During pregnancy, the body goes through a series of dramatic changes. Hormone levels shift, different organs and tissues stretch and shift into new positions, nutritional demand increases - all of these changes within manifest externally in the form of fatigue, stress, nausea, and pain. Meanwhile, pregnancy and postpartum are the most crucial periods for a woman to be healthy and of sound mind, for the sake of her own well-being as well as her child's. Herbs are a great option for maintaining a state of optimum health, although there are some that should be avoided.
Helpful Herbs
There are two herbs in particular that act as overall uterine tonics. They are most effective when taken for the final three months of pregnancy. They tone and strengthen the muscles of the uterus, which will be a tremendous asset during childbirth. These herbs are anti-abortive, acting to prevent miscarriage. As antiseptics they prevent infection; as astringents they tighten tissue, and with hemostatic properties, they prevent excess bleeding during labor. They are red raspberry leaf and squaw vine. Red raspberry leaf makes a delicious tea, similar in flavor to a robust black tea. It can be taken for the entire nine months of pregnancy. It is also mineral rich, providing calcium, magnesium, and iron. Squaw vine as an evergreen herb has been used by North American Native Americans for centuries, and can be taken as a tea or in capsule form.
Few women avoid some level of morning sickness during their pregnancy, whether it be mild nausea or vomiting. Morning sickness is due to the huge hormonal shifts that occur during the first trimester, as well as low blood sugar, and sometimes low blood pressure. Herbs that can be used to treat morning sickness are irish moss, meadowsweet, wild yam and black horehound. Also, gentle nervine herbs which will relax and calm the digestive system, such as chamomile and peppermint, are safe as well.
During pregnancy the body needs more nutrients than normal, particularly calcium and iron, as well as Vitamin K to prevent hemorrhaging. Herbs are beneficial sources of the extra vitamins and minerals, and are easily absorbed into the body. The most effective herbs to take for a nutritional boost are nettles, alfalfa, and dandelion.
Herbs to Avoid
There is an entire group of herbs to avoid during pregnancy, called the emmenagogues. Many are extremely mild, but it is still wise to be cautious of them. They should not be used because they can either stimulate the hormone oxytocin, which is released during labor to stimulate contractions, or act as laxatives. They are barberry, golden seal, angelica, yarrow, juniper, mandrake, pennyroyal, poke root, tansy, wormwood, black cohosh, aloe vera, and sage. Also strong stimulants should be avoided as they can be too harsh, such as horseradish and licorice.
Pregnancy is a delicate time, when care and caution should always be a priority. Some herbs are ideal for some women, while they may not be safe for others. Always use herbs under the guidance of a health care practitioner.
Sources
Page, Linda Ph.D., N.D. Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone, 11th Edition (Quality Books, Inc., March 2003).
Hoffmann, David, The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies (Element Books Limited, 1996).
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