PREGNACY HERBS



For centuries before the emergence of modern medicine,
children were born at home into the hands
of midwives and the mothers were assisted
throughout pregnancy with widely available
herbs and homeopathic remedies.

Though modern medicine has gone on to supplant nearly
every natural remedy on earth with a synthetic substitute,
the herbal tinctures and formulas traditionally used
for pregnancy are still an effective way for mothers
to deal with the discomfort and nutritional issues
encountered during pregnancy.

Traditional midwives" have worked with herbs
for centuries and their accumulated wisdom
has been passed down through the ages," says Sudi Storm,
a traditional midwife and herbalist from Ashland, Ore.
"Today, we know more than ever before about what
herbs and homeopathics work for different situations.
Ironically, herbs are often better, cheaper and healthier
than their modern medicinal counterparts."

According to Storm, there are a number of conditions
a mother is likely to experience throughout her pregnancy
that can be alleviated with the use of herbal supplements
and a focused diet.
For example, when a doctor might suggest a mother
with heartburn use antacid tablets, an herbalist
is likely to suggest a more natural approach.

Antacids are very toxic to the system and do not
heal the digestive imbalances that many pregnant women
experience as a result of hormonal changes,
" Storm says. "Over the long run, antacids
can actually make digestive problems worse.
In this situation, we usually recommend
a liquid calcium magnesium supplement, such as the one
offered by NF Formulas, or digestive enzymes
to help a mother find relief."!

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 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 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 contains 8 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 has some anti-inflammatory properties.

ROSE HIPS
These are a great source of vitamin C and help
fight infection and exhaustion.


Source(s)
lunalunadiana
Herbs for Pregnancy
part 1
[A Witches' Book of Shadows]




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