by Jennifer (Virginia)

I’ve heard that licorice root can be toxic to your unborn baby. I’ve recently found that it is in a lot of the herbal teas I drink. Is there any truth to this?

Answer:

Hi Jennifer,

In Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year herbalist Susan Weed lists licorice as an herb to avoid during pregnancy due to its steroid-like factors (p.13)

It is safe to take in teas postpartum.

Based on her advice I would switch to a different tea until after your baby’s birth.

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