Herbs for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of rapid physical and emotional changes in the body. Herbs can be very useful in toning and nourishing the system to help allay potential problems and remedy discomforts that pregnant women may experience.

Attention to nutrition can go a long way in preventing possible complications.

Mood swings and morning sickness, which are quite common, are connected to low blood sugar.

A lack of calcium can result in hypertension, backaches and severe labor pains.

Malnutrition during pregnancy can cause constipation, hemorrhoids, anemia, and even pre-eclampsia.

It's absolutely vital to get enough vitamins, minerals and protein during pregnancy.




Useful Herbs for Pregnancy


~ 2 Wonderful Pregnancy Tonic Herbs ~

Tonic herbs are those which act slowly and have a cumulative effect in the body. They are most effective when used over a period of several months. They are used during pregnancy to supply vital nourishment, increase energy and tone the uterus.


RASPBERRY LEAF This herb is considered to be the most widely used, safestpregnancy tonic of any herb. It contains an alkaloid called fragrine which helps tone the uterus and pelvic floor muscles. This herb also contains vitamins C and E as well as iron and calcium. Regular use during pregnancy is said to help prevent miscarriage, ease morning sickness, facilitate an easier labor, and assist in the production of plentiful breast milk.


NETTLE LEAVES This tonic herb is a nutritional powerhouse, containing every vitamin & mineral known to be needed for human growth. It is said to have more chlorophyll than any other herb also. Regular use of nettle infusion during pregnancy ensures a plentiful supply of nutrients, helps reduce hemorrhoids, helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage, eases leg cramps and muscle spasms and nourishes the kidneys. Nettle is also a wonderful herb for lactation as it promotes a rich supply of breast milk. Many women nourish themselves after pregnancy with this nutritional powerhouse. Nettle's high mineral content has been used traditionally to support women postpartum by nourish the nervous system and stabilizing hormone levels.




Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

The internal use of the following herbs is contraindicated during pregnancy:


Alkanet, Aloe, Angelica, Anise, Anise Star, Arnica, Ashwaganda, Barley Grass, Barberry, Basil, Bitter Melon, Black Cohosh, Bladderwrack, Blessed Thistle, Blood Root, Blue Cohosh, Blue Flag, Blue Vervain, Borage, Buckthorn, California Poppy, Cascara Sagrada, Catnip, Celandine, Celery, Chervil, Cinnamon, Club Moss, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Elecampane, Ephedra, False Unicorn, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Ginger, Golden Seal, Gravel, Guarana, Gymnema, Horehound, Horsetail, Hyssop, Juniper, Lemongrass, Licorice, Lobelia, Lovage, Lungwort, Mace, Motherwort, Mugwort, Muira Puama, Myrrh, Neem, Oregon Grape, Osha, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Pleurisy, Prickly Ash, Red Clover, Rhodiola, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Senna, Shepherds Purse, Spikenard, Turkey Rhubarb, Turmeric, Uva Ursi, Vitex, Watercress, White Sage, Wormwood, Yarrow.

*note: It is the therapeutic use of these herbs which is considered to be unsafe. In other words, you can still put a little cinnamon in your oatmeal! Just don't use it in large doses.

Also, some herbalists do use some of these herbs for pregnancy related ailments. For example, Susun Weed suggests MOTHERWORT to help prevent fatigue and mood swings, and many women benefit from the use of GINGER ROOT tea for preventing heartburn or to ease morning sickness.


To be confident in using herbs for pregnancy, get yourself a good herbal book, such as Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed. Or work with an herbalist you know and trust.


Many midwives incorporate the use of herbs for pregnancy related symptoms or to tone ans strengthen the uterus.