Useful Herbs in Pregnancy

****Please be under the care of a certified Naturopathic or Homeopathic doctor when taking any herbs or homeopathic remedies during pregnancy. ****

The following list of herbs have been used traditionally for various reasons during pregnancy. Choosing which herbs to use depends on individual circumstances. It is not necessary to use all the herbs in the hopes of avoiding all possible problems that may occur during a pregnancy. Use only those herbs, singly or in combinations as teas or tinctures, which fit your needs. As always be in contact with your health practitioner if you are experiencing serious problems or discomfort.

The information given is not meant to be used to diagnose a problem, and the herbs listed here work well in combination with allopathic medicine. It may be necessary to use more than one medical system to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) - rich in calcium, trace minerals and vitamins E, K, and carotene

Black Cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa) - tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth - use only during third trimester

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) - helps relieve leg cramps; helps prevent possible miscarriage

Blue Cohosh ( Caulophyllum thalictroides) - tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth - use only during third trimester [use with great caution]

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - reduces constripation with regular use; calming - 1-2 cups dialy; avoid high doses

Cleavers (Galium aparine) - diuretic to reduce edema (fluid build up esp. in feet and wrists); helps decrease high blood pressure

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) - antispasmodic (relieves muschle cramps); helps prevent possible miscarriage

Dandelion Root & Leaf (Tanaxacum officinales) - rich mineral source; root tea or tincture decreases constipation; root & leaf tea are diuretic decreasing edema and raised blood pressure

False Unicorn Root, a.k.a. Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteum) - helps prevent possible miscarriage; eases nausea

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) - reduces constipation, carminative (relieves excess gas)

Ginger (Zingibar officinalis) - relieves nausea - very high amounts may lead to miscarriage

Hawthorn (Cratageus spp.) - improves circulation; decreases high blood pressure

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) - rich mineral and silica content for strong bones; long-term use requires thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) - calming; relieves nausea - 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - calming; relieves nausea; carminative

Nettles (Urtica dioica) - rich mineral source

Partridge Berry, a.k.a. Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens) - tones uterus to prepare for birth

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - carminative

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) - tones uterus; improves contractions; decreases constipation

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) - calming

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) - relieves constipation; nourishing

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) - relieves uterine pains

Please consult physician or midwife before self-prescribing any natural remedies.

"We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life, but we can decide what happens in us - how we take it, what we do with it - and that is what really counts in the end. How we take the raw stuff of life and make it into a thing of worth and beauty - that is the test of living."
- Joseph Fort Newton

Psalm 139:13-16 You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do.