Herbal Allies for Pregnant Women

Most women would agree that drugs are to bebecome argumentative.Ginger (Zingiber
avoided during pregnancy. Many over the counterofficinalis)When it comes to quelling nausea or
remedies, especially antihistamines, acnemorning sickness (motion sickness, too) there is
medicines, and laxatives, have been shown tono 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 andtoward 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 defectsherb that can cause a miscarriage. This
and addict the fetus. Antacids can cause musclemisinformation 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 calciummade her menses flow more easily. But midwives
metabolism; see discussion following.)And it is wellagree 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 bothginger helps prevent constipation of pregnancy,
before conception, during pregnancy, and whilekeeps the pelvic muscles warmed and toned,
lactating.Few women, however, understand thatrelieves intestinal cramping and gas (in infants,
vitamin/mineral supplements are more drug-liketoo), increases digestive force by encouraging the
than food-like. Though they are widelysecretion of digestive enzymes, lowers blood
recommended, even by orthodox MDs,pressure, and restores vitality.CalciumOf course
supplements are problematic for pregnant womencalcium is a mineral, not an herb, but it is so
and ought to be avoided. A study of 23,000important during pregnancy that it deserves our
pregnant women, reported in The New Englandattention. Lack of adequate calcium during
Journal of Medicine (1995) found 4.8 times morepregnancy can cause muscle cramps, backache,
birth defects among the children of women whohigh blood pressure, intense labor pains, severe
consumed 10,000 IU or more of vitamin A inafterbirth pains, loss of teeth, and pre-eclampsia.
supplemental form. And if that isn't enough toLack 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 fourwith easily irritated nervous and digestive
prenatal-formula tablets can kill a child under thesystems. 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 goldenminerals.The calcium found in foods and herbs is
seal, and flax seed are best avoided during themetabolized by the body far more effectively
weeks of gestation. See below for herbs thatthan the calcium in pills. Calcium in plants is found in
may be problematic duringthe 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 easesalts aids in assimilation. And, of course, no plant
the discomforts of pregnancy. The remedies ofcontains only one mineral. The multitude of mineral
wise women, or "old wives," have persisted forsalts found in herbs and foods act synergistically
centuries, passed from woman to woman. Theywith the calcium salts, improving utilization by all
are not strict protocols designed to work with thethe body's tissues.In general, to improve calcium
greatest possible number of women. Rather, theyassimilation, women are advised to consume it
are part of the ever-changing wisdom ways ofwith acidic foods (antacids interfere with calcium
women, meant to be applied to the uniqueabsorption), 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 doublemagnesium, and daily exercise. Stress, use of
blind studies, they are not superstition and dumbantacids, consumption of coffee, use of steroids,
custom, but the results of millions of carefuldrinking 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 deeplynourishing calcium salts every day is not hard with
intuitive, immersed in day-to-day practice, and inthe 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 mostsalts. The leaves of lamb's quarters, mallow,
of the problems of pregnancy can be preventedgalinsoga, shepherd's purse, knotweed, bidens,
by attention to nutrition. Morning sickness andamaranth, 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 resulthalf-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 andmake herbal infusions by steeping one ounce of
anemias are also related to lack of specificdried herb (such as raspberry, nettle, or red
nutrients.Excellent nutrition for pregnant womenclover) overnight in a quart of boiling water. Or
includes not just vital foodstuffs and nourishingmake 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 joyousminerals, the acid of the vinegar does it too. A
thoughts.All nutrients are needed in abundancecup of herbal infusion can have 150-300 milligrams
during pregnancy as the gestating woman formsof 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 thesalts. Cultivated greens are good sources of
baby; several pounds of amniotic fluid; thecalcium, better if they are cooked thoroughly, and
placenta; and a great increase in blood volume. Inbest if they are organic. Kale, collards, mustard
addition, extra kidney and liver cells are created togreens, oriental greens, broccoli de rape, turnip
process the waste of two beings instead ofgreens, even cabbage supply 100-250 milligrams
one.Wild and organically grown foods are the bestof calcium salts per half-cup serving. Fresh dairy
source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrientsproducts are the best place to get mineral salts,
needed during pregnancy. All the better if theespecially calcium, but there is controversy about
expectant mother can get out and gather herthe 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 theavailable; look for them as a reliable source of
plants and to open herself to their spiritualnutrients. When milk is made into yogurt, it
world.Red Raspberry (Rubus ideaus and otherbecomes superbly digestible and the calcium
species)For centuries herbalists have relied on thecontent increases by fifty percent (up to 450
leaves of red raspberry to nourish pregnantmilligrams of calcium in just one cup). A daily cup
women and relieve difficulties during pregnancyof plain yogurt not only prevents pregnancy
and birth. Scientific herbalists are baffled by theseproblems, it also counteracts vaginal and bladder
claims, as they find no chemical constituents ininfections. Women who eat yogurt regularly are
raspberry leaves that are capable of inducingfar less likely to be diagnosed with cancer as well.
these purported effects. Nonetheless, "if pregnantWhen buying yogurt, I look for plain yogurt that
women believe that it provides relief from variouscontains 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 Honestother thickeners. Other great-tasting sources of
Herbal.Most of the benefits associated with regularcalcium include goat milk and goat cheese, canned
use of raspberry throughout pregnancy can befish eaten with the bones such as salmon,
traced to its astringent, strengthening, andsardines, and mackerel, and tahini (ground sesame
nourishing powers. Raspberry leaves containseeds). There are roughly 200 milligrams of
tannins and fragrine, which give tone to thecalcium 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 vitaminscooked greens, half a cup of milk, three eggs,
A, C, E, and B, plus generous amounts of easilyfour ounces of fish, or one tablespoon of
assimilated calcium, iron, phosphorous, andmolasses. Many fruits are rich in calcium (though
potassium salts.A strong infusion of driednot as rich as the above foods). Dried dates, figs
raspberry leaves increases fertility, tonifies theraisins, prunes, papaya and elderberries are the
uterus, aids in easy birthing, helps preventbest. Avoid foods high in oxalic acid such as
miscarriage, alleviates morning sickness, reducesspinach, swiss chard, beet greens, rhubarb, and
muscle/leg cramps and backache, and countersbrewer's yeast. They interfere with your ability to
fatigue.To make it: Put one ounce of the driedabsorb calcium. Do not use bone meal or oyster
raspberry leaves in a quart jar; fill it to the topshell 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 themercury, 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, orWOMEN MAY WISH TO AVOID DURING
anyway you like it.PREGNANCY AND WHILE LACTATING Agave
Refrigerate left-overs. Capsules, tinctures, andand Yucca (Agave species): contain large
teas of raspberry are not as effective.Stingingquantities of irritating saponins
Nettle (Urtica dioica)Some people dislike nettleAloes (Aloe species): purging cathartic
because of its strong sting, but it is an herb withBirthroot (Trillium species): contains oxytocin
myriad benefits for the expectant mother. ABlack cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): may irritate
strong infusion (prepared by brewing one ouncethe uterus
of dried nettle leaves in a quart of boiling waterBlue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides): contains
for at least four hours) helps prevent varicoseoxytocin
veins and hemorrhoids, eases leg cramps andBuckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus
backache, reduces the incidence of hemorrhagefrangula): purging cathartic
after birth, and increases the richness of breastCascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana): purging
milk.Every cup of nettle infusion supplies amazingcathartic
amounts of energy as well as huge amounts ofCastor oil (Ricinus communis): purging cathartic
calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, D, C, B, andComfrey (Symphytum uplandica): alkaloids in
K. It prevents folic acid anemia and iron deficiencyroots are dangerous to the liver; leaves are safe
anemia, and is also a digestive aid, a strengthenerto use
to the lungs, an ally of the kidneys, and aCotton root bark (Gossypium harbaceum):
restorative to the hair and skin.Capsules, tinctures,contains oxytocin
and teas of nettle are not as effective.Red CloverDong quai (Angelica sinensis): contains coumarins
(Trifolium pratense)As a keeper of dairy animals, Iwhich may irritate uterus and liver
was introduced to this herb as an ally to keep myEphedra (all species): increases blood pressure;
goats' fertility high and their milk productionmay cause heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches
generous. It took only a little imagination for meEvening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): used by
to begin to use it for women, too. Red clovermidwives to initiate labor
blossoms are best taken as a strong infusion (oneGinseng (Panax quinquefolium): may cause
ounce of dried blossoms brewed overnight in aheadaches, irritability, insomnia
quart of boiling water). The tincture is a sedative;Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): contains
pills and capsules have very little effect.To date, Iirritating alkaloids which stress liver and kidneys
know of dozens of women who, unable toJuniper berries (Juniperus communis): very harsh
conceive, have found success after drinking up toon the kidneys
a quart of red clover infusion every day for atLicorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): increases blood
least six weeks. The generous amounts ofpressure; large doses can cause heart failure,
minerals, proteins, antioxidants, andheadache, lethargy, water retention, and
phytoestrogens in red clover restore health to theexcessive 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 EMistletoe (Viscum album): large doses can have
and the presence of selenium and zinc. Red cloverdetrimental effects on the heart
has ten times more plant hormones thanMistletoe, American (Phoradendron flavescens):
soy.Don't stop drinking red clover infusion onceraises blood pressure, causes uterine contractions
you get pregnant though. The infusion preventsRue (Ruta graveolens): contains essential oils that
and eases the constipation so common duringcan damage the kidneys and liver
pregnancy. It also strengthens the liver andSenna (Cassia senna): potent purging cathartic
improves appetite, especially when morningThuja (Thuja occidentalis): contains essential oils
sickness is a problem. And it relieves anxiety.Andthat can damage the kidneys and liver
keep on drinking red clover once your child isTurkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum): purgative;
born. There is no more valuable herb to keepmay cause uterine contractions
breast milk rich and the breasts healthy then redWormwood (Artemisia absinthium): essential oils
clover. In fact, it is the world's most respectedcan adversely affect brainWOMEN WHO
anti-cancer herb, acting not only to eliminateMISCARRY EASILY MAY ALSO WANT TO
cancer but to stop its occurrence asAVOID 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 forcan cause miscarriage
women in their fertile years is seaweed, both forBasil (Basilicum species): see mints
its mineral richness, and for the special substancesBearberry (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 heavyFlax seeds (Linum usitatissimum): large doses
metals. When eaten by the prospective mothermay stimulate uterine contractions
and father, seaweed protects them from cancerFeverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium): contains
and protects the fetus from faulty genes.essential oils that can damage liver and kidneys
Seaweeds also protect the fetus and parentsGround ivy (Hedeoma hederacea): see mints
from the harmful effects of chemicals andMints - such as basil, catnip, rosemary, thyme,
carcinogens.Seaweed is one of the most nutritioussavory, peppermint, oregano, ground ivy, sage,
plants known. Earl Mindell, in his book Vitamin Bibleand 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 mineralsthe kidneys and liver; the infusion, taken in large
including calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, andenough quantity, may stimulate uterine
zinc. He recommends it especially for nourishingcontractions
the brain, spinal cord, and nerves of the fetus.Mugwort/Cronewort (Artemisia vulgaris): used to
Eating seaweeds regularly improves the fertilityhelp bring on labor
and the health of the pregnant woman, too,Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): a large dose of this
strengthening her digestive system, increasing herspice 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 thanParsley (Petroselinum crispum): a well-known, and
seaweed.Capsules, tablets, and powderedquite effective, abortifacient
seaweeds are not as effective as eatingPoke 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 foodPennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma
store, you can harvest it yourself. There are nopulegiodes): essential oil may harm kidneys and
poisonous seaweeds. For more information onliver; also see mints
harvesting and using seaweeds, consult thePeppermint (Mentha piperita): see mints
Lewallens' Sea Vegetable GourmetRosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): see mints
Cookbook.Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)ThisSage (Salvia officinalis): see mints
common weed of suburban lawns is one of theSavory (Satureja hortensis): see mints
best liver tonics known. All parts of the dandelionSouthernwood (Artemisia abrotanum): essential
are medicinal: the roots, leaves, and flowers areoils, 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 jarSpearmint (Mentha spicata): see mints
with cut dandelion, then fill the jar to the top withTansy (Tanacetum vulgare): essential oils in
pasteurized apple cider vinegar. Cover with atincture 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 condimentLegal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to
for beans. Some women like to drink it first thingreplace conventional medical treatment. Any
in the morning: 1-2 tablespoonsful in a glass ofsuggestions made and all herbs listed are not
water.Nourishing the liver is critical duringintended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
pregnancy. Lack of strong liver functioning isdisease, 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 ofherein is provided for general information
water just before meals.Fennel Seed (Foeniculumpurposes 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)Theabout herbs and pregnancy, including herbs to use
aromatic seeds are members of the "carrotduring birth, to improve lactation, and to help the
family" of plants and are used around the worldnewborn infant, see: Wise Woman Herbal for the
to ease indigestion, freshen breath, and increaseChildbearing Year, by Ash Tree Publishing. To
milk supply. As the medicinal value is found in areceive a free brochure of classes and
volatile oil, the seeds are quickly and easilycorrespondence courses available from Susun S
brewed: add a heaping tablespoonful to a mug andWeed, contact her at:Susun Weed
fill it with water just off the boil, letting it steepPO Box 64
for 2-5 minutes. A spoonful of honey is a delightfulWoodstock, NY 12498
addition.For a somewhat more complicated brew,Fax: 1-845-246-8081Vibrant, passionate, and
midwife Elizabeth Davis (in her book Heart andinvolved, Susun Weed has garnered an
Hands) relates this old wives' remedy to increaseinternational reputation for her groundbreaking
milk supply: Boil 1/2 cup pearled barley in threelectures, 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 waterapproaches 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 howUnabashedly pro-woman, her animated and
delightful that the ease imparted by the brewenthusiastic 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, andbest-known authorities on herbal medicine and
countering teething pain. For best results drinknatural 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 mothersherbalists and well-known physicians and are used
of infants and young children to always carryand cherished by millions of women around the
some aromatic seeds in their pocket for theworld.
children to chew should they be car-sick or