Herbal teas are gaining popularity these days as consumers choose to branch out from the more traditional green and black varieties. Many herbal teas are caffeine free, providing an attractive alternative for those who wish to enjoy the health benefits of tea without worrying about the side effects of caffeine. There are wide varieties of herbal teas available these days; it seems like tea manufactures have found a way to incorporate every possible herb into some of their tea blends. Some herbal teas are even marketed as "pregnancy teas".

Most herbal teas are safe to drink during pregnancy, just be sure to carefully check the label and consult with your doctor before you try anything herbal. Certain ingredients, when taken in high doses, can be harmful to your unborn baby. It is also important to note that herbal teas aren't regulated by any specific agency. Some of the ingredients can create diarrhea or heart palpitations if over-consumed, so try not to experiment with any ingredients you aren't completely familiar with at this time.

A number of herbal tea blends might contain cohosh, pennyroyal, mugwort, ma huang, and even ephedra. If your tea contains any of these ingredients, it's probably best to avoid. None of these ingredients are good to consume during pregnancy.

If you decide to make your own herbal tea, just use common sense with the herbs you choose. Make sure every herb you use is washed thoroughly to be free of pesticides, and try to avoid picking "wild" herbs unless you are absolutely sure what they are.

Most people find that herbal teas are relaxing, calming, and soothing to the senses. They have natural healing properties, and also are caffeine free to promote a good night's sleep. If you are considering switching to herbal teas you will find that you benefit from the natural anti-oxidant properties of many of the herbs used in teas, and may be less prone to colds, infections, and may have more energy and generally feel better.

Again, I want to stress that caution should be used if you have never used herbal teas before, as they can cause slight reactions in some women. If you are unsure about a certain tea blend, it's probably better to pass at this point. No use in being "adventurous" if it can have some negative affect on your baby. You can always make your own "safe" herbal teas using decaffeinated green tea or hot water with various juices, spices and dried fruit.