Herbal Aids for Pregnancy

During each of my pregnancies, I come to favor a certain blend of herbs for a daily tea. This blend usually addresses any concerns or issues that I've been having, but, overall, is supportive to the pregnancy, a safe labor, and a healthy, squishy baby.  This pregnancy, I've been favoring a blend of highly nutritious herbs with an extra dose of Stinging Nettle to combat that horrendous crawley sensation you get in your legs (known as Restless Leg Syndrome. I thought it was a joke, so the Universe, of course, saw fit to provide me with a 9 month long confirmation that it really does exist.)

Here are some of my favorite blends and herbs that I've used during pregnancy and labor.

General Nutrition
These herbs are all great throughout the pregnancy, be it for helping your body to prepare for labor, easing minor discomforts, and providing additional nutrition for both you and babe.

Alfalfa Leaf- medicago sativa- highly nutritious: contains Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. Promotes cell growth of tissues and milk production, so it's beneficial while nursing as well.

Blessed Thistle- cnicus benedictus- a general tonic herb, it helps in balancing hormone levels. Great for combating post-partum blues as well as promoting milk production.

Chamomile Blossoms- anthemis nobilis or matricaria chamomilla- both German and Roman Chamomile work well; has a calming affect on the entire person so is good as a sleep aid, a gentle laxative, and for stress. 

Dandelion Root- taraxacum officinale- highly nutritious: contains nearly every known trace mineral as well as several vitamins. is also an effective cleanser and has a diuretic effect.

Raspberry Leaf- rubus idaeus- the single most beneficial herb for women: a uterine tonic, useful during pregnancy to get the uterus in shape for labor, during labor to make contractions more efficient, post-partum to help with healing, during menstruation to make the uterus work more efficiently and thus shorten bleed time, and for increasing fertility.

Red Clover- trifolium pratense- highly nutritious: contains nearly every trace mineral, highly absorbable levels of calcium and magnesium, Vitamins A and C, and natural estrogen like chemicals. Works well with Red Raspberry , helps to balance hormones, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Stinging Nettle Leaf- urtica dioica- highly nutritious: contains Vitamins A, C, D, and K, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and beta carotene. Helps with pregnancy related Rest Leg Syndrom, leg cramps, and preventing varicose veins. Also stimulates milk production and is great for the entire hormonal system

Labor Assist
equal parts Raspberry Leaf and Stinging Nettle Leaf

These two herbs are fabulous throughout pregnancy and during labor. Both are uterine tonics, so taken throughout pregnancy, they aid the uterus in getting ready for labor (during the later part of pregnancy, these herbs can cause braxton hix contractions.) Taken during labor, they increase the efficacy of contractions. Chamomile can be added during labor to help you to relax and work with the forces working through you, lessening discomfort.

Preventing Post-Partum Hemorrhaging

equal parts Raspberry Leaf, Stinging Nettle Leaf, Shepherd's Purse

This blend is great for keeping bleeding to a minimum after labor. I've had both midwives and a doctor comment on how little blood loss there was.

Trouble Sleeping
2 parts Chamomile Blossoms
1 part Valerian Root
1 heaping tsp Honey per cup

With this blend, the Chamomile helps with falling asleep while the Valerian helps with staying asleep. Honey is also a sleep aid, but it's included mostly to counter the taste of the Valerian.


DISCLAIMER: The above is not to be interpreted in anyway as medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, or cure an ailment (which can legally only be done by a doctor: medical or naturopathic.) Rather, the above is a presentation of my own personal experiences using these herbs and benefits that I believe I have obtained. 

Many herbs can and do interact negatively with medication. Contact your health care provider for advice and suggestions.