Should Pregnant Women Drink This Herbal Tea?

There are many wonderful and challenging moments in pregnancy. Along with staying on top of their toes about their baby’s health, mothers need to always ensure whatever they eat is safe for their bodies. Everyone knows that pregnant women should avoid alcohol, raw tuna, cigarettes, and other popular foods. Things get more complicated when it comes tea and coffee. It is important to understand the limits of your diet. Let’s dig deeper to find out if hibiscus is safe for pregnant women and if it has any other disadvantages.

The hibiscus flower is most commonly found in tropical climates. However, it has many other uses. Many parts of the flower can be used for making rope, paper, or medicines. Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure and promote weight loss.

Although hibiscus is great for everyone, it is best to avoid herbal teas during pregnancy or lactation. A study from 2016 found that when given to pregnant rats, hibiscus tea delayed the offspring’s puberty and also increased the risk of obesity and an elevated body mass index (BMI). The study was performed on mice but it is impossible to test its effects on pregnant women.

According to research from 2019, hibiscus tea promotes menstruation. The emmenagogue effect is a term that tea extracts have been known to cause blood to flow to the uterus, which can stimulate menstruation. Side effects include bleeding, cramping and miscarriage. There is still no conclusive evidence and more research is needed in this area. Although there is still much to be done in this area, pregnant women should avoid hibiscus because of the high potential health risks.

Disclaimer: These health tips are based on general knowledge and common practices. Readers are advised to consult a doctor before following them at home.)

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