NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

• Although natural health products (such as herbal teas or pills) are promoted as “natural” and “safe”, they are considered drugs.
• There is very little knowledge on how herbal supplements can affect your baby.
• Treat herbal supplements as you would treat any medication during pregnancy.

Health Canada considers the following herbal teas to be safe when drinking 2-3 cups of weak tea a day:

• Citrus peel
• Ginger
• Lemon balm
• Orange peel
• Rose hip

The Public Health Agency of Canada warns that it is best to avoid teas with:

• Aloe
• Coltsfoot
• Juniper berries
• Pennyroyal
• Buckthorn bark
• Comfrey
• Labrador tea
• Sassafras
• Duck roots
• Lobelia
• Senna leaves

Do not let herbal teas replace more nutritious beverages such as water or orange juice.

• If you are considering taking an herbal supplement during your pregnancy, or if you were taking an herbal supplement before you became pregnant and wish to keep taking it, consult your physician or pharmacist.  
• You can call Motherisk’s Home Line at 416-813-6780
• Telehealth Ontario can also direct your questions about herbal supplements to a pharmacist at any time – call 1-866-797-0000.

For more information:

• Call the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808 to speak to a Public Health Nurse
• Health Canada: Natural Health Products - http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php
• Motherisk: Herbal Products - http://www.motherisk.org/women/herbal.jsp
• Public Health Agency of Canada – www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-gs/know-savoir/caffeine-eng.php