Also known as the Chinese angelica, dang gui is commonly used to treat women’s reproductive and hormonal issues.

But traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician Xia Rong, who practises at Eu Yan Sang Premier TCM Centre at Paragon Medical, says it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy.

When taken regularly, its blood circulation and uterus-stimulating properties may affect your developing baby.

Other common herbs that can be dangerous during pregnancy include hong hua (carthami tinctorii flo), pu huang (typhae pollen) and zhi shi (aurantii immaturus fructus).

Always check with your doctor or a licensed TCM physician before consuming nourishing tonic soup.

“Bear in mind that unsupervised herbal usage might lead to congenital deformities or result in miscarriages, premature births and stillbirths,” warns Xia Rong.

“Instead of relying on herbal tonics in large quantities, it’s best to have a balanced and varied diet comprising fresh fruit and vegetables.”

(Photo: 123RF.com)

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