Why caution matters with herbal supplements in pregnancy and breastfeeding, what NHS and other sources say, and who to ask before you start.
Quick answer: Speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist before taking any herbal supplement while pregnant or breastfeeding. The NHS says not all herbal medicines are safe for everybody, and for many ingredients there is little or no safety information in pregnancy.
Last updated: 12 October 2026
At a glance
- Rule of thumb: ask before you start, every time
- Who to ask: midwife, GP or pharmacist
- Why: many herbal ingredients have limited safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- GenieHeal products: ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Why caution matters
Plant ingredients are active in the body, which is why they are used. The NHS states that not all herbal medicines or complementary therapies are safe or suitable for everybody, and you should tell your therapist or health professional if you have a medical condition, take medicines, or receive other treatments. Pregnancy and breastfeeding add an extra reason to check, because both you and your baby are involved.
Examples of why ingredients need individual checks
- Ginger: NCCIH says research shows it may help nausea in pregnancy, but still advises consulting your health care provider before use. See What is ginger?.
- Cascara sagrada: a stimulant laxative plant. The Natural Medicines database notes that it can pass into breast milk and may cause diarrhoea in a baby, so it should be avoided unless a doctor advises it.
- Amla: Healthline advises avoiding supplements in pregnancy and breastfeeding because there is not enough safety evidence. See What is amla?.
What to do
- Tell your midwife, GP or pharmacist what you want to take and show them the full ingredient list.
- Check all your products, including teas, vitamins and combination products, for repeated ingredients.
- Do not stop a prescribed medicine to take a supplement.
- If you have already taken something and are worried, speak to your midwife or GP.
Questions to ask
- Is each ingredient suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- Is there any evidence about safety in my situation?
- Is there a safer way to deal with what I am trying to address?
- When should I stop?
GenieHeal products
GenieHeal products are food supplements for adults aged 18 and over. Please speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using any of them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Our product pages list the full ingredients, for example GenieHeal Colon Cleanse, and our guide to aloe and cascara sagrada explains why some ingredients need extra care. You can also contact our team with questions.
Frequently asked questions
Are herbal supplements safe in pregnancy?
Not all are. The NHS says not all herbal medicines are safe for everybody, so check with your midwife, GP or pharmacist first.
Can I take herbal supplements while breastfeeding?
Ask first. Some ingredients can pass into breast milk, and many have limited safety data.
Is ginger safe in pregnancy?
Research suggests it may help nausea in pregnancy, but NCCIH advises consulting your health care provider before using it.
Who should I ask?
Your midwife, GP or pharmacist.
Sources
- NHS: Herbal medicines and complementary therapies
- NCCIH: Ginger
- Natural Medicines database: cascara sagrada
- Healthline: Indian gooseberry
Keep reading
Browse all GenieHeal herbal food supplements, learn about GenieHeal, or contact our team.
GenieHeal products are food supplements, not medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and they should not replace a varied, balanced diet or medical advice. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your health, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
GenieHeal
Questions about a product? Email info@genieheal.com.
