Which herb has contraindications including pregnancy and breastfeeding and may cause rare gastrointestinal discomfort?

• A. Cinnamomum zeylanicum
• B. Chionanthus virginicus
• C. Commiphora myrrha
• D. Crataegus oxyacantha

Answer: (B)

Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is a key factor in herbal choices, since some herbs can affect uterine activity or lack sufficient safety data for these populations. Chionanthus virginicus is the herb that is commonly noted as contraindicated in both pregnancy and lactation in standard references. In addition, there can be rare gastrointestinal discomfort with its use. This profile makes it the best match for the described contraindications. The other herbs have different safety considerations and do not consistently carry the same pregnancy and lactation contraindications with the same rare GI upset risk.