Uses of Herbs for Pregnancy and Birth

For thousands of years, herbs have been used to ease a woman’s path through pregnancy, labour and birth. Recently much research has been done, and herbal remedies are still effectively used in childbirth:

Morning Sickness
Ginger Root, Lemon Balm, Chamomile

Ginger Root can be grated into a cup and boiling water added to make a tea. Leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes and add honey if required. This can be taken 3 or 4 times a day.

If anxiety is part of the problem, Lemon Balm (Melissa) or Chamomile can be very effective. Both make soothing teas, or they can be mixed with ginger root as well.

Heartburn and Indigestion
Meadowsweet, Slippery Elm, Chamomile

As the baby grows, it pushes upwards, which can result in heartburn and indigestion. Slippery Elm coats the lining of the oesophagus and stomach and so helps to protect these areas from acid attack. Going more to the root of the problem, Meadowsweet can help prevent the overproduction of stomach aced, and there is also the gentle Chamomile which calms and sooths the stomach.

Stretch Marks
Wheatgerm Oil, Mandarin, Frankincense

A combination of 50 mls of Wheatgerm Oil with 10 drops of essential oil of Mandarin and 15 drops of essential oil of Frankincense makes a delightfully soothing combination to keep the abdomen supply and elastic. Massage into the tissues of the abdomen twice a day.

Labour
Fenugreek, Black Cohosh, Raspberry Leaf

Fenugreek stimulates the muscles of the uterus and can help to bring on labour. Do not use during pregnancy. Black Cohosh is known for increase and normalise uterine contractions, as well as relieving any nervousness experienced before or during labour. It can also be used when the cervix fails to dilate as well as to prevent post partum haemorrhage. Raspberry Leaf Tea can also be effective as a uterine stimulant to encourage the onset of labour, as well as helping to prevent post partum haemorrhage. If there is a history of miscarriage, do not take during pregnancy.

After the Birth and Breast Feeding
Vervain

Vervain has many excellent properties to help the new mother. It encourages the secretion and flow of milk and so helps the establishment of breast feeding. If you’re tired after a long labour, it has excellent restorative powers, as well as enhancing mood and combating depression. Vervain also helps you to absorb the nutrients from good better and stimulates the digestive processes.

It’s wise to consult a health professional before taking these or any other products during pregnancy

Katharine Graves is a therapist who is qualified in Hypnotherapy, Kineasiology and Nutrition. She takes classes on HypnoBirthing in Wiltshire and London.

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