Please noteThis list is not exhaustive. Ask your doctor or vaidya before starting any herb, churna or kadha in pregnancy — there is a large difference between an ordinary culinary amount and a medicinal one.
Castor oil
अरंडी का तेल
Causes uterine contractions and can bring on premature labour.
Documented effect
Aloe vera (taken internally)
एलोवेरा (अंदर लेने पर)
A strong purgative and uterine stimulant. Applying it on the skin is a different matter.
Documented effect
Guggulu
गुग्गुलु
Considered contraindicated in pregnancy, and it also affects hormones.
Documented effect
Unripe papaya
कच्चा पपीता
The latex in unripe fruit contains compounds that stimulate the uterus. Ripe papaya is different.
Documented effect
Neem (medicinal amounts)
नीम (औषधीय मात्रा)
Not considered safe for pregnancy at medicinal doses.
Documented effect
Ashwagandha
अश्वगंधा
Avoided in pregnancy by tradition, with recorded concern at higher doses.
Traditional caution
Fenugreek (medicinal amounts)
मेथी (औषधीय मात्रा)
Large amounts can stimulate the uterus. A tempering of methi in food is different.
Documented effect
Bhasma and metal-bearing classical medicines
भस्म व धातु-युक्त शास्त्रीय औषधि
Not in pregnancy without a qualified practitioner supervising.
Documented effect
Pineapple (in quantity)
अनानास (अधिक मात्रा)
Avoided in the early months by tradition; modern evidence is weak.
Traditional caution
On this page Documented effect — A recorded pharmacological effect or drug interaction. Traditional caution — Avoided in classical practice; modern evidence is limited.
Bhojanveda
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