Can pregnant women take Forsythia suspensa?

Generally, pregnant women are not advised to take Forsythia. The use of traditional Chinese herbs should follow medical advice. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Forsythia has a slightly cold nature and possesses certain medicinal effects. However, during pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes adaptive changes in various systems, resulting in decreased tolerance and metabolic capacity for medications. Forsythia's cold nature may irritate the pregnant woman's stomach and spleen, causing gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Frequent diarrhea may stimulate the uterus, increase the frequency of uterine contractions, and subsequently raise the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Moreover, Forsythia contains complex components, and its metabolic process in the body of a pregnant woman, along with its specific effects on fetal development, have not yet been fully and clearly studied from a safety perspective. To avoid potential adverse effects on the fetus, Forsythia is not recommended for consumption by pregnant women.

To avoid harming the fetus, pregnant women should尽量 avoid self-medicating with Forsythia or other Chinese herbal medicines during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman experiences symptoms such as cold, fever, or other illnesses during pregnancy, she should promptly consult a qualified physician and seek safe and effective treatment options. Under the guidance of a doctor, alternative medications or treatment methods that are relatively safe for both the pregnant woman and the fetus may be selected.