Thyme during pregnancy

Popular for both its culinary applications and health advantages, thyme is a herb. It has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses, including digestive problems and coughs. But when it comes to pregnancy, it’s crucial to think about whether thyme consumption is safe for the mother and the unborn child.

A woman’s body undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy, and many common foods and herbs can have unanticipated consequences. Thyme is no different. Pregnant women should exercise caution when consuming it, especially when it comes to concentrated forms like essential oils or supplements, even though it has many health benefits.

This article will discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of thyme during pregnancy, enabling you to make an informed decision about when to consume this aromatic herb and when to stay away from it. Let’s explore the essential information regarding thyme use during pregnancy.

Allowed or not?

There are no direct contraindications to the use of thyme during pregnancy, but doctors advise approaching the solution of the issue very responsibly. The plant belongs to medicinal ones, is listed in the appropriate register, and therapeutic properties can be unsafe for future mothers. Therefore, a pregnant woman should decide on the intake of thyme with her doctor. In the absence of contraindications, which will be discussed below, pregnant women can consume thyme in reasonable quantities, without abusing it. There are also certain forms in which the medicinal plant will be beneficial and will not harm. Decoctions and water infusions made from thyme are usually used for therapeutic purposes, a woman can take them only with the knowledge, permission and prescription of a doctor – strictly if there are indications. Pregnant women are advised to take baths with the addition of thyme decoction with caution, and should not abuse it as a spice when preparing everyday meals.

The external use of thyme for cosmetic purposes is unrestricted, and thyme tea can be consumed. By the way, a lot of expectant mothers find its taste to be very appealing.

If we talk about the opinion of doctors on this matter, it is twofold: some specialists are against the use of thyme and other medicinal plants during pregnancy, others do not object. There have been no clinical trials that could accurately answer the question of how thyme affects pregnant women. Such experiments would be considered unethical from a professional medical point of view. Statistics confirmed by scientific facts do not exist in nature. And therefore, in many ways, the decision whether or not to take this herb during pregnancy is the responsibility of the expectant mother herself. But if visible harm has not been scientifically proven, it should be understood that its absence has not been proven one hundred percent. And therefore, use the herb, once such a decision has been made, should be done with caution in all cases.

Benefits

Thyme, also known as thyme, is a perennial plant with pronounced diuretic, mucolytic and anticonvulsant effects. Cute lilac flowers are even used in folk medicine to combat worms and other intestinal parasites. The composition of the plant is unique in its own way. It contains: a large amount of thymol, gum, almost all B vitamins, vitamin C and a number of organic acids. This composition cannot, of course, replenish the vitamin deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman, but in general, thyme has a very beneficial effect on the expectant mother. Tea with thyme is useful for anemia, which most expectant mothers are susceptible to. Thyme will be useful if a sore throat occurs or a woman has caught a cold and suffers from a severe cough. Expectant mothers suffering from insomnia are strongly recommended to drink tea with this wonderful herb at night, since its composition positively affects the nervous system, gently soothes and helps to establish high-quality and sufficient sleep.

With low blood pressure, thyme acts as a compensatory agent that increases blood pressure. Moderate use of thyme alleviates the condition of the expectant mother during exacerbation of hemorrhoids, cystitis, with increased flatulence. If the expectant mother has a dry and unproductive cough, tea with thyme will have an expectorant effect. This property can be used for bronchitis, pneumonia, but only with the permission of a doctor, since such conditions cannot be treated with one herb, and a woman must select medications permitted during pregnancy. The natural bactericidal properties of thyme have found wide application in cosmetology and external use. A pregnant woman can gargle with a decoction if her throat hurts, her mouth – with stomatitis. If a severe runny nose occurs, then it is permissible to drip a decoction of thyme into the nose. If you have skin problems, you can wash your face with a decoction of thyme, make lotions on the affected area. You can also rinse your hair to strengthen it.

An uncomfortable symptom such as intestinal gases, bloating, or heartburn can be lessened by a cup of thyme-infused tea. When it comes to using thyme safely and optimally during pregnancy, tea is the recommended option. It has the fewest essential oils in it. When it comes to tea, you should never mistake it for other drinks like decoctions or infusions. Excessive dosages, unrestrained use of concentrated infusions and decoctions, alcohol tinctures, and pure essential oils won’t be helpful for expectant mothers.

No more than two cups of tea infused with thyme per week is the recommended quantity. If this requirement is satisfied, the mother won’t have to worry about jeopardizing the health of her unborn child in order to fully savor the drink’s delicious flavor and reap the full benefits.

Possible harm and contraindications

Big fans of thyme in their tea. If a woman falls into this category, then the start of her pregnancy should undoubtedly be used as an excuse to cut back on her favorite beverage rather than to give it up entirely. This is particularly true for women with hypertension, whose blood pressure frequently increases. Thyme’s chemical makeup adds to the already elevated pressure, which can exacerbate the expectant mother’s condition and make it much more difficult.

Additionally, thyme is not advised for women who have cardiovascular or vascular disorders. The herb is actually dangerous for atrial fibrillation and cardiosclerosis.

Additionally, it should be noted that the use of the herb is not welcomed if a woman has thyroid dysfunction, the threat of miscarriage associated with increased tone of the uterine muscles. Contraindications also include diabetes mellitus, renal failure, impaired liver function, severe psychological disorders and diseases of the central nervous system. It should be remembered that even women who do not have such contraindications may develop an allergic reaction to plant materials. An inadequate immune response can manifest itself both after taking the herb internally and with its local use. There are frequent cases of developing an allergy to the smell of thyme – it is strong, rich. Sometimes it is the aroma that aggravates the symptoms of toxicosis in the early stages and additionally contributes to vomiting and nausea.

When taken in moderation, thyme can be a helpful herb during pregnancy because it may improve digestion and soothe coughs, among other health benefits. However, because misuse or excessive consumption can be dangerous, it’s imperative to use it carefully and speak with a healthcare professional. In addition to outlining important factors to take into account to guarantee a safe pregnancy, this article will teach you how to safely include thyme in your diet.

Features of taking at different stages

It makes sense that pregnancy is split into three extended phases, known as trimesters. Every one of them has unique qualities, and this is also true when consuming plants that are thought to be therapeutic.

Early stages

For women in the first trimester, it is better not to use thyme without special need. In the 1st trimester, the most important and responsible process of embryogenesis takes place, all the internal organs and systems of the baby are laid down, their functioning begins, coordination appears between them. Any external and internal factors can adversely affect the fetus, especially since the placenta is still only forming and there is no reliable placental barrier. However, thyme can be a good help if a woman is sick. In case of pain and irritation, you can gargle, if ulcers appear in the mouth – rinse your mouth. During the process, spit out the decoction, do not swallow it. There is an opinion that thyme essential oils have abortive properties and can theoretically lead to a miscarriage. You can drink tea, but no more than a cup per week. It is important not to drink such a drink on an empty stomach.

Only if none of the aforementioned contraindications apply can you drink tea. It’s worthwhile to find out your doctor’s opinion on this delightfully aromatic beverage just for that reason alone.

Late terms

The second trimester is the calmest, when the baby begins to grow actively. It is believed that all the basic risks of spontaneous termination of pregnancy, freezing of fetal development are reduced, and therefore a little more is allowed than in the first trimester. You can slightly increase the amount of tea to two cups a week, but do not forget that the effect of the herb is cumulative and can lead to jumps in blood pressure. For this reason, approximately From the fifth month of pregnancy, doctors advise limiting the use of thyme as much as possible, especially for women prone to high blood pressure, suffering from edema, gestosis, pathological weight gain. In the 3rd trimester, the functional load on the kidneys increases, and, given the diuretic effect, it is not recommended to take thyme, so as not to increase urine production. It is important to know that thyme can increase the tone of the uterine muscles – failure to follow the recommendations can lead to premature birth.

During any trimester, thyme essential oil should not be used for any purpose.

When used sparingly, thyme can be a helpful herb during pregnancy. It is well-known for having antibacterial and antioxidant qualities that can strengthen the immune system and ease common ailments like colds and coughs. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to exercise caution and speak with a doctor before taking thyme in greater doses, particularly as a supplement.

While thyme is generally considered safe when used in cooking, consuming too much of it may cause problems. Due to its potential to induce uterine contractions, which could be dangerous for those who are very pregnant or have a history of miscarriage, some experts advise against using it excessively.

Small amounts of thyme added to food can add flavor and have some mild health benefits, but as with any herb, use caution when using it while pregnant. To protect your health and the health of your unborn child, always put your health first and consult a specialist.

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