Plants used during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and infant healthcare in Palestine

• We examine herbal medicines use among pregnant women in Palestine.
• Herbal medicines used in this study was high (99.2%).
• 96 plants are used by women at different stages of pregnancy.
• Anisum vulgare, Salvia fruticosa, Matricaria aurea are common to pregnancy stages.
• Information on the toxicological potential of many of the plants used is lacking.

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the prevalence and the factors related to the use of herbs by women during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and for infant healthcare. The study also aims to identify the herbs therapeutic uses and preparation. To date, no previous studies have investigated this prevalence in Palestine.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of women of different child-bearing age group inhabiting different locations in Palestine was carried out by means of a semi-structured questionnaire.ResultsA total of 372 women were interviewed. Of the participants 72.3% reported using herbs at different pregnancy stages and for infant healthcare. The most common herbal products used in this study at different stages of pregnancy were Pimpinella anisum, Salvia fruticosa, Matricaria aurea, and Mentha spicata.ConclusionThis study revealed that there is an appreciable prevalence of herbal use among pregnant women at different pregnancy stages and for infant healthcare in Palestine.