Which herb may cause iodine toxicity and is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

• A. Galium aparine
• B. Ganoderma lucidum
• C. Fucus vesiculosus
• D. Euphrasia officinalis

Answer: (C)

Iodine content in certain herbs and safety in pregnancy is the key idea here. Fucus vesiculosus is a seaweed high in iodine, and ingesting it can lead to iodine toxicity, which disrupts thyroid function. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, stable thyroid hormone balance is crucial for fetal development and maternal health, so this herb is contraindicated. The other herbs listed do not carry the same iodine toxicity risk in this context.