Why are pregnant women generally cautioned against consuming sorrel in medicinal doses?

General principle of minimizing exposure to unproven substances during gestation

Pregnant women are advised to avoid medicinal doses of sorrel, such as concentrated teas or supplements, primarily due to the precautionary principle surrounding pregnancy. There is a significant lack of definitive safety data confirming that these concentrated herbal preparations are harmless to the developing fetus throughout gestation. Furthermore, the high oxalate load present in these doses could potentially disrupt the delicate balance of essential nutrients, like calcium, which are vital for both maternal and fetal health. Healthcare providers typically advocate for minimizing exposure to any unproven or potent substance during pregnancy to prevent any unpredictable negative outcomes.