Can I eat herbal tea while pregnant?

Moderate

Most herbal teas are not well-studied in pregnancy. Stick to ginger, peppermint, and rooibos. Avoid licorice, raspberry leaf (first-tri), blue cohosh.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Example, OB-GYN, MD Last reviewed: January 15, 2025Editorial process

What's safe

Ginger tea (often recommended for nausea)
Peppermint tea (in moderation)
Rooibos tea
Lemon balm (in moderation)
Fruit-only infusions (no herbal additives)

What to avoid

Licorice root tea (ACOG: potential preterm birth risk at high doses)
Blue cohosh, black cohosh, pennyroyal (uterine stimulants)
High-dose red raspberry leaf tea in the first trimester
Herbal blends marketed for 'detox' or 'cleanse'
Teas of unknown provenance from international markets

By trimester

1st Trimester

Most clinicians advise skipping all herbal teas in the first trimester except well-studied ones (ginger for nausea, peppermint in small amounts).

2nd Trimester

Ginger, peppermint, and rooibos remain safe in moderation.

3rd Trimester

Some midwives recommend red raspberry leaf tea in the third trimester; discuss with your provider first.

Sources & citations

Every verdict on this page is grounded in an authoritative source. If you spot outdated guidance, email [email protected].

Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (FAQ)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy
Mayo Clinic

Frequently asked questions

Is chamomile tea safe during pregnancy?

Chamomile is not well-studied in pregnancy. Occasional use (1–2 cups) is likely fine, but avoid daily or high doses until more research is available.

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This page is informational only and is not medical advice. Always consult your OB-GYN, midwife, or registered dietitian about your specific pregnancy nutrition questions — particularly if you have gestational diabetes, food allergies, or other complications.