Herbs for Pregnancy

Herbs are one of the simplest and most effective ways to promote a healthy pregnancy and prepare for labor, birth, and postpartum. Traditionally made into teas, cooked into foods, or taken in raw plant form, it’s now common that herbs be taken in capsule form as well.

The use of herbs for pregnancy and birth, as well as a cure for many ailments, has been a common practice among peoples in all parts of the world for centuries. The herbs that our earth brings forth have amazing healing properties. It would be a shame to put these wonderful plants to waste in our society today.

Red Raspberry Leaf
This common herb has a sweet smell and a pleasant taste, making a delicious tea. I have found it to be a calming tea that‘s especially useful at bedtime. Red raspberry leaf is used in early pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and ease morning sickness. This herb is safely recommended for use throughout pregnancy and is packed with essential vitamins such as vitamins A,C,E, and B, as well as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium.

Red raspberry leaf is a pelvic and uterine muscle toner. It’s a common mistake that this herb is blamed for causing stronger and more painful contractions. This is simply not true. It’s toning properties help strengthen the uterus, making contractions more effective. Red raspberry leaf can also prevent post partum hemorrhage as well as reduce the amount and length of post partum bleeding, also known as lochia.

Nettles
Nettles make an excellent morning tea. This herb gives a natural supply of energy; What pregnant woman couldn’t use a little extra of that? Nettles are also known to prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as well as ease the leg cramps and backaches that are so often associated with pregnancy.

Alfalfa
Alfalfa is used primarily in the last trimester. Because of it’s high content of vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting, alfalfa is helpful in preventing post partum hemorrhage and reducing post partum bleeding. Alfalfa also stimulates milk production in nursing mothers.

Chamomile
This herb is most commonly used for it’s calming properties which reduce stress and promote good sleep. This makes for an ideal nighttime tea. Chamomile also aids in digestion and eases bowel problems.

The freshest herbs give the maximum benefits; That’s why fresh herb teas are a popular choice among herb users. However, if you cannot obtain fresh herbs, capsule form is perfectly acceptable.

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Vanessa Pruitt, PLMHP, MS

Vanessa is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in Nebraska and holds an MS in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified trauma professional with a special interest in helping people heal from trauma and complex trauma.

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