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Herbs for Pregnancy
Natural Medicine in the Modern Age
By Johnathon Allen
Birth Herbs
Storm, who has been an herbalist for more than 10 years and a midwife for more than five, says some of the most useful herbs for pregnant mothers are: - Red Raspberry Leaf. This is an herb rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, especially iron. It also nourishes the uterus, soothes nausea, helps prevent miscarriage, eases labor pains and builds a healthy breastmilk supply.
- Nettles. This contains high levels of calcium, iron and protein, and is an excellent herb for nourishing mothers who are feeling depleted.
- Oatstraw. This is high in calcium and magnesium. It also calms nervous stress and tension, and is an effective remedy for yeast infections.
- Alfalfa. This is one of the few plant sources of vitamin K (necessary for blood clotting). It also contains eight digestive enzymes, numerous trace minerals and high quantities of vitamins A, D and E.
- Chamomile. This is a great calming agent and helps with digestive disorders including nausea. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties.
- Rose Hips. These are a great source of vitamin C and help fight infection and exhaustion.
Storm explains that the properties for these herbs are best extracted by making infusions. "Make a 'tea' with the herbs and let it sit overnight, then strain it and drink it hot or cold throughout the day," she says.
"Tea infusions really helped me keep my energy up during the first trimester," says Shami Cook, a mother from Ashland, Ore. "I had a hard time eating enough food during my pregnancy and the infusions seemed to pick me up when nothing else would. Our midwife gave me a custom herbal blend that contained nettles, rose hips, chamomile and red raspberry, among other things."
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