2.5. Bitter kola

2.2.2. Untoward effects of garlic

106 Herbal Medicine

Moosebeere, Mossberry [20].

2.3.2. Untoward effects of cranberry

2.4. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

2.4.1. Benefits of valerian

2.4.2. Untoward effects of valerian

use during pregnancy should be limited.

been extensively cultivated in Northern Europe [41].

cortex volume and copper level in foetal brain [43].

2.3.1. Benefits of cranberry

2.3. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Excessive use of garlic should be avoided in early pregnancy. Pregnant women with thyroid disorders should avoid its use. Pregnant women should also avoid using garlic prior to surgery including caesarean as it may interfere with blood clotting. Another untoward effect

There are different types of cranberries: American cranberry, Arandano Americano, Arandano Trepador, Cranberries, European cranberry, Grosse Moosbeere, kranbeere, large cranberry,

Using cranberry during pregnancy is important to prevent urinary tract infection [33], stomach ulcer [34–35], periodontal diseases [36–38] and influenza [39]. A survey conducted on 400 Norwegian postpartum women reported that cranberry was one of the most commonly used

The untoward effects of cranberry use during pregnancy needs further investigations.

Valerian is native to Europe and Asia and has naturalized in Eastern North America. It has

Valerian is used as a mild sedative to help patients fall asleep and relieve stress and anxiety. There is a lack of safety information on consumption of valerian during pregnancy. It is highly recommended that pregnant women talk to the doctor before taking valerian during pregnancy [24, 26, 42]. Study conducted on effect of valerian consumption during pregnancy on cortical volume and the levels of zinc and copper in brain tissue of mouse foetus showed valerian consumption in pregnancy had no significant effect on brain weight and cerebral

Studies conducted on mouse foetus presented that consumption of valerian during pregnancy had significant decrease in the level of zinc in the brain [43]. This finding suggests that valerian

of using garlic during pregnancy is that it may aggravate heartburn [32].

herbs during pregnancy, mostly for urinary tract infection [40].

Bitter kola is a plant that comes from Africa. Africans have been using bitter kola for pregnant women since ages. Nowadays, bitter kola popularity has spread worldwide [44].

### 2.5.1. Benefits of bitter kola

Drinking bitter kola is good for pregnancy. Bitter kola contains nutrients and vitamins good for pregnancy. For Africans, bitter kola is the best supplement for pregnant women. Health benefits of bitter kola include treating nausea and vomiting, making uterus healthier, strengthening pregnant women and normalizing blood circulation in pregnant women. Bitter kola contains very strong caffeine. One bean of bitter kola contains the same amount of caffeine as two glasses of coffee. Thus, pregnant women have to drink the recommended dose (one small cup of bitter kola in a day) [44].
