Can Peppermint and Nettle Cause Miscarriage?

Doing a google search for herbs to use during pregnancy often brings more questions than answers. Which herbs cause uterine contractions is one of the most common misunderstandings I come across in my work. To hear people on social media talk about it, you’d think every plant that grows out of the ground could accidentally kickstart labor! While red raspberry leaf is the most commonly misunderstood pregnancy herb, there are others that get unfairly lumped into the unsafe category. While caution is always best during pregnancy – with herbs, over the counter medicines, foods, supplements, and anything else you are putting into (or onto) your body – it would be a shame to miss out on some of the best natural remedies we have due to misinformation. So, let’s talk about all three of these herbs for a minute.

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus): the leaves of the same plant that produces delicious raspberry fruit, this herb contains trace minerals like vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Due to its high tannin content, it is also known as a gently astringent herb meaning it has the ability to tighten and tone tissues. This makes it helpful for stopping diarrhea, much in the same way as black tea. These tannins also gives red raspberry its reputation as a uterine toner, helping the smooth muscle layer of the uterus to function more efficiently.

What is not: red raspberry is not stimulating or spasmodic (causing muscle spasms), and it does not have any hormonal impact.

Considerations: may aggravate constipation

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Peppermint is best known for its anti-nausea and carminative properties. Carminative literally means “gas expelling”. And can’t we all use a little bit of that during pregnancy?? Peppermint tea can enhance digestion and ease gastrointestinal discomfort. The aromatic volatile oils in the peppermint leaves can help to clear sinuses and relieve headaches. My favorite way to take advantage of these volatile oils during pregnancy is with an herbal steam.

What it is not: Despite internet rumors that peppermint brings on menstruation, there are no chemical components in this herb that have an emmenagogue effect. This means no part of this plant has the ability to stimulate or increase menstrual flow.

Considerations: (1) may aggravate reflux; (2) while tea made from fresh or dried peppermint leaves is generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, the essential oil should not be used internally while pregnant, should be used with great caution topically, and should be avoided altogether during lactation.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): if you are not familiar with this amazing herb, it is time to become acquainted! As a nutritive herb, nettle contains magnesium, potassium and silica, as well as up to 500mg of calcium per cup! It is supportive of urinary health, helps combat seasonal allergies, and can reduce edema (swelling caused by fluid buildup) in the feet and ankles in third trimester. The fresh leaves can also be eaten as a wild green similar to spinach or kale. Just be certain to cook or process the leaves first to avoid the “sting” of the stinging nettle.

What it is not: nettle itself will not bring on contractions or start labor. However, as a diuretic, it can possibly have a dehydrating effect for some people. Dehydration is known to cause contractions, which is particularly concerning in pre-term pregnancy. At full-term, dehydration will most likely not bring on full labor but instead will cause “irritating” non-working contractions. This risk can be overcome by ensuring additional fluids and sufficient electrolyte intake.

Considerations: consult a certified professional before using if you have heart or kidney dysfunction or history of bleeding disorder.

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