| Herb | Reason for caution |
| Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) | Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
| Angelica (Angelica archangelica) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. |
| Anise and aniseed oil (Pimpinella anisum) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
| Bitter orange (Citrus aurantiam) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or in moderate use. |
| Caraway (Carum carvi) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. |
| Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) | Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
| Celery seed and oil (Apium graveolens) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb. |
| Chamomile oil | The oil is a potent uterine stimulant to be avoided, but the dried or fresh herb is safe in moderation. |
| Chili (Capsicum spp) | Avoid high doses as they may lead to heartburn; can flavor breast milk when breast-feeding. Moderate culinary use is fine. |
| Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid the essential oil completely. |
| Cowslip (Primula veris) | Strongly purgative and a uterine stimulant in high doses. |
| Elder bark | Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
| Fennel and fennel oil | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
| Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or during labour. |
| Garlic (Allium sativa) | Avoid high doses as they may lead to heartburn; can flavor breast milk when breastfeeding. Moderate culinary use is fine. |
| Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) | Possible uterine stimulant; use in moderation for occasional teas only. |
| Jasmine oil | A uterine stimulant best reserved for childbirth to ease labour. |
| Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) | Clinical reports suggest that high doses in pregnancy can lead to androgynous babies (caused by overstimulation of male sex hormones); use for short periods only. |
| Lavender (Lavendula argustifolia) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or for moderate use. |
| Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) | High doses can exacerbate high blood pressure; safe in moderation. |
| Lovage (Levisticum officinale) | A uterine stimulant traditionally used in slow and difficult labour; safe as a culinary herb. |
| Marjoram and marjoram oil (Origanum vulgare) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
| Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) | A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. |
| Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) | A uterine stimulant that may lead to premature contractions; avoid high doses. |
| Nutmeg and Nutmeg Oil | Inhibits prostaglandin production and contains hallucinogens that may affect the fetus; once erroneously regarded as an abortifacient. Safe in normal culinary use. |
| Oregano (Origanum X marjoricum; O. onites) | A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
| Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) | Uterine stimulant that may also irritate the fetus in high doses; safe in normal culinary use. |
| Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) | A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe for moderate use. |
| Peppermint oil | A uterine stimulant; avoid the oil entirely, although low doses of the dried herb can be used. |
| Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) | A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final six to eight weeks and during labour. |
| Rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum) | Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
| Rosemary and rosemary oil | A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe in moderation and normal culinary use. Avoid using the oil entirely. |
| Saffron (Crocus sativa) | A uterine stimulant in high doses; safe in normal culinary use. |
| Sage and sage oil | A uterine and hormonal stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb; avoid using the oil entirely. |
| Senna (Senna alexandrina) | Strongly purgative, so should not be taken in high doses or for long periods. |
| Tea, black (Camellia sinensis) | Limit to two cups a day, as excess can lead to palpitations and increased heart rate. |
| Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris) | Some reports claim that it acts as a uterine stimulant, though the research is disputed; the herb is quite safe in cooking. |
| Vervain (Verbene officinalis) | A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. |
| White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) | Reputed uterine stimulant; safe in moderation in cough drops. |
| Wood betony (Stachys officinalis) | A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. |
| Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | A uterine stimulant in high doses; best limited to the final weeks and during labour. |
The elder trees ruling time is within the cycle of the thirteenth moon. This is also the end of the old year at the time of Samhain. This is where the elder derives its symbolism of endings and/or death. In this same vein, the druids and ancient Celts recognized the elder had natural banishing abilities. The essence of its leaves, and the odor of its pretty white flowers were proven to ward off pesky insects. This origin might have been expanded upon in Celtic lore where we learn branches were hung over doors to ward off evil spirits.
