Herbs in Pregnancy

Herbs fascinate me. My grandparents used herbs for everything. I have come to appreciate herbs over the years as a gentle and natural healing. I am simply a midwife that enjoys learning and studying herbs the history and uses of herbs. A prominent herbologist wrote, “The more research I do on herbs, the better appreciation I have for God’s creations. “Every plan on this earth has a purpose. Plants and herbs provide not only medicines but also vitamins, minerals and macronutrients for optimum benefits. Some example of plant nutrients: calcium, iron, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Plants and botanical gardens have been used for women’s health and healing for hundreds of years. Most herbs can be taken throughout pregnancy with no ill effects; many herbs are helpful during pregnancy and to be taken through the entire pregnancy until birth. The physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy can lead to a variety of conditions that can usually be self-treated. One thing is certain and that is when a woman is pregnant she has to nourish herself.

The following is a list of herbs that I had used safely during pregnancy for women I cared for. If I had to pick one of my favourite herbs then it is raspberry. Raspberry is an amazing plan with so many uses. Raspberry leaves taste mild and can be taken all day long. Red Raspberry is amazing for milk production and for toning the uterus in preparation for birth. Red Raspberry prevents excessive bleeding during and after labour and will facilitate the birth process by stimulating contractions. Many women drank the raspberry leaf tea religiously during their entire pregnancy. The tea helps the moods swings due to the hormonal changes and their mental clarity and energy levels are so much better.

Raspberry leaf is an excellent energy booster. So if you feel a little anemic or run down, just drink a cup of raspberry leaf tea with a spoonful of molasses stirred in. It tastes great and gives a person an emotional and physical energy boost.

Ginger has a long history as a remedy for upset stomach, morning sickness and loss of appetite. History has taught us that centuries ago Chinese sailors used ginger to avoid sea sickness. Ginger Root is excellent for morning sickness and sae for pregnant women to use. Ginger is simple to use. Just peel it off and place it in hot water and bring it to a boil, strain it and serve.

Catnip is in the mint family, soothing and relaxing. Catnip has been used over the time to relive stomach complaints such as colic, cramps, gas and indigestion because chemicals in it maybe have muscle-relaxing effects. That’s why catnip leaves is a well-known menstrual cramp reliever. Catnip is a great help to those who suffer from stress related issues. I love using catnip because it is very relaxing and calming. It is very useful for postpartum women struggling with some kind of anxiety issues and mild depression. The tea is pleasant tasting and can be taken easily.

Oat straw is a very soothing and nourishing herb. It has a very mild and invisible taste. Oat straw is high in nutrients such as calcium and magnesia. Oat straw aids the nervous system, short-term and long-term. Chamomile is a truly irreplaceable plant. It cures just about everything. Tea with chamomile will help a person fall asleep, cleanse eyes and ease slight indisposition. Any woman that have disturbing thoughts, anxiety, insomnia, then quickly brew tea with chamomile and those thoughts will disappear. It is not only a soothing plant; it is also an excellent remedy for any inflammation such as mastitis. It is good for hair while rinsing.

Chamomile is a truly an irreplaceable plant. It cures just about anything. Tea with chamomile will help a person fall sleep, cleanse eyes and ease slight indisposition. Any woman that have disturbing thoughts, anxiety, insomnia, then quickly brew tea with chamomile and those thoughts will disappear. Chamomile is not only a soothing plant; it is also an excellent remedy for any inflammation such as mastitis. It is good for hair while rinsing.

I recommend Shepherd purse to all women in any stage of their lives to use it. Shepherds’ purse is used to stop heavy bleeding from the uterus. It has been used to treat post-partum haemorrhage. Shepherd’s bag contains vitamins C and K. It increases blood clotting. The herb contributes to postnatal contractions and causes the uterus to retuning to its size and shape before pregnancy. Shepherd purse help with uterine fibroids. It works immediately.

I am not a doctor or herbalist but I have used these herbs safely in my practice. What can say is that some herbs are very helpful for breastfeeding. Many herbs have been used to increase breastfeeding. The most common is fenugreek. Fenugreek seed has been used to increase milk supply since biblical times. Oak straw, raspberry, marshmallow and nettle leaves are good for breastfeeding. Nettle leaves are high in iron.

The mineral content of herbal decoctions

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