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Many homebirth midwives and alternative practitioners use herbs as a method of treatment for various disorders and nutritional purposes. Pregnancy is a special time for women that are considering using herbal supplements and remedies. Herbal remedies can be beneficial, but also some herbal preparations should be avoided since their use could endanger the pregnancy and the growing fetus.
It is very important that any woman considering the use of herbal formulas and supplements, contact and discuss her plans with her midwife or health care provider prior to taking them to make sure that the herbs are appropriate for her specific situation and health status. Self-treatment should be avoided without consulting with a qualified herbalist or other practitioner knowledgeable in the proper use and dosages required for treatment. Some herbs are to be avoided until the last 4-6 weeks of pregnancy and then only be taken under your midwife's supervision to help the expectant mom to prepare for labor and birth.
Here are a few general herbal recommendations for pregnancy:
HELPFUL HERBS DURING PREGNANCY
Red Raspberry Tea is high in Iron and calcium and helps with nausea, and tones the uterine muscles to allow it to contract more effectively. It can be consumed throughout the pregnancy. It is a good all-around woman's herb with plenty of nutritious benefits.
Alfalfa is high in iron, protein, vitamin K and is a good blood cleanser. It helps clot blood due to hemorrhaging. It is good for woman who have problems with anemia (most women do because of their blood loss during menses).
Nettle Leaf is also high in vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, iron and vitamin K. It is a good all around pregnancy tonic. It has a slight minty taste (it is a member of the mint family). It can be used to build the blood and supply necessary nutrition needed during the pregnancy. In the early spring when nettle first comes up and begins growing leaves, the fresh young leaves can be plucked and eaten in salads. They haven't developed their "sting" yet. Later the whole plant can be harvested (be sure to wear protective gloves and clothing when harvesting) and dried. Once dried, the leaves lose their sting and can be used in teas.
Peppermint Leaf is a good herb that soothes and helps the digestive system. It is helpful for nausea and gastric upset. Make sure your peppermint is strongly aromatic (it should have a strong peppermint scent to it). Added to teas, it can add a nice minty flavor to otherwise "green-tasting" teas.
These four herbs are found in MoonDragon's Pregnancy Tea. The recipe is:2 parts Red Raspberry Leaf (dried)
1 part Alfalfa Leaf (dried)
1 part Nettle leaf (dried)
1 part Peppermint leaf (dried)
Mix well and store in a glass jar in a cool dark place. Light will deplete the nutrients in the leaves. This tea can be consumed throughout pregnancy and is helpful towards the end of pregnancy to prepare for the birth. It is a good base tea to add tinctures or other remedies to during the labor and it can also be made into iced cubes and ice chips to be used by the mother during her labor. It makes a great sun tea and can be consumed cold or hot. I usually recommend about a quart a day of prepared tea. This gives the mom her fluids and helps with her nutrition. It can be used unsweetened or with a little honey added for sweetener, if desired.
Dandelion and Kelp are high in natural vitamins and minerals that help prevent birth defects. Consult with your midwife if you have thyroid problems since the kelp has natural iodine in it. Dandelion is good for keeping the liver functioning properly. Dandelion leaves can be put in a green salad or dried and used as a tea. Dandelion root can be ground like coffee and made into a tea. Dandelion is rich in vitamin A, calcium and iron. Dandelion root and leaf can help relieve mild edema and nourish the liver.
Psyllium is a good fiber supplement to take safely to relieve constipation. Be sure to drink plenty of water or recommended herbal teas with psyllium to help with constipation problems.
White Oak Bark works with pregnancy hemorrhoids.
Butcher's Broom helps prevent and reduce varicose veins.
Ginger is essential for the reduction and frequency of morning sickness. It is soothing to the digestive tract. Ginger tea can be made by slicing the fresh root into small pieces and added to hot water or milk to steep. It has a slightly "spicy" flavor to it. Ginger can be obtained in candied pieces and popped in your mouth if you are having indigestion problems.
Horsetail Grass is a great forms of natural calcium that is easily assimilated.
Oatgrass and Oats are a great form of natural calcium and magnesium that can be easily assimilated. Helps to relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin.
Slippery Elm Bark is used to help relieve nausea, heartburn and vaginal irritation. Use the inner bark orally in amounts used in foods.
False Unicorn is known to prevent miscarriage.
Garlic when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Useful for fighting off colds, flu and other bacterial and viral infections. Use with midwife's supervision if therapeutic amounts.
Cayenne (capsicum) when used topically and appropriately.
German Chamomile is high in calcium and magnesium. Helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints. If you have allergies to ragweed, use with caution.
HERBS ONLY USED UNDER YOUR MIDWIFE'S SUPERVISION OR AVOID DURING PREGNANCY: Aloe, Ginseng (American & Korean), Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Kava Kava. Cascara Sagrada (use cautiously with supervision by your midwife), Senna (use cautiously with the supervision of your midwife).
DO NOT TAKE THESE HERBS DURING PREGNANCY: Goldenseal, Juniper, Wormwood, Barberry, Oregon Grape, Other herbs to avoid are Saw Palmetto, Dong Quai, Ephedra, Yohimbe, Pau D'Arco, Passion Flower, Black Cohosh (Cautiously use only last few weeks of pregnancy with the supervision of your midwife), Blue Cohosh (Cautiously use only last few weeks of pregnancy with the supervision of your midwife), Roman Chamomile (in therapeutic doses), Pennyroyal (Cautiously use only last few weeks of pregnancy with the supervision of your midwife).
HELPFUL MOONDRAGON LINKS
For more information regarding helpful remedies during pregnancy, see the links below:
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Morning Sickness
OTHER LINKS ABOUT PREGNANCY & HERBS
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