Herbs to Induce Labor

Is it possible for herbs to induce labor? The answer to that depends upon what types of herbs you use and at what point in your pregnancy. Some herbal remedies should be avoided in late trimesters while others are safe.

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The advantages of herbal remedies have been noted for centuries, including those that help to induce the birthing process. The best herbal remedies recommended by Herbalist Ron Hawley of Taos Herb Company are as follows:

• Blue Cohosh - Good for increasing the tone of your uterus and prepare you for birth
• Black Cohosh – Can help reduce irregular contractions and when closer to the actual birth, encourage strong contractions
• Cramp Bark – This is another uterine toner and it also helps to increase relaxation during the cervix dilation process
• Partridge Berry – Helps to tone, reduce stress and relax your uterus
• Motherwort – This herb can stimulate the uterus through relaxing
• Evening Primrose Oil – The elements of this herb, due to its fatty acids, can increase uterine contractions
• Red Raspberry Leaf – Another uterine toner. This herb is available in tea form as well

According to Herbalist Rob Crawley, the following herbs are unsafe during pregnancy and to attempt to induce labor:

• Angelica – Can start menstruation
• Borage Oil – A very strong uterine stimulant
• Comfrey – Has been shown to cause liver problems in both mom and baby
• Dong Quai – Can cause bleeding
• Goldenseal – A powerful, natural antibiotic that could harm the fetus
• Henbane – This is a highly toxic herb not safe for mom or baby.
• Horsetail – Contains a large amount of silica that can harm the fetus
• Licorice Root – Can cause high blood pressure and water retention
• Nutmeg – In large doses, this can cause miscarriage

1. Before you use any herbs during your pregnancy, check with your doctor or midwife.
2. Visit a certified herbalist and inquire about various herbs, what they do, and which ones are safe.
3. Ask about specific amounts and allowable doses from your herbalist.
4. Be careful of herbal teas that contain nutmeg or cinnamon. If you do drink these, keep them at very small amounts.
5. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbs, so it’s important to be very knowledgeable about what you are putting in your body. You don’t want to harm yourself or your baby.
6. Natural and herbal labor inducement should be discussed and overseen by your physician or midwife. Don’t try and make your own mixture of herbs to induce labor.
7. If you are given the go ahead to use herbs to induce labor, try five to ten small drops under your tongue the first day. If nothing occurs, try five to ten small drops the second day. Herbalists like Rob Crawley recommend asking your doctor or mid-wife if you think you need a third dose.
8. Don’t buy herbs from anyone except a qualified herbalist. Just because a company says they sell herbs doesn’t mean they have full knowledge of what each is for or what they do.

Herbal remedies have helped people with all sorts of ailments and because of their natural qualities, are being widely used to help induce labor. If you seek herbs to induce labor, make sure you do your research, visit an herbalist, and pay attention to your delivery team instructions.

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