The phase of pregnancy evolves around many beautiful moments, but figuring out what’s safe to eat isn’t one on the list. Generally, most pregnant women know they should avoid processed foods, raw meat, uncooked foods and alcohol, among other common items. If you’re trying to limit coffee since you need to control your caffeine intake to less than 200 mg daily, then simply getting herbal tea as an alternative isn’t the best idea, either.
hibiscus tea

For this deeper dive, let’s see how good hibiscus tea is and what the research says about its safety for you and your baby.

What Is Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus tea is brewed from the dried petals of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant and is a popular herbal infusion valued for its tart flavour and umpteen health benefits. While it offers several advantages, pregnant women should exercise caution when consuming this beverage. Hibiscus tea is packed with a rich antioxidant profile, and a few studies have shown that it can help regulate blood pressure, help people lose weight, improve their health, and help them combat bacteria.

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Can Pregnant Women Drink Hibiscus Tea?

However, hibiscus tea is considered safe for most adults in general. It is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. There is no safe way to evaluate the effects of hibiscus tea on pregnant women. Moreover, a few studies have revealed that hibiscus tea promotes the onset of menstruation; the tea extracts improve blood flow to the uterus, stimulating menstruation. This suggests that there may be possible side effects like cramping, bleeding, early labour and even miscarriage. However, nothing convincing has yet been claimed, and further research is needed in the field. Hence, pregnant women should avoid hibiscus tea in their meal regimen to avert any potential risks.

Also Read: Your Eat-Smart Guide, If You Are Eating For Two

What To Look For?

Most of the research had focused on using hibiscus supplements and herbal blends in pregnant animals.

Also, it’s essential to remember that hibiscus extracts are found in a variety of products even when they’re not listed in the packaging. This is true in herbal tea blends, especially rosehip and raspberry blends, which are commonly blended with hibiscus.

What Are Other Herbal Teas To Avoid In Pregnancy?

Other herbal teas to avoid during pregnancy. Though not all of these are strictly restricted during all three trimesters, keep an eye on these common herbal ingredients and seek help from a doctor before you indulge in any of these herbal drinks while pregnant:
pregnant women drinking tea

  • Peppermint
  • chamomile
  • Licorice
  • Ginseng
  • Dong quai
  • Angelica
  • Wormwood
  • shepherd’s purse
  • Cinnamon
  • Fennel
  • John’s wort
  • Basil and oregano (as a condiment or flavouring agent these are fine)
  • Rhubarb
  • Rosemary
  • Fenugreek

Also Read: Women’s Health: 6 Effective Home Remedies To Ease Itching During Pregnancy

What Are the Tea Alternatives That Are Safe To Consume During Pregnancy?

Some of the herbal teas that are safe to consume during pregnancy include:

  • Ginger root
  • Peppermint
  • Citrus peel

Ginger tea is known to soothe your stomach if you experience morning sickness. It also works as a comforting drink to calm an irritated throat and promote digestion. However, it is always best to use herbal teas sparingly, as they may contain extracts of harmful substances during pregnancy.

Always seek help from your gynaecologist to ensure that these herbs are safe and to discuss whether any of them might interact with the medications you are using.

Conclusion

Herbal teas are an excellent substitute for caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda. However, not all herbal blends are made equal. Hence it is essential to be aware of the tea varieties that are safe to drink and when you can drink them during pregnancy. Hibiscus tea is one of the tea types that has limited studies on pregnancy use. So, it’s ideal to avoid the hibiscus tea during pregnancy.

( This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu Ayurvedic Pharma Expert)

Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of experience and a Postgraduate Degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional. She specializes in creating personalized diet plans, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for overall wellness. Passionate about educating individuals, Sowmya develops insightful content covering food, nutrition, supplements, and health.

References:

Irrational Use of Selected Herbal Medicines During Pregnancy: A Pharmaco epidemiological Evidence From Yemen

 Mansoor Ahmed, 1 Jung Hye Hwang, Mohammed Nasr Ali, Shafekah Al-Ahnoumy, and Dongwoon Hancorresponding author

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9343843/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347313314_Hibiscus_Tea_and_Health_A_Scoping_Review_of_Scientific_Evidence