Message #975 - THE_HERBALIST Subject: Pregnancy: Favorite Herbs 1/2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Favorite Herbs for Pregnancy part 1 Categories: Pregnancy Yield: 1 text BLACK HAW (Viburnum prunifolium) Black haw is used in much the same way as its cousin, cramp bark. It has proven a useful preventative of miscarriage through a long history of folk medicine. It "quiets" the uterine muscles and eases the tension that often precipitates uterine contractions. BLESSED THISTLE LEAF (Cnicus benedictus) Blessed thistle, like its cousin, milk thistle (Carduus marianus), is highly regarded as a liver tonic and builder. But it is most valued by pregnant women because it stimulates blood flow to the mammary glands and increases and enriches the flow of mother's milk. It is often combined with fennel and raspberry leaf to make an effective and tasty tea. Blessed thistle's hemostatic properties also reduce the chances of hemorrhaging during childbirth. BURDOCK ROOT (Arctium lappa) Often sold as a vegetable in Oriental markets under the name "gobo," burdock root is a delicious and very nourishing herb. It was used by ancient herbalists for weak uteruses and as an aid during childbirth. Though these days it is not generally considered a pregnancy herb, I always recommend it because of its high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals. It is also a mild diuretic and an excellent herb for the liver. It is a pleasant-tasting tea and can be used to camouflage the bitter taste of dandelion root. (Add a bit of ginger and cinnamon bark for flavor.) CHAMOMILE FLOWERS (Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita, Anthemis nobilis, Chamaemelum nobile) This delicate, gentle flower is a must for pregnant women. Its sunny disposition is helpful for lifting the spirits and its calming relaxing attributes are very soothing to the soul. Chamomile is recommended for the daily stresses of life and can be enjoyed as a relaxing tea. Better yet, it can be used as an infusion for the whole body. Fill the bathtub with warm water and add a large cloth bag full of chamomile and lavender blossoms Then immerse yourself in this giant cup of tea. A nice massage with chamomile oil can follow, soothing away any tired, achy muscles or bothersome thoughts. (If you'd like to make your own chamomile massage oil, let me know and I'll show you how.) CRAMP BARK (Viburnum opulus) Though this herb is not absolutely necessary as a tonic herb during pregnancy, it is an excellent remedy to have on hand in case of a threatened miscarriage or spot bleeding. It is possibly one of the best herbs known for preventing miscarriage due to stress and anxiety and is specifically used for relaxing the uterine muscles. If miscarriage is a potential problem during pregnancy, cramp bark can be used over an extended period of time with no harmful side effects. DANDELION GREENS AND ROOT (Taraxacum officinale) For centuries the greens of dandelion, that brightly flowered common "pest" of garden and field, have been relished as a potent source of vitamins and minerals. You'll not find many food sources that have a higher percentage or quality of vitamin A, calcium, and iron. The bitter compounds so readily found in dandelion greens aid digestion and stimulate bile flow. Not only are the greens nourishing and toning to the system, they also have gentle remedial properties that are helpful to pregnant women. Dandelion leaf tea is a mild diuretic and helps eliminate excess water from the system. Because the leaf is high in natural potassium, it does not deplete potassium in the system as do many synthetic diuretics. If a pregnant woman is experiencing high blood pressure during pregnancy, she might want to try a combination of dandelion leaf tea, garlic oil capsules, and stress release techniques before resorting to medical drugs. Many women have had success in lowering high blood pressure with this combination of natural remedies. While the leaf is fairly well known as a salad green and herb tea, dandelion root is often neglected. But it too is a wonderful tonic herb and a gently remedial for pregnant women. The root is used primarily for digestive disturbances and for cleansing and toning the liver. It is especially useful for fatigue and that exhausted feeling many pregnant women experience. The bitter principles found in such high concentrations in dandelion root nourish and activate the liver so that it can function at its optimum. GINGER ROOT (Zingiber officinale) A warming tonic herb for the entire reproductive system, ginger is specifically recommended during pregnancy for morning sickness and digestive problems. It is also a safe herb during pregnancy for colds, sore throats, and congestion. And ginger tastes so good! Freshly grated and combined with honey and lemon, it's a delicious, effective remedy. During prolonged labor, ginger oil can be massaged over the lower back to restore energy. (If you'd like to make your own ginger oil, let me know and I'll show you how.) LADY'S MANTLE LEAVES (Alchemilla vulgaris) Though little used in this country, lady's mantle is highly regarded as a "woman's herb" throughout Europe. It is a lovely, easily cultivated plant. Though used for many women's problems, it is especially valued during pregnancy for toning the uterus. Because of its astringent qualities, it's helpful in reducing the chances of hemorrhaging during childbirth. Lady's mantle also helps settle the stomach and is useful in treating morning sickness. Peter and Barbara Theiss write, in THE FAMILY HERBAL, "Lady's mantle is associated with the qualities of gentleness, elegance, and grace in combination with powerful authority. If a woman finds difficulty in accepting a maternal role, is troubled by thoughts of abortion, or suffers from morning sickness and other disorders during the first months of pregnancy, depression after birth, and so on, Lady's mantle is her herb." LEMON BALM LEAVES (Melissa officinalis) Though not generally considered a specific herb for pregnant women, lemon balm has so many excellent properties and is so safe, effective, and tasty that I often suggest it during pregnancy. It is primarily used to calm and relax the nervous continued in "Favorite Herbs for Pregnancy part 2"