A Guide to Drinking our Teas While Pregnant

In our tea shop, we're frequently asked questions from mothers-to-be regarding which teas and tisanes are safe to drink while pregnant. To begin, we highly recommend you speak with your doctor about which diet is best for you. Each person's health needs are unique and can change when you begin eating and drinking for two. None of the below statements have been reviewed by the FDA and pregnant and nursing women should always consult a physician if they have questions or concerns about the safety of herbs.

"Is camellia sinensis (tea) safe for moms to be?"

Teas (camellia sinensis) that contain caffeine include white tea, green tea, oolong, black tea, puerh, and yellow tea. The amount of caffeine in each tea type can fluctuate depending on the camellia sinensis variety it was made from, the pluck of the tea leaves, the age of the plant, and nutrients in the soil. On average, one cup of tea (infused camellia sinensis) contains 24 mg of caffeine. Contrary to popular belief, tea type does not have a significant effect on the amount of caffeine.

It is generally advised that pregnant women limit their caffeine consumption. According to a study at the University of Leicester and the University of Leeds in 2008, "Caffeine consumption during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction and this association continued throughout pregnancy. Sensible advice would be to reduce caffeine intake before conception and throughout pregnancy." According to this study, it is recommended that women ingest less than 200 mg of caffeine per day.

"WHICH HERBS & SPICES ARE SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN TO DRINK AS A TISANE?"