| Most women would agree that drugs are to be | | | | become argumentative.Ginger (Zingiber |
| avoided during pregnancy. Many over the counter | | | | officinalis)When it comes to quelling nausea or |
| remedies, especially antihistamines, acne | | | | morning sickness (motion sickness, too) there is |
| medicines, and laxatives, have been shown to | | | | no better herb than ginger root. Whether you use |
| cause birth defects in animals or humans. | | | | it fresh or dried, a little ginger goes a long way |
| Antibiotics may cause fetal abnormalities and | | | | toward warming the belly and relieving queasy |
| sulfur drugs can cause neo-natal jaundice. | | | | feelings. Some books mistakenly list ginger as an |
| Tranquilizers and painkillers can cause birth defects | | | | herb that can cause a miscarriage. This |
| and addict the fetus. Antacids can cause muscle | | | | misinformation no doubt got started by a hopeful |
| problems in the baby and edema in the mother. | | | | woman who had noticed that drinking ginger tea |
| (In addition, they mess up a woman's calcium | | | | made her menses flow more easily. But midwives |
| metabolism; see discussion following.)And it is well | | | | agree that ginger is safe, even in early |
| accepted that the drug-like actions of alcohol, | | | | pregnancy.In addition to quelling morning sickness, |
| tobacco, and coffee are best avoided both | | | | ginger helps prevent constipation of pregnancy, |
| before conception, during pregnancy, and while | | | | keeps the pelvic muscles warmed and toned, |
| lactating.Few women, however, understand that | | | | relieves intestinal cramping and gas (in infants, |
| vitamin/mineral supplements are more drug-like | | | | too), increases digestive force by encouraging the |
| than food-like. Though they are widely | | | | secretion of digestive enzymes, lowers blood |
| recommended, even by orthodox MDs, | | | | pressure, and restores vitality.CalciumOf course |
| supplements are problematic for pregnant women | | | | calcium is a mineral, not an herb, but it is so |
| and ought to be avoided. A study of 23,000 | | | | important during pregnancy that it deserves our |
| pregnant women, reported in The New England | | | | attention. Lack of adequate calcium during |
| Journal of Medicine (1995) found 4.8 times more | | | | pregnancy can cause muscle cramps, backache, |
| birth defects among the children of women who | | | | high blood pressure, intense labor pains, severe |
| consumed 10,000 IU or more of vitamin A in | | | | afterbirth pains, loss of teeth, and pre-eclampsia. |
| supplemental form. And if that isn't enough to | | | | Lack of calcium also contributes to feeble fetal |
| make you hesitate before reaching for the pills, | | | | heart action, a difficult birth, and "cranky" babies |
| consider this: the amount of iron in four | | | | with easily irritated nervous and digestive |
| prenatal-formula tablets can kill a child under the | | | | systems. For optimum health of mother and child, |
| age of three.In addition to drugs and supplements, | | | | eat plenty of foods rich in calcium and other |
| many common herbal remedies, including golden | | | | minerals.The calcium found in foods and herbs is |
| seal, and flax seed are best avoided during the | | | | metabolized by the body far more effectively |
| weeks of gestation. See below for herbs that | | | | than the calcium in pills. Calcium in plants is found in |
| may be problematic during | | | | the form of minerals salts, which are naturally |
| pregnancy.Nevertheless, there are many simple, | | | | chelated. In addition, the varied forms of these |
| safe home and herbal remedies available to ease | | | | salts aids in assimilation. And, of course, no plant |
| the discomforts of pregnancy. The remedies of | | | | contains only one mineral. The multitude of mineral |
| wise women, or "old wives," have persisted for | | | | salts found in herbs and foods act synergistically |
| centuries, passed from woman to woman. They | | | | with the calcium salts, improving utilization by all |
| are not strict protocols designed to work with the | | | | the body's tissues.In general, to improve calcium |
| greatest possible number of women. Rather, they | | | | assimilation, women are advised to consume it |
| are part of the ever-changing wisdom ways of | | | | with acidic foods (antacids interfere with calcium |
| women, meant to be applied to the unique | | | | absorption), plenty of vitamin D (which can be |
| individual in unique and ever-changing ways. | | | | produced by sitting in the sun for 15-20 minutes), |
| Although they have not been subjected to double | | | | magnesium, and daily exercise. Stress, use of |
| blind studies, they are not superstition and dumb | | | | antacids, consumption of coffee, use of steroids, |
| custom, but the results of millions of careful | | | | drinking fluoridated water, and too much |
| observations over thousands of generations. | | | | phosphorous in the diet also interfere with calcium |
| These remedies are the gifts of our foremothers. | | | | assimilation.Getting 1500 to 2000 milligrams of |
| They are gifts from women who were deeply | | | | nourishing calcium salts every day is not hard with |
| intuitive, immersed in day-to-day practice, and in | | | | the help of Wise Woman ways. Many wild greens |
| tune with women's needs - emotional and spiritual, | | | | are exceptionally rich in calcium and other mineral |
| as well as physical.Wise women believe that most | | | | salts. The leaves of lamb's quarters, mallow, |
| of the problems of pregnancy can be prevented | | | | galinsoga, shepherd's purse, knotweed, bidens, |
| by attention to nutrition. Morning sickness and | | | | amaranth, or dandelion, when cooked until tender, |
| mood swings are connected to low blood sugar; | | | | supply more calcium per half-cup serving than a |
| backaches and severe labor pains often result | | | | half-cup of milk. Herbal teas and tinctures contain |
| from insufficient calcium; and varicose veins, | | | | little or no calcium salts. For mineral richness, |
| hemorrhoids, constipation, skin discolorations and | | | | make herbal infusions by steeping one ounce of |
| anemias are also related to lack of specific | | | | dried herb (such as raspberry, nettle, or red |
| nutrients.Excellent nutrition for pregnant women | | | | clover) overnight in a quart of boiling water. Or |
| includes not just vital foodstuffs and nourishing | | | | make mineral-rich vinegars by steeping fresh |
| herbal infusions, but also pure water and air, | | | | herbs in apple cider vinegar for six weeks. The |
| abundant light, loving and respectful relationships, | | | | long steeping of the water infusion releases |
| beauty and harmony in daily life, and joyous | | | | minerals, the acid of the vinegar does it too. A |
| thoughts.All nutrients are needed in abundance | | | | cup of herbal infusion can have 150-300 milligrams |
| during pregnancy as the gestating woman forms | | | | of calcium salts. A tablespoon of medicinal herbal |
| two extra pounds of uterine muscle; the nerves, | | | | vinegar can contain 75-150 milligrams of calcium |
| bones, organs, muscles, glands and skin of the | | | | salts. Cultivated greens are good sources of |
| baby; several pounds of amniotic fluid; the | | | | calcium, better if they are cooked thoroughly, and |
| placenta; and a great increase in blood volume. In | | | | best if they are organic. Kale, collards, mustard |
| addition, extra kidney and liver cells are created to | | | | greens, oriental greens, broccoli de rape, turnip |
| process the waste of two beings instead of | | | | greens, even cabbage supply 100-250 milligrams |
| one.Wild and organically grown foods are the best | | | | of calcium salts per half-cup serving. Fresh dairy |
| source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients | | | | products are the best place to get mineral salts, |
| needed during pregnancy. All the better if the | | | | especially calcium, but there is controversy about |
| expectant mother can get out and gather her | | | | the assimilability of calcium from pasteurized milk. |
| own herbs: stretching, bending, breathing, moving, | | | | Fortunately, raw milk cheeses are now easily |
| touching the earth, taking time to talk with the | | | | available; look for them as a reliable source of |
| plants and to open herself to their spiritual | | | | nutrients. When milk is made into yogurt, it |
| world.Red Raspberry (Rubus ideaus and other | | | | becomes superbly digestible and the calcium |
| species)For centuries herbalists have relied on the | | | | content increases by fifty percent (up to 450 |
| leaves of red raspberry to nourish pregnant | | | | milligrams of calcium in just one cup). A daily cup |
| women and relieve difficulties during pregnancy | | | | of plain yogurt not only prevents pregnancy |
| and birth. Scientific herbalists are baffled by these | | | | problems, it also counteracts vaginal and bladder |
| claims, as they find no chemical constituents in | | | | infections. Women who eat yogurt regularly are |
| raspberry leaves that are capable of inducing | | | | far less likely to be diagnosed with cancer as well. |
| these purported effects. Nonetheless, "if pregnant | | | | When buying yogurt, I look for plain yogurt that |
| women believe that it provides relief from various | | | | contains only milk and culture. I absolutely avoid |
| unpleasant effects associated with their condition, | | | | dried milk powder, skim milk powder, pectin, and |
| no harm is done," says Varro Tyler in The Honest | | | | other thickeners. Other great-tasting sources of |
| Herbal.Most of the benefits associated with regular | | | | calcium include goat milk and goat cheese, canned |
| use of raspberry throughout pregnancy can be | | | | fish eaten with the bones such as salmon, |
| traced to its astringent, strengthening, and | | | | sardines, and mackerel, and tahini (ground sesame |
| nourishing powers. Raspberry leaves contain | | | | seeds). There are roughly 200 milligrams of |
| tannins and fragrine, which give tone to the | | | | calcium in two ounces of nuts (excluding peanuts), |
| muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus. | | | | one ounce of dried seaweed, two ounces of |
| They also contain nourishing vitamins and minerals. | | | | carob powder, one ounce of cheese, half a cup of |
| Of special note are the concentrations of vitamins | | | | cooked greens, half a cup of milk, three eggs, |
| A, C, E, and B, plus generous amounts of easily | | | | four ounces of fish, or one tablespoon of |
| assimilated calcium, iron, phosphorous, and | | | | molasses. Many fruits are rich in calcium (though |
| potassium salts.A strong infusion of dried | | | | not as rich as the above foods). Dried dates, figs |
| raspberry leaves increases fertility, tonifies the | | | | raisins, prunes, papaya and elderberries are the |
| uterus, aids in easy birthing, helps prevent | | | | best. Avoid foods high in oxalic acid such as |
| miscarriage, alleviates morning sickness, reduces | | | | spinach, swiss chard, beet greens, rhubarb, and |
| muscle/leg cramps and backache, and counters | | | | brewer's yeast. They interfere with your ability to |
| fatigue.To make it: Put one ounce of the dried | | | | absorb calcium. Do not use bone meal or oyster |
| raspberry leaves in a quart jar; fill it to the top | | | | shell tablets as sources of supplemental calcium. |
| with boiling water, and cap tightly. | | | | They have been found to be high in lead, |
| After steeping for at least four hours, strain the | | | | mercury, cadmium and other toxic metals, which |
| leaves out of the infusion. | | | | can cause birth defects in your child.HERBS |
| Drink the liquid hot or cold, with honey, or | | | | WOMEN MAY WISH TO AVOID DURING |
| anyway you like it. | | | | PREGNANCY AND WHILE LACTATING Agave |
| Refrigerate left-overs. Capsules, tinctures, and | | | | and Yucca (Agave species): contain large |
| teas of raspberry are not as effective.Stinging | | | | quantities of irritating saponins |
| Nettle (Urtica dioica)Some people dislike nettle | | | | Aloes (Aloe species): purging cathartic |
| because of its strong sting, but it is an herb with | | | | Birthroot (Trillium species): contains oxytocin |
| myriad benefits for the expectant mother. A | | | | Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): may irritate |
| strong infusion (prepared by brewing one ounce | | | | the uterus |
| of dried nettle leaves in a quart of boiling water | | | | Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides): contains |
| for at least four hours) helps prevent varicose | | | | oxytocin |
| veins and hemorrhoids, eases leg cramps and | | | | Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus |
| backache, reduces the incidence of hemorrhage | | | | frangula): purging cathartic |
| after birth, and increases the richness of breast | | | | Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana): purging |
| milk.Every cup of nettle infusion supplies amazing | | | | cathartic |
| amounts of energy as well as huge amounts of | | | | Castor oil (Ricinus communis): purging cathartic |
| calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, D, C, B, and | | | | Comfrey (Symphytum uplandica): alkaloids in |
| K. It prevents folic acid anemia and iron deficiency | | | | roots are dangerous to the liver; leaves are safe |
| anemia, and is also a digestive aid, a strengthener | | | | to use |
| to the lungs, an ally of the kidneys, and a | | | | Cotton root bark (Gossypium harbaceum): |
| restorative to the hair and skin.Capsules, tinctures, | | | | contains oxytocin |
| and teas of nettle are not as effective.Red Clover | | | | Dong quai (Angelica sinensis): contains coumarins |
| (Trifolium pratense)As a keeper of dairy animals, I | | | | which may irritate uterus and liver |
| was introduced to this herb as an ally to keep my | | | | Ephedra (all species): increases blood pressure; |
| goats' fertility high and their milk production | | | | may cause heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches |
| generous. It took only a little imagination for me | | | | Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): used by |
| to begin to use it for women, too. Red clover | | | | midwives to initiate labor |
| blossoms are best taken as a strong infusion (one | | | | Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium): may cause |
| ounce of dried blossoms brewed overnight in a | | | | headaches, irritability, insomnia |
| quart of boiling water). The tincture is a sedative; | | | | Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): contains |
| pills and capsules have very little effect.To date, I | | | | irritating alkaloids which stress liver and kidneys |
| know of dozens of women who, unable to | | | | Juniper berries (Juniperus communis): very harsh |
| conceive, have found success after drinking up to | | | | on the kidneys |
| a quart of red clover infusion every day for at | | | | Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): increases blood |
| least six weeks. The generous amounts of | | | | pressure; large doses can cause heart failure, |
| minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and | | | | headache, lethargy, water retention, and |
| phytoestrogens in red clover restore health to the | | | | excessive excretion of potassium |
| entire reproductive system. It's great for men, | | | | Ma-huang (another name for ephedra) |
| too. Most notable are the amounts of vitamin E | | | | Mistletoe (Viscum album): large doses can have |
| and the presence of selenium and zinc. Red clover | | | | detrimental effects on the heart |
| has ten times more plant hormones than | | | | Mistletoe, American (Phoradendron flavescens): |
| soy.Don't stop drinking red clover infusion once | | | | raises blood pressure, causes uterine contractions |
| you get pregnant though. The infusion prevents | | | | Rue (Ruta graveolens): contains essential oils that |
| and eases the constipation so common during | | | | can damage the kidneys and liver |
| pregnancy. It also strengthens the liver and | | | | Senna (Cassia senna): potent purging cathartic |
| improves appetite, especially when morning | | | | Thuja (Thuja occidentalis): contains essential oils |
| sickness is a problem. And it relieves anxiety.And | | | | that can damage the kidneys and liver |
| keep on drinking red clover once your child is | | | | Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum): purgative; |
| born. There is no more valuable herb to keep | | | | may cause uterine contractions |
| breast milk rich and the breasts healthy then red | | | | Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): essential oils |
| clover. In fact, it is the world's most respected | | | | can adversely affect brainWOMEN WHO |
| anti-cancer herb, acting not only to eliminate | | | | MISCARRY EASILY MAY ALSO WANT TO |
| cancer but to stop its occurrence as | | | | AVOID THESE HERBS Autumn crocus (Colchicum |
| well.Seaweeds (including kelp, nori, dulse, kombu, | | | | autumnale): also known as saffron; large doses |
| and wakame)One of the best green allies for | | | | can cause miscarriage |
| women in their fertile years is seaweed, both for | | | | Basil (Basilicum species): see mints |
| its mineral richness, and for the special substances | | | | Bearberry (Berberis vulgaris): bark contains similar |
| it contains which directly counter birth defects. | | | | alkaloids to goldenseal; berries and leaves OK |
| Algin or alginic acid, found in many seaweeds, | | | | Catnip (Nepeta cataria): see mints |
| absorbs radioactive neucleotides and heavy | | | | Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum): large doses |
| metals. When eaten by the prospective mother | | | | may stimulate uterine contractions |
| and father, seaweed protects them from cancer | | | | Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium): contains |
| and protects the fetus from faulty genes. | | | | essential oils that can damage liver and kidneys |
| Seaweeds also protect the fetus and parents | | | | Ground ivy (Hedeoma hederacea): see mints |
| from the harmful effects of chemicals and | | | | Mints - such as basil, catnip, rosemary, thyme, |
| carcinogens.Seaweed is one of the most nutritious | | | | savory, peppermint, oregano, ground ivy, sage, |
| plants known. Earl Mindell, in his book Vitamin Bible | | | | and spearmint - contain essential oils that, used |
| notes that kelp contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, | | | | internally (or extracted into a tincture) may harm |
| as well as choline, carotenes, and 23 minerals | | | | the kidneys and liver; the infusion, taken in large |
| including calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, and | | | | enough quantity, may stimulate uterine |
| zinc. He recommends it especially for nourishing | | | | contractions |
| the brain, spinal cord, and nerves of the fetus. | | | | Mugwort/Cronewort (Artemisia vulgaris): used to |
| Eating seaweeds regularly improves the fertility | | | | help bring on labor |
| and the health of the pregnant woman, too, | | | | Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): a large dose of this |
| strengthening her digestive system, increasing her | | | | spice contains the essential oils that could |
| overall energy, and helping to prevent constipation, | | | | adversely affect the brain, liver, and kidneys |
| muscle cramps, backaches, anemias, hemorrhoids, | | | | Oregano (Oreganum species ): see mints |
| and depression. For healthy skin, hair, and bones, | | | | Osha (Ligusticum porterii): may irritate the uterus |
| there is no better food or herb than | | | | Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): a well-known, and |
| seaweed.Capsules, tablets, and powdered | | | | quite effective, abortifacient |
| seaweeds are not as effective as eating | | | | Poke root (Phytolacca americana): large dose |
| seaweed as a vegetable several times a week. In | | | | (more than 4 drops) may stress kidneys |
| addition to buying seaweed at your health food | | | | Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma |
| store, you can harvest it yourself. There are no | | | | pulegiodes): essential oil may harm kidneys and |
| poisonous seaweeds. For more information on | | | | liver; also see mints |
| harvesting and using seaweeds, consult the | | | | Peppermint (Mentha piperita): see mints |
| Lewallens' Sea Vegetable Gourmet | | | | Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): see mints |
| Cookbook.Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)This | | | | Sage (Salvia officinalis): see mints |
| common weed of suburban lawns is one of the | | | | Savory (Satureja hortensis): see mints |
| best liver tonics known. All parts of the dandelion | | | | Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum): essential |
| are medicinal: the roots, leaves, and flowers are | | | | oils, similar to those in wormwood, are easily |
| brewed into tinctures, medicinal vinegars, cordials, | | | | extracted into tinctures and can adversely affect |
| wines, and bitter infusions.If you dig your own, | | | | the brain |
| use them to make a mineral-rich vinegar: Fill a jar | | | | Spearmint (Mentha spicata): see mints |
| with cut dandelion, then fill the jar to the top with | | | | Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): essential oils in |
| pasteurized apple cider vinegar. Cover with a | | | | tincture may damage kidneys and liver |
| piece of plastic wrap held on with a rubber band. | | | | Thyme (Thymus species): see mints |
| Label, with the date; it's ready to use in six | | | | |
| weeks. Try it as a salad dressing, or a condiment | | | | Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to |
| for beans. Some women like to drink it first thing | | | | replace conventional medical treatment. Any |
| in the morning: 1-2 tablespoonsful in a glass of | | | | suggestions made and all herbs listed are not |
| water.Nourishing the liver is critical during | | | | intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any |
| pregnancy. Lack of strong liver functioning is | | | | disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions |
| implicated in morning sickness, hemorrhoids, | | | | and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist |
| constipation, heartburn, indigestion, lack of energy, | | | | or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a |
| headaches, and mood swings. If using the tincture, | | | | specific formula for you. All material contained |
| try a dose of 10-20 drops in a small glass of | | | | herein is provided for general information |
| water just before meals.Fennel Seed (Foeniculum | | | | purposes only and should not be considered |
| vulgare) | | | | medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable |
| Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum) | | | | healthcare practitioner if you are in need of |
| Dill Seed (Anethum graveolens) | | | | medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by |
| Caraway Seed (Carum carvi) | | | | seeking a second opinion.For more information |
| Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum)The | | | | about herbs and pregnancy, including herbs to use |
| aromatic seeds are members of the "carrot | | | | during birth, to improve lactation, and to help the |
| family" of plants and are used around the world | | | | newborn infant, see: Wise Woman Herbal for the |
| to ease indigestion, freshen breath, and increase | | | | Childbearing Year, by Ash Tree Publishing. To |
| milk supply. As the medicinal value is found in a | | | | receive a free brochure of classes and |
| volatile oil, the seeds are quickly and easily | | | | correspondence courses available from Susun S |
| brewed: add a heaping tablespoonful to a mug and | | | | Weed, contact her at:Susun Weed |
| fill it with water just off the boil, letting it steep | | | | PO Box 64 |
| for 2-5 minutes. A spoonful of honey is a delightful | | | | Woodstock, NY 12498 |
| addition.For a somewhat more complicated brew, | | | | Fax: 1-845-246-8081Vibrant, passionate, and |
| midwife Elizabeth Davis (in her book Heart and | | | | involved, Susun Weed has garnered an |
| Hands) relates this old wives' remedy to increase | | | | international reputation for her groundbreaking |
| milk supply: Boil 1/2 cup pearled barley in three | | | | lectures, teachings, and writings on health and |
| cups water for 25 minutes. Strain and refrigerate. | | | | nutrition. She challenges conventional medical |
| Heat (but do not boil) one cup of barley water | | | | approaches with humor, insight, and her vast |
| and pour it over one teaspoon fennel seeds. | | | | encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. |
| Steep no longer than thirty minutes.And how | | | | Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and |
| delightful that the ease imparted by the brew | | | | enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often |
| influences the infant through the breastmilk, | | | | profoundly provocative.Susun is one of America's |
| relieving colic, turning fretfulness into slumber, and | | | | best-known authorities on herbal medicine and |
| countering teething pain. For best results drink | | | | natural approaches to women's health. Her four |
| your brew, hot or cold, while nursing your baby. | | | | best-selling books are recommended by expert |
| Herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy advises mothers | | | | herbalists and well-known physicians and are used |
| of infants and young children to always carry | | | | and cherished by millions of women around the |
| some aromatic seeds in their pocket for the | | | | world. |
| children to chew should they be car-sick or | | | | |