscles and can cause contractions that can seriously harm the fetus. Others, like peppermint tea, do not have such severe consequences, but interfere directly with milk production, which can become a big headache later on.

Teas like boldo³ or rue can cause miscarriage due to the presence of ascaridol, a toxic substance that fights intestinal parasites but also severely affects the baby. They can even be consumed after childbirth to help clean the uterus. Normally, these teas stimulate uterine contractions, helping to expel what may have remained in the uterus after birth.

There is also the fact that there are not enough scientific studies for all the herbs mentioned here. That’s why it is recommended that you do not take a risk and drink teas made with them, since it is not known exactly what consequences they might have for you or your baby.

Teas that can be consumed during pregnancy

The only teas that are considered safe for consumption during pregnancy are ginger and fruit teas. Pay close attention when buying ready-made fruit teas, as they can contain herbs and flowers that may be harmful during pregnancy, such as hibiscus and green tea.

Even when allowed, it is most recommended that women do not drink these teas constantly and consult a nutritionist to better understand how their diet should be during this period.

Important: Roman Chamomile Tea is a forbidden tea during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage.

Alternatives to teas

As you can see, there are some teas forbidden during pregnancy, but there are also those you can drink without any problem. And since there are alternatives, there’s no reason to go against specialist advice and risk having any kind of problem during pregnancy.

Remember: Many times a tea that is normally beneficial may not be suitable in pregnancy, either because it affects the baby or the mother’s body, which is constantly changing. Seek alternatives and never stop researching what might affect you. This way, you will certainly have a healthy pregnancy with no serious problems.

References:

1 Broussard, C. S., Louik, C., Honein, M. A., Mitchell, A. A., & Study, N. B. D. P. (2010). Herbal use before and during pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 202(5), 443-e1.
2 Mengue, S. S., Mentz, L. A., & Schenkel, E. P. (2001). Uso de plantas medicinais na gravidez. Revista brasileira de Farmacognosia, 11, 21-35.
3 Ruiz, A. L. T., Taffarello, D., Souza, V. H., & Carvalho, J. E. (2008). Farmacologia e toxicologia de Peumus boldus e Baccharis genistelloides. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 18, 295-300.

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