Facts of Lemongrass and Pregnancy . The high citral concentration of lemongrass oil can burn or harm your skin. However, when you’re pregnant, the active compounds in lemongrass tea can lead to sudden ruptures to the fetal membrane, and trigger miscarriage. Additionally, it helps in oxidation of the LDL-cholesterol present in your blood that helps you overcome atherosclerotic plaque buildup. A component in lemongrass called citral is being investigated for its potential role in fighting cancer. When choosing tea while pregnant, consider the following: 1. Cancer Fighting. I have read several recent reports that say that intake should be limited to 8-10 oz. But of course, there are some teas which are best avoided during pregnancy too. Should Pregnant Women Consume Propranolol? At such a delicate and confusing time, if you wish to include lemongrass in your diet, or are thinking about it, consider reading our post below. Is It Safe to Consume Lemongrass During Pregnancy? This statement applies to lemongrass in concentrated form, such as what's in lemongrass tea or supplements. However, when you’re pregnant, the active compounds in lemongrass tea can lead to sudden ruptures to the fetal membrane, and trigger miscarriage. According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, hibuscus tea is high in antioxidants, especially flavonoids. Tea has caffeine, which is widely considered to be okay during pregnancy as long as you consume it in moderation, about 200mg or 12oz of caffeine a day should be acceptable for most pregnant women. If you are pregnant, your diet must have changed for the good and you must be thinking twice before putting anything in your mouth. Before using lemongrass oil for pain, do a skin patch test to determine whether you are allergic to it or not. Pregnant women may want to stay away from raspberry leaf tea during the first trimester because of its potential to stimulate uterine contractions. In large quantities, it could induce the rupture of the foetal membrane, causing a miscarriage. 6th Month Pregnancy Diet – Which Foods To Eat And avoid? Lemongrass extracts can fasten cell-death and hamper cell multiplication causing poor growth. So try not to drink the same herbal tea every day. I am crying with joy one minute and panic stricken the next ha ha! Common reactions may exhibit symptoms like itchy skin rashes, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and throat swelling. The aromatic oil helps in relaxing your muscles and get relief from muscle strain, stomach ache, migraines, headaches, toothache, menstrual cramp, and rheumatism. Lemongrass can be consumed in small amounts, such as in Thai dishes, where it is used as a seasoning, but it is best avoided altogether. :( I feel terrible. Possible Side Effects of Lemongrass in Pregnancy. A patient with liver or kidney disorders must consult her doctor before using the herb. You can also try adding few drops of lemongrass oil to your bath water. If you do want to use lemongrass oil, it is suggested that you dilute it with a carrier oil or water. You should also avoid consuming lemongrass when you nurse your child, as it can trigger reactions for your little one. Today we will talk about one particular herb – lemongrass. The average cup of non-herbal tea contains about 40-50 milligrams of caffeine. Lemongrass can cause skeletal abnormalities. A 230 ml cup of green tea, which is 8 ounces, contains about 24 to 45 milligrams (mg)of caffeine. The soothing and refreshing aroma of the therapeutic oil also helps in getting relief from a headache, anxiety, irritability, drowsiness, stress and insomnia. The compound citral in lemongrass can fight free radicals and restrict the initial growth of the cancerous cells. People suffering from bronchitis or asthma should take lemongrass tea to overcome breathing problems. Is It Safe To Eat Lettuce During Pregnancy? Green tea is safe to drink while you are pregnant, however, it should be moderated. Though one is recommended to avoid the use of concentrated lemongrass oil during pregnancy, use of diluted lemongrass oil can help one get … This is especially true in terms of the type and the amount of lemongrass being consumed. If you have diabetes or low blood sugar, do not drink lemongrass tea as it may lower your glucose levels. Drinking large amounts of green tea during pregnancy prevents a mother from absorbing folic acid properly. Lemongrass tea is a healthy herbal drink that can be enjoyed for the lots of nutrients and vitamins that it needs to use. You can just mix it with essential oils like bergamot, or geranium, and put it in a diffuser, or vaporizer. Lemongrass is a good source of folic acid, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, calcium, manganese, Vitamin A, phosphorous, and Vitamin C. Lemongrass is a sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative, antipyretic, antiseptic, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer agent. Additionally, if you have an allergy to any plant in the daisy family (like marigolds, ragweed and chrysanthemums), you may develop an allergic reaction after consuming chamomile tea. Lemongrass tea is a refreshing, citrus drink which can improve your health in many ways. Lemongrass oil may lead to the following health complications if you are allergic to it. Ginger tea is considered an herbal tea and, according to Manglani, it's OK for pregnant women to drink, as long as they don't overdo it. Precautions When Drinking Tea While Pregnant. Please read our Disclaimer. It is the healthiest of all green teas available, with a strong, grassy and umami flavour. But you should only consume the tea once you consult your gynecologist. The anti-atherosclerosis and anti-cholesterol properties of lemongrass help absorb excess cholesterol from your intestine. Many herbal teas are safe during pregnancy, but you should be cautious. Lemon Juice: You can also use lemon juice or lemon drops for flavour. So if you are pregnant and routinely consuming lemongrass tea, it would be wise to substitute it with other kinds of teas that are safe during pregnancy. Some sources claim that pregnant women should avoid lemongrass. 10 Simple Steps To Do Accurate Urine Pregnancy Test At Home, What To Do And What Not To Do When Pregnant: List Of Dos & Don'ts. Citrus Tea. Once you announce that you are pregnant, friends and family, everyone has an opinion on how you should handle the throes of pregnancy. Although non-herbal tea is assumed to have great health benefits due to the antioxidants, it also contains caffeine, which pregnant and breastfeeding women are often encouraged to cut down on or eliminate. You can mix 1-2 drops of lemongrass oil with a carrier oil and use it for massaging purpose. Lemongrass is a perennial plant also called the fever grass. The grass has a lemony smell but has a sweeter and milder taste than a lemon. Some of the many benefits of lemongrass are listed below. 5 Things to Consider Before Leaving your Job, Fascinating Facts About the Milky Way for Your Astronomy-loving Kid, 10 Effective Eye Exercises to Improve Vision and Reduce Strain, Easy Homemade Bath Bomb Recipe for Children, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for Children, Birthday Wishes for a Sister to Make Her Feel Special. Lemongrass is used as a herb in cooking and its leaves and oil are used to make medicine. All rights reserved. Mostly I drink rooibos tea, but I had at least one or two glasses of tea [per day] that contained hibiscus [and lemongrass] which I had no idea were not safe to drink during pregnancy. After the first trimester, when the pregnancy is established, hibiscus tea may be safe for pregnant women and could deliver some potential benefits. Here are some points you should remember if you are planning to use lemongrass (in any form) during pregnancy. You also acknowledge that owing to the limited nature of communication possible on interactive elements on the site, any assistance, or response you receive is provided by the author alone. It supposedly helps improve the health of the uterus and prevents both premature and overdue births and other complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Side-Effects Of Lemongrass During Pregnancy. Peel the outer surface of the lemongrass leaves, as it can make your tea bitter and flavorless. You can also use your best label reading skills to weed out teas that contain herbs, sticking with regular (black) tea that’s flavored with fruit or spices, or making your own tea concoctions with slices of fruit, fruit juice, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg and that well-known pregnancy quease-easer: fresh ginger. Not bitter or overpowering at all. Here, MomJunction has compiled some essential information on the intake of lemongrass during pregnancy and its safety for expecting moms. Using lemongrass oil for massaging the skin or as incense for aromatherapy is not strictly prohibited, but it is best avoided. Teas made from citrus peels are safe during pregnancy. Lemongrass oil or any other essential oil should always be diluted with other carrier oils otherwise it may burn the skin. If you're looking for a natural way to boost your immune system while still not breaking the bank, you may want to consider adding ginger tea to your daily beverage regimen, advised registered dietitian Hayley Cimring. Read on to know whether or not it is safe to consume lemongrass during pregnancy. While this tea is thought to be a health-promoting drink, it's not recommended for pregnant women. From diet suggestions, health tips, and meditation, to take less stress and do yoga, you seem to be buried under a pile of information. You can prepare the herbal drink by infusing dried lemongrass in the cup of hot and brewing plain water. For optimum digestive health, you can drink a glass of lemongrass tea in healthy condition. The taste is great! Your use of this site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. "Ginger has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, not to mention vitamin C," the expert told The List. Lemongrass is not made from a citrus peel, but since the name makes it sound like it could be, I thought it was worth mentioning here. 4. Side-Effects Of Lemongrass Oil During Pregnancy, Top 10 Herbal Teas To Drink During Pregnancy. My mom and I were making tea. Diabetic or hypoglycemic people should avoid drinking lemongrass tea or supplements as it reduces the blood glucose levels abruptly. As a general rule, teas made from herbs that are used in cooking are safe for you to drink while you’re pregnant. It’s believed that high doses of certain compounds in lemongrass could cause tears to the fetal membrane and trigger a miscarriage. Share your complete story below. Did you drink lemongrass tea during your pregnancy? Since the effects of lemongrass are the strongest on the liver and kidneys, one should always consult a doctor before consuming any lemongrass products. How Much Green Tea Is Safe While Pregnant? However, women may benefit from avoiding the first two during … Strain the mixture and pour the tea into a cup. The food you eat determines your health. Baby Teething Myths and Misconceptions that Parents Should Know, Sweet Baby Shower Cake Sayings and Wordings, 75 Pregnancy Jokes That Are Great Stress Relievers, Everything You Need to Know About Paternity Leave in the US. It helps alleviate depression, anxiety and mood swings. Lemongrass Tea and Pregnancy. Is It Safe To Use Lemongrass Oil During Pregnancy? Parenting.Firstcry.com accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or misrepresentations. Read More:10 Herbal Teas to Avoid during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Is Matcha Green Tea Safe for my Baby? For a closer replication of the taste, mix one teaspoon of lemon zest with a paste of one arugula leaf and use it in your tea. The destruction of harmful parasites and bacteria helps you overcome digestive problems like constipation, indigestion, stomach spasms, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. The high Vitamin C content boosts your immune system so that your body can resist against infections. It is commonly used as a herbal ingredient in different Asian cuisine, and as a flavoring agent as well. The antifungal and antibacterial property of lemongrass cures a common cold, cough and the symptoms of flu. The sedative property of lemongrass oil promotes good sleep. Women with painful or irregular menstrual cycles can drink lemongrass tea as the herb initiates menstrual flow. How You Can Use Lemongrass Oil During Pregnancy? Also Read: Aspirin In pregnancy: When To Take And When To Avoid It Green Tea Caffeine Content. Lemongrass oil, popularly known for its antimicrobial properties acts as an insect repellant and kills ants and mosquitoes die to its geraniol and citral content. Now, add the clumps of peeled leaves to the boiling water. The cleansing property of lemongrass purifies your pancreas, bladder, liver, and kidneys and regulate a healthy flow of blood to the vital organs. As the molecules in essential oils are quite small, the fear is that they may cross the placenta and enter the baby’s circulation system. Feb. 5, 2016, 4:25 PM UTC / … Essential oils are also very concentrated, so it is best to avoid using them during pregnancy. You should not use lemongrass during pregnancy, according to Drugs.com. 16 Signs You Are A Bad Parent And 7 Ways You Can Fix It, 25 Fun Loving Outdoor Activities And Games For Toddlers, 5 Healthy Food Options For New Moms After Delivery. Therefore, drinking lemongrass tea during pregnancy is not recommended. Here are some ways to use the lemongrass essential oil during pregnancy: Though small quantities of lemongrass can cause no harm during pregnancy, you should avoid applying the concentrated oil to your skin. The recipe remains the same, and the only thing you need to do is to let your tea cool down and avoid adding milk to your chilled lemongrass tea. Lemongrass is a potentially harmful agent during pregnancy, and the easiest rule to follow is to avoid it altogether. You can use small amounts of diluted lemongrass oil to get relief from pain and headaches. You can also add milk if you love to have lemongrass milk tea. However, you shouldn’t drink parsley tea or sage tea in pregnancy, even though they … While it comes with many health benefits, it may pose a problem when you’re expecting. 6 Wonderful Health Benefits Of Basil During Pregnancy. Concentrated form Lemongrass supplements or tea should be avoided during pregnancy, according to Drugs.com. 7th Month Pregnancy Diet – Which Foods To Eat And Avoid? While chamomile tea is largely considered safe (for the non-pregnant population, anyway), it can cause vomiting if you take it in large doses, warns WebMD. Benefits of drinking tea during pregnancy “Drinking herbal teas during pregnancy is certainly a wise choice when compared with caffeinated beverages,” Nicole says. It is native to Africa, Asia and Australia. Its main quality - acidity - will negatively affect the well-being of those who are prohibited acidic foods. Lemongrass essential oil possesses effective calming and soothing smell. Sharp Drop In Blood Sugar Levels: The regular consumption of lemongrass tea during pregnancy … Herbal Teas to Avoid During Pregnancy Here is a list of herbal teas that may be unsafe to drink during pregnancy. The antibacterial agent fights harmful microbes and treats skin infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm. There is no damage in drinking lemon tea during pregnancy, nevertheless it is advised to drink in small amounts considering that the sugar content may be high for some. However, you should take a skin patch test. Soak your feet in the water for 10-15 minutes. The presence of limonene and citral in lemongrass inhibits the unwanted growth of bacteria and yeast in the body, both externally and internally. Many people associate ‘lemongrass’ with ‘tea.’ However, it is used as an ingredient in food preparations, for its antibacterial and preservative properties, as well as for its fresh lemony taste that it imparts to the food. Drinking lemongrass tea may help alleviate menstrual pain. It has long and thin leaves and is found throughout Asia. So if you are pregnant and routinely consuming lemongrass tea, it would be wise to substitute it with other kinds of teas that are safe during pregnancy. Lemongrass tea stimulates menstrual flow: Women with irregular menstruation often drink lemongrass tea, as it stimulates the menstrual flow. Though lemongrass has many health benefits, medical consultants may recommend you avoid having Lemongrass during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes or even hypoglycemia shouldn’t take supplements or lemongrass tea, as it adversely lowers blood sugar levels. Add a cup of water to a saucepan and place it in the oven on medium heat. Papaya During Pregnancy: Does It Cause Miscarriage? You might like to enjoy a soothing cup of chamomile tea on occasion. I found out yesterday I'm pregnant Been TTC for a while so we're v. pleased! And in fact, according to Nicole, drinking tea while pregnant even has a few additional benefits! The caffeine content varies as it depends on the time for how long it has been brewed. Tea Has Caffeine. You should only enjoy drinking lemongrass tea after your child has moved on from feeding on your breastmilk. If you’re pregnant, not all teas are safe to drink. To substitute the taste of lemongrass, the following would make the best additions to your herbal tea: Lemon Zest: The easiest and possibly a suitable replacement for the flavour of lemongrass is zest or lemon. Chamomile is a type of herbal tea. Lemongrass may have side effects making it hazardous during pregnancy. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. The advice to avoid lemongrass in high doses is based on logical conjectures and also on studies conducted on rats. Herbalists often use the leaves and stems of lemongrass to prepare different herbal medicines (1). It also works as an air freshener. 3. Allow the leaves to soak in the brewing water, and then slow down the flame and cover the saucepan with a lid for about 20 minutes. Lemongrass can trigger allergies. What you eat matters, and it matters even more if you are expecting a child. Raspberry leaf, peppermint, ginger, and lemon balm tea are the only ones currently deemed as potentially safe. All rights reserved. Is It Safe To Drink Decaf Tea During Pregnancy? Lemongrass has long been used in herbal medicine to bring on menstruation. As lemongrass is a rich source of potassium, it lowers and regulates your blood pressure level. Raspberry Tea: It is made from the leaves of the red raspberry bush. Some common benefits of lemongrass include: A doctor will, more often than not, advise you to avoid lemongrass tea during pregnancy. However, during pregnancy, you should avoid consuming the herbal tea. It likewise consists of numerous terrific anti-oxidants too that can assist in keeping a body healthy and at its best. The thought of accidentally drinking while pregnant is one that never really occurred to me, but it probably should have. You can have up to 200mg of caffeine a day, which accounts for three to four cups of green tea in a day. When you suffer from hypertension during pregnancy, you can try drinking a cup of hot and brewing lemongrass tea, which quickly brings down your blood pressure level to normal.