Which herbs are safe during pregnancy? Some herbs should be avoided during pregnancy because they contain toxic constituents, stimulate uterine contractions, affect hormonal activity, contain harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids, or have other pharmacological actions that may pose risks to a developing embryo or fetus. For many other herbs, the issue is different: we simply don’t have adequate human data to establish their safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Say hello to spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) , the zappy toothache plant used for oral health and immune support. Even a tiny nibble can make your mouth water! This eccentric little plant is a potent medicine for the mouth and gums, a valuable ally during cold and flu season, and one of the strongest saliva-promoting herbs I know.

One of the easiest ways to dry herbs on their stems is to hang them in bundles on an indoor clothes-line or string using the rubber band method. If you have a nice dark corner of your house with adequate airflow simply put two nails in the wall and hang a string between them. In the olden days, our ancestors strung their herbs right from the kitchen rafters, and some herbalists still do. I prefer bundling herbs with rubber bands rather than twine, because the plants generally stay in place as they dehydrate.