Herbs are a wonderful source of health, nutrition, prevention and cure before, during and after pregnancy. Although it is by no means exhaustive, I’ve found the following list to be very helpful regarding herbs to take and avoid during pregnancy.
Herbs To Use During Pregnancy
- Red Raspberry Leaf– an all around uterine tonic. It is anti-abortive to prevent miscarriage, antiseptic to help prevent infection, astringent to tighten tissue, rich in calcium, magnesium and iron. It is hemostatic to prevent excess bleeding during and after labor and facilitates the birth process by stimulating contractions. Note from Kristy: my favorite way to take red raspberry is MaMa’s Red Raspberry Brew, available from The Bulk Herb Store. I enjoy it as an iced tea best.
- Peppermint– may be used after the first trimester for digestion, soothe the stomach and overcome nausea. An over-all body toner and cleanser, Contains highly absorbable amounts of vitamin A, C, silica, potassium and iron.
- Nettles– high in vitamin K to guard against excessive bleeding. Improves kidney function.
- Ginger Root– excellent for morning sickness; lots of minerals
- Bilberry- a strong but gentle astringent, rich in bioflavonoids to fortify vein and capillary support
- Yellow Dock– improves iron assimilation; helps prevent infant jaundice; also good for constipation
- Echinacea– an immune system stimulant to help prevents colds, flus and infections
- Chamomile– relaxes for quality sleep and helps digestive and bowel problems
Herbs To Aid Labor (take only during the last 5 weeks of pregnancy)
- Back Cohosh
- Squawvine
- Dong Quai
- Butcher’s Broom
- Red Raspberry
This combination, known as 5W (stands for 5 Weeks) is available in capsule form through Nature’s Sunshine.
Herbs To Avoid During Pregnancy
- Cascara Sagrada– too strong a laxative; can cause cramping
- Comfrey– alkaloid content (carcinogen) cannot be regulated or controlled for an absolutely safe source
- Golden Seal– can cause uterine contractions
- Horseradish– too strong
My favorite books on natural care and herbs:
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Yes, I do take most all of my herbs in capsule form. (I also make medicinal herbal tinctures from loose herbs, but those are mainly for sickness.) From what I understand, liquid vitamins and herbs absorb into the bloodstream much faster than capsules or tablets; but pretty much any form (teas, liquids, tablets) should be helpful!
Our first daughter was VERY jaundice, as well… thankfully, our second baby was only slightly so. I’m not sure which other herbs in particular are good for jaundice- any that cleanse the mother’s liver will help prevent infant jaundice, from what I understand (your MW will definitely know more about it, I’m sure!) “The How To Herb Book” recommends the following remedies to clear up jaundice in an infant: squirt 100 IU of vitamin E into a jaundiced newborn’s mouth; give lemon water (with molasses to sweeten it); apply a potato pack over the liver area; or administer a garlic enema. I have never tried any of these methods, though, so I can’t recommend them from personal experience. ~Kristy
Do you take all your herbs in capsule form (other than the Mama’s tea from Bulk Herb)? Maggie was very jaundice and I want to try to take some preventative measures with the new baby. I see that Yellow Dock is and I know Dandelion is good for jaundice. My midwife recommends a tincture of nettles and dandelion (seperate) but I can’t stomach it even diluted added in with broth or something. I am wondering if I can just take them in capsule form and get the same benefits or if it loses it’s potency. I have my next MW appt next week so I guess I could ask then but I thought I would ask you now. : )