Rosemary is a common, aromatic herb used widely in cooking and traditional medicine. During pregnancy, questions arise about the safety of consuming herbs due to potential effects on the developing fetus. Understanding the different forms of rosemary—from a simple spice to a highly concentrated extract—is necessary to determine the level of risk. The safety profile of Rosmarinus officinalis changes dramatically depending on the concentration and method of exposure.
Is Culinary Use Safe
Rosemary used as a seasoning in food preparation is generally considered safe during pregnancy. This low-dose exposure, such as sprinkling dried or fresh leaves on roasted vegetables or meat, is unlikely to pose any risk. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies rosemary as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) when consumed in amounts normally found in food. A small amount of the herb used for flavoring delivers a minimal concentration of its active compounds.
Safety of Medicinal Doses and Supplements
The use of rosemary in medicinal doses, such as in teas, tinctures, capsules, or concentrated extracts, is possibly unsafe and is advised against during pregnancy. These preparations contain significantly higher concentrations of the herb’s active components compared to culinary use. High-concentration internal consumption may affect the uterus, which is the primary concern for pregnant individuals. Rosemary has been traditionally used to stimulate menstrual flow, and in high doses, this potential uterine stimulant effect carries a risk.
Consuming large amounts of the herb in supplement form or as a strong tea could lead to complications. The lack of standardized regulation for herbal supplements means the actual concentration of active compounds can vary widely between products. Because of this variability and the potential for a high dose, it is important to avoid all rosemary supplements and medicinal preparations. A healthcare provider should be consulted before consuming any herbal product in a non-culinary form while pregnant.
Essential Oils and Topical Application
Essential oils represent the most concentrated form of the herb and must be treated with caution during pregnancy. Rosemary essential oil is rich in volatile compounds and can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin or lungs via inhalation. Topical application, especially using undiluted oil, is discouraged due to the high risk of systemic absorption and potential toxicity. Even when diluted with a carrier oil, there is insufficient reliable safety data to recommend its use on the skin for pregnant individuals.
Using rosemary essential oil in a diffuser for aromatherapy is considered a lower risk than topical use, but caution is advised. Some experts recommend avoiding diffusion entirely, particularly during the first trimester when the fetus is most vulnerable. The stimulating properties of the oil can be potent, and excessive inhalation may lead to unwanted effects. Since essential oils are not regulated like medications, their quality and concentration can vary, adding uncertainty to their safe use.
The Components That Cause Concern
The caution surrounding high-dose rosemary consumption is due to specific volatile compounds present in the plant, particularly in its essential oil. These include monoterpenes like 1,8-cineole and camphor, which are known to be biologically active. These compounds are responsible for the herb’s traditional use as an emmenagogue, a substance that stimulates menstrual flow. This effect is the basis for the concern that high concentrations could stimulate uterine activity in a pregnant person.
This potential for uterine stimulation is why medicinal quantities of rosemary are considered possibly unsafe and may carry an abortifacient risk, meaning a substance that could cause a miscarriage. The risk is directly dose-dependent, meaning the danger increases with the concentration of these active constituents. While these components are present in culinary rosemary, the quantity is so small that it is metabolized without reaching a concerning level in the body. The significantly higher concentration in extracts and oils elevates the risk profile.