Herbs Used in Pregnancy,Childbirth, and Nursing

**Beginning of Pregnancy** Red Raspberry should be taken in tea form or capsules
as soon as you discover you are pregnant and you should
continue it throughout your pregnancy.

1)It strengthens the uterus and entire reproductive system.
2)It coordinates uterine contractions in childbirth.
3)It decreases chances of miscarriage for premature babies.
4)Helps you to carry your baby full term as it decreases
contractions in the second trimester.

Alfalfa is rich in all the trace minerals.

Kelp keeps weight off the middle and hip area, and is a natural source of iodine.

Dandelion acts as a natural diuretic and is iron rich.

You should also be using a multivitamin-mineral supplement. **Caution**The following herbs should *not* be used during early pregnancy:
Aloe Vera, Don Quai, Pennyroyal, and Rue.
Harsh laxatives should also be avioded
as well as any herb containing steroids or hormones.

**Morning Sickness**

Red Raspberry tea or peppermint tea can help nausea.
Alphalpha and peppermint tea can be taken together for good results.
Ginger tea can also be used to settle an upset stomach.

**Miscarriage**

False Unicorn and Lobelia work best and should be used together.
Others that are effective are: Bayberry, Catnip, Cayenne,
Cramp Bark, Wild Yam and Hawthorn. Also, Vitamins E and P.

**Toxemia**

Alfalfa, Comfrey, Red Raspberry, Yellow Dock, Chlorophyll and
Vitamin C can be used.

**Last 6 Weeks of Pregnancy**

One formula that is very high in calcium and silicon which are
important in strengthening the baby's bones and teeth,
not to mention a sufficient amount of calcium for the mother is:
Alfalfa, Comfrey, Horsetail, Irish Moss, Lobelia, and Oat Straw. This
formula should be taken in an abundance during the last month of pregnancy.
Another formula of Black Cohosh, Lobelia, Pennyroyal, Red Raspberry, and
Squaw Vine used in this last month will help make labor and delivery easier.
They will also help strengthen the uterus and female organs.
Blue Cohosh is also used at this time to help the labor process.

**Labor and Delivery**

The herbs in "The Last 6 Weeks of Pregnancy" should be continued.
Vitamin E will decrease the need for oxygen and help
breathing during labor. Corn Silk can promote labor if it stops.
Red Raspberry is essential during labor. It coordinates
the uterine contractions often making labor shorter.

**False Labor**

Catnip in tea form and Blue Cohosh have been used
to stop false labor. Also, walking will sometimes help.

**Post Partum and Afterpain**

Nutmeg contains the Alkaloid, Erganovine.
This will contract the uterus and help stop bleeding after childbirth.
Cayenne and Bayberry are also used to slow bleeding.
Chlorophyll and Shepherd's Purse contain Vitamin K which helps blood to clot.

**Nursing**

Blessed Thistle (cold), Chlorophyll, Fennel, Alfalfa,
Red Raspberry, or Marshmallow (warm) will bring in good rich milk.
It is said to sustain the baby longer and help him to sleep through the night.
Parsely, Kelp, and Sage will
dry up your milk. Be cautious of these.

**Herbs That Contain Steroids**

These herbs contain steroids that may have a
hormonal effect on the body. Use them with caution
during pregnancy, while nursing, and with children.
They should only be used when necessary and for a short period of time.
Black Cohosh, Blessed Thistle, Blue Cohosh,
Cramp Bark, Damiana, Don Quai, False Unicorn, Ginseng, Licorice,
Pennyroyal, Sarsaparilla, Saw Palmetto, Squaw Vine,
Wild Yam, and Yarrow.

**Please Note**

Remember, I am *not* a medical doctor
nor an herbalist. I do not recommend you use any
of these herbal formulas without the permission of your doctor
or midwife. I got the information on this page
from various herbal books.