While this information is reassuring, the limited number of studies limits experts' ability to determine definitively whether using echinacea during pregnancy raises the risk for birth defects or other problems.īab圜enter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. (That study also cautioned against echinacea during breastfeeding, since there isn't enough data to definitively say it's safe.) No increases in miscarriage or birth defects in babies were seen.Īnother study reviewed commonly used herbs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including echinacea, and found evidence that use of echinacea during the first trimester doesn't increase the risk of birth defects. More than 112 of them took it during the first trimester. In one study, researchers followed 261 women who took different echinacea preparations at some point in their pregnancy. While echinacea has been used as an herbal remedy for many years, study results about its effectiveness are controversial – and there are few published studies about its use during pregnancy. It's also used by some to help treat infections of the urinary tract and as a topical application for wounds and burns.

It's typically taken orally with a belief it will boost the immune system and ward off colds and other upper respiratory infections, although this has not been shown to be true in randomized controlled trials. Echinacea comes in tablets, pills, topical creams, and teas, among other forms.

Sleepytime green tea ok while pregnant