2.2.2. Untoward effects of garlic

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

2.5. Bitter kola

2.5.1. Benefits of bitter kola

cup of bitter kola in a day) [44].

2.5.2. Untoward effects of bitter kola

2.6.1. Benefits of fenugreek

good for the uterus of the woman [45].

2.6. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

mone that increases milk production [45, 46].

mellitus should avoid it. It can also cause heartburn [47].

2.6.2. Untoward effect of fenugreek

2.7. Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

2.7.1. Benefits of red raspberry

it [48].

Bitter kola is a plant that comes from Africa. Africans have been using bitter kola for pregnant

Herbal Medicine Use during Pregnancy: Benefits and Untoward Effects

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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

Using very high doses of bitter kola is not recommended. A very high dose of bitter kola is not

Fenugreek is an annual leguminous herb that belongs to the family fabaceae, which is found as

Consumption of fenugreek during pregnancy increases milk production in pregnant women. The exact mechanism of fenugreek consumption and increasing milk production is not well understood. However, it is believed that seeds of fenugreek contain the precursor of a hor-

Large amounts of fenugreek may cause uterine contractions, miscarriage or premature labour. It could affect blood sugar levels, so pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes

Red raspberry leaf is known as garden raspberry leaf. The deciduous raspberry plant produces

Red raspberry leaf has mineral rich nutritive and uterine tonic to promote an expedient labour with minimal bleeding. It can also be used as an astringent to diarrhoea. In a study

a wild plant and cultivated in Northern India. It is a galactagogue [46].

women since ages. Nowadays, bitter kola popularity has spread worldwide [44].
