5 Herbs Every ‘To Be Mom’ Should Know About

Like all other mothers, the moment a woman conceives her child, she starts thinking about what’s safe for her baby and what’s not, what should she do and what she should not! A worrying mother many times turns her head towards natural remedies and therapies for a healthy and safe pregnancy and delivery. Today’s world is witnessing an ever increasing demand and interest in herbal supplements and remedies. Most of the synthetic products are being substituted by natural and organic supplements and pregnant women and ‘to be mothers are looking for natural herbs and vitamins for essential nutrition and provide relief from common discomforts and ailments of pregnancy.

The most common ailments troubling a mother while her baby is growing inside the womb are generally nausea, insomnia, yeast infections, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. Herbs and remedies are also needed to tone uterine wall and prepare it for delivery and child birth.

Recommended and safe herbs during pregnancy

There are many herbs whose different parts can be used during pregnancy as food supplement or tonic herb. These herbs can be taken in the form of tablets, tea or infusion. Some of these herbs can also be taken in small amounts in the form of spices. The use of herbs have been found to be effective in supporting optimal health during pregnancy, provide a rich supply of nutrients and also possess a tonic effect. Tonics are considered to be safe for long term uses for several benefits on specific organ systems of the body. The most common herbs which have been considered to be safe for use during pregnancy are;

Red raspberry leaf

Red raspberry leaf is a mineral which is highly rich in minerals and is effective in supporting healthy pregnancy and tone the uterine wall to prepare the mother for child birth. It is known to be rich in iron and hence it is helpful in increasing the production of milk, reduce the nausea and also facilitate delivery by reducing the labor pains. Research studies have reported that the use of Red Raspberry Leaf can also reduce the complications and use of other interventions during labor and birth. Research studies have also been conducted to show that it can help in hastening the labor. Red Raspberry can be taken in the form of herbal green tea. The safest period during which the Red Raspberry Leaf can be used is the first trimester while in other trimesters it can be used with some precautions.

It is recommended that approximately 1.5 to 5 gm of Red Raspberry leaf can be used daily in tea. This herbal tea can be prepared by mixing 2 tbsp. red raspberry leaf, 2 tsp. spearmint leaf, 2 tsp. rose hips, placing them in a reusable tea bag, steep in almost 8 oz. of boiling water for about 20 minutes. 1 to 2 cups of tea should be taken daily for relief.

Peppermint leaf

Peppermint leaf has been used for relieving nausea, morning sickness and the problem of flatulence during pregnancy.

Ginger root

Ginger root which may be taken in the form of herbal tea is used for its benefits in relieving nausea. Ginger is a spicy and aromatic herb which is extremely beneficial for pregnancy related nausea. Ginger tea and capsules are commonly recommended as well as available for use in pregnancy. Ginger candies and crystallized finger are also ginger products which can be used by expecting mothers. Ginger ale can be prepared at home by grating 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger root and squeezing some of its juice into some carbonated water, add some honey, cane sugar, or maple syrup and drink it to get relief from the nausea and vomiting.

Slippery elm bark

The inner bark is used in the foods to provide relief from nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritation during pregnancy.

Oats and oat straw

Oats and oat straw are found to be rich in calcium and magnesium. They are found to be helpful in pregnancy related anxiety, restlessness, and skin irritations. It can also be taken in the form of herbal tea.

Chamomile

Pregnancy is also associated with disturbed sleep or sleeplessness owing to the psychological and physiological changes in your life and body. Chamomile is an excellent herb which is considered to be safe for use during pregnancy and it helps in promoting relaxation and sleep. It also has a soothing effect for your stomach.

Chamomile tea can be taken regularly for inducing sleep and calmness. Chamomile tea can be prepared by infusing 1 large or 2 small tea bags in about 8 oz. of boiling water for approximately 10 minutes. Several cupfuls can be taken daily to relieve stress of pregnancy.

The all important question, are herbs safe during pregnancy?

Natural remedies including herbal ones have actually been found to be milder, gentler and safer alternative to provide relief from the common discomfiting symptoms of pregnancy. There are not enough contemporary clinical or research based evidence for the efficacy of herbal drugs but data from Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine system and anecdotal evidence supports the use of herbs in pregnant mothers. There are no adverse outcomes or side effects reported so far from the use of herbal medicines.

Even though these herbs are generally considered safe and effective, but every pregnant woman should consult her physician before using any of these natural remedies or herbs. Do not self-diagnose yourself with any herbs to help promote your health during pregnancy. Also you should try and avoid herbs during the first trimester until and unless there is a medical reason and your doctor or herbalist has suggested its use.

Category: HEALTH, HERBAL TEAS