| Most women would agree that drugs are to be | | | | during pregnancy can cause muscle cramps, |
| avoided during pregnancy. Many over the | | | | backache, high blood pressure, intense labor |
| counter remedies, especially antihistamines, | | | | pains, severe afterbirth pains, loss of |
| acne medicines, and laxatives, have been | | | | teeth, and pre-eclampsia. Lack of calcium |
| shown to cause birth defects in animals or | | | | also contributes to feeble fetal heart |
| humans. Antibiotics may cause fetal | | | | action, a difficult birth, and "cranky" |
| abnormalities and sulfur drugs can cause | | | | babies with easily irritated nervous and |
| neo-natal jaundice. Tranquilizers and | | | | digestive systems. For optimum health of |
| painkillers can cause birth defects and | | | | mother and child, eat plenty of foods rich in |
| addict the fetus. Antacids can cause muscle | | | | calcium and other minerals.The calcium found |
| problems in the baby and edema in the mother. | | | | in foods and herbs is metabolized by the body |
| (In addition, they mess up a woman's calcium | | | | far more effectively than the calcium in |
| metabolism; see discussion following.)And it | | | | pills. Calcium in plants is found in the form |
| is well accepted that the drug-like actions | | | | of minerals salts, which are naturally |
| of alcohol, tobacco, and coffee are best | | | | chelated. In addition, the varied forms of |
| avoided both before conception, during | | | | these salts aids in assimilation. And, of |
| pregnancy, and while lactating.Few women, | | | | course, no plant contains only one mineral. |
| however, understand that vitamin/mineral | | | | The multitude of mineral salts found in herbs |
| supplements are more drug-like than | | | | and foods act synergistically with the |
| food-like. Though they are widely | | | | calcium salts, improving utilization by all |
| recommended, even by orthodox MDs, | | | | the body's tissues.In general, to improve |
| supplements are problematic for pregnant | | | | calcium assimilation, women are advised to |
| women and ought to be avoided. A study of | | | | consume it with acidic foods (antacids |
| 23,000 pregnant women, reported in The New | | | | interfere with calcium absorption), plenty of |
| England Journal of Medicine (1995) found 4.8 | | | | vitamin D (which can be produced by sitting |
| times more birth defects among the children | | | | in the sun for 15-20 minutes), magnesium, and |
| of women who consumed 10,000 IU or more of | | | | daily exercise. Stress, use of antacids, |
| vitamin A in supplemental form. And if that | | | | consumption of coffee, use of steroids, |
| isn't enough to make you hesitate before | | | | drinking fluoridated water, and too much |
| reaching for the pills, consider this: the | | | | phosphorous in the diet also interfere with |
| amount of iron in four prenatal-formula | | | | calcium assimilation.Getting 1500 to 2000 |
| tablets can kill a child under the age of | | | | milligrams of nourishing calcium salts every |
| three.In addition to drugs and supplements, | | | | day is not hard with the help of Wise Woman |
| many common herbal remedies, including golden | | | | ways. Many wild greens are exceptionally rich |
| seal, and flax seed are best avoided during | | | | in calcium and other mineral salts. The |
| the weeks of gestation. See below for herbs | | | | leaves of lamb's quarters, mallow, galinsoga, |
| that may be problematic during | | | | shepherd's purse, knotweed, bidens, amaranth, |
| pregnancy.Nevertheless, there are many | | | | or dandelion, when cooked until tender, |
| simple, safe home and herbal remedies | | | | supply more calcium per half-cup serving than |
| available to ease the discomforts of | | | | a half-cup of milk. Herbal teas and tinctures |
| pregnancy. The remedies of wise women, or | | | | contain little or no calcium salts. For |
| "old wives," have persisted for centuries, | | | | mineral richness, make herbal infusions by |
| passed from woman to woman. They are not | | | | steeping one ounce of dried herb (such as |
| strict protocols designed to work with the | | | | raspberry, nettle, or red clover) overnight |
| greatest possible number of women. Rather, | | | | in a quart of boiling water. Or make |
| they are part of the ever-changing wisdom | | | | mineral-rich vinegars by steeping fresh herbs |
| ways of women, meant to be applied to the | | | | in apple cider vinegar for six weeks. The |
| unique individual in unique and ever-changing | | | | long steeping of the water infusion releases |
| ways. Although they have not been subjected | | | | minerals, the acid of the vinegar does it |
| to double blind studies, they are not | | | | too. A cup of herbal infusion can have |
| superstition and dumb custom, but the results | | | | 150-300 milligrams of calcium salts. A |
| of millions of careful observations over | | | | tablespoon of medicinal herbal vinegar can |
| thousands of generations. These remedies are | | | | contain 75-150 milligrams of calcium |
| the gifts of our foremothers. They are gifts | | | | salts. Cultivated greens are good sources of |
| from women who were deeply intuitive, | | | | calcium, better if they are cooked |
| immersed in day-to-day practice, and in tune | | | | thoroughly, and best if they are organic. |
| with women's needs - emotional and spiritual, | | | | Kale, collards, mustard greens, oriental |
| as well as physical.Wise women believe that | | | | greens, broccoli de rape, turnip greens, even |
| most of the problems of pregnancy can be | | | | cabbage supply 100-250 milligrams of calcium |
| prevented by attention to nutrition. Morning | | | | salts per half-cup serving. Fresh dairy |
| sickness and mood swings are connected to low | | | | products are the best place to get mineral |
| blood sugar; backaches and severe labor pains | | | | salts, especially calcium, but there is |
| often result from insufficient calcium; and | | | | controversy about the assimilability of |
| varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation, | | | | calcium from pasteurized milk. Fortunately, |
| skin discolorations and anemias are also | | | | raw milk cheeses are now easily available; |
| related to lack of specific | | | | look for them as a reliable source of |
| nutrients.Excellent nutrition for pregnant | | | | nutrients. When milk is made into yogurt, it |
| women includes not just vital foodstuffs and | | | | becomes superbly digestible and the calcium |
| nourishing herbal infusions, but also pure | | | | content increases by fifty percent (up to 450 |
| water and air, abundant light, loving and | | | | milligrams of calcium in just one cup). A |
| respectful relationships, beauty and harmony | | | | daily cup of plain yogurt not only prevents |
| in daily life, and joyous thoughts.All | | | | pregnancy problems, it also counteracts |
| nutrients are needed in abundance during | | | | vaginal and bladder infections. Women who eat |
| pregnancy as the gestating woman forms two | | | | yogurt regularly are far less likely to be |
| extra pounds of uterine muscle; the nerves, | | | | diagnosed with cancer as well. When buying |
| bones, organs, muscles, glands and skin of | | | | yogurt, I look for plain yogurt that contains |
| the baby; several pounds of amniotic fluid; | | | | only milk and culture. I absolutely avoid |
| the placenta; and a great increase in blood | | | | dried milk powder, skim milk powder, pectin, |
| volume. In addition, extra kidney and liver | | | | and other thickeners. Other great-tasting |
| cells are created to process the waste of two | | | | sources of calcium include goat milk and goat |
| beings instead of one.Wild and organically | | | | cheese, canned fish eaten with the bones such |
| grown foods are the best source of vitamins, | | | | as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, and tahini |
| minerals and other nutrients needed during | | | | (ground sesame seeds). There are roughly 200 |
| pregnancy. All the better if the expectant | | | | milligrams of calcium in two ounces of nuts |
| mother can get out and gather her own herbs: | | | | (excluding peanuts), one ounce of dried |
| stretching, bending, breathing, moving, | | | | seaweed, two ounces of carob powder, one |
| touching the earth, taking time to talk with | | | | ounce of cheese, half a cup of cooked greens, |
| the plants and to open herself to their | | | | half a cup of milk, three eggs, four ounces |
| spiritual world.Red Raspberry (Rubus ideaus | | | | of fish, or one tablespoon of molasses. Many |
| and other species)For centuries herbalists | | | | fruits are rich in calcium (though not as |
| have relied on the leaves of red raspberry to | | | | rich as the above foods). Dried dates, figs |
| nourish pregnant women and relieve | | | | raisins, prunes, papaya and elderberries are |
| difficulties during pregnancy and birth. | | | | the best. Avoid foods high in oxalic acid |
| Scientific herbalists are baffled by these | | | | such as spinach, swiss chard, beet greens, |
| claims, as they find no chemical constituents | | | | rhubarb, and brewer's yeast. They interfere |
| in raspberry leaves that are capable of | | | | with your ability to absorb calcium. Do not |
| inducing these purported effects. | | | | use bone meal or oyster shell tablets as |
| Nonetheless, "if pregnant women believe that | | | | sources of supplemental calcium. They have |
| it provides relief from various unpleasant | | | | been found to be high in lead, mercury, |
| effects associated with their condition, no | | | | cadmium and other toxic metals, which can |
| harm is done," says Varro Tyler in The Honest | | | | cause birth defects in your child.HERBS WOMEN |
| Herbal.Most of the benefits associated with | | | | MAY WISH TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY AND WHILE |
| regular use of raspberry throughout pregnancy | | | | LACTATING Agave and Yucca (Agave species): |
| can be traced to its astringent, | | | | contain large quantities of irritating |
| strengthening, and nourishing powers. | | | | saponins |
| Raspberry leaves contain tannins and | | | | |
| fragrine, which give tone to the muscles of | | | | Aloes (Aloe species): purging cathartic |
| the pelvic region, including the uterus. They | | | | |
| also contain nourishing vitamins and | | | | Birthroot (Trillium species): contains |
| minerals. Of special note are the | | | | oxytocin |
| concentrations of vitamins A, C, E, and B, | | | | |
| plus generous amounts of easily assimilated | | | | Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): may |
| calcium, iron, phosphorous, and potassium | | | | irritate the uterus |
| salts.A strong infusion of dried raspberry | | | | |
| leaves increases fertility, tonifies the | | | | Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides): |
| uterus, aids in easy birthing, helps prevent | | | | contains oxytocin |
| miscarriage, alleviates morning sickness, | | | | |
| reduces muscle/leg cramps and backache, and | | | | Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus |
| counters fatigue.To make it: Put one ounce of | | | | frangula): purging cathartic |
| the dried raspberry leaves in a quart jar; | | | | |
| fill it to the top with boiling water, and | | | | Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana): purging |
| cap tightly. | | | | cathartic |
| | | | |
| After steeping for at least four hours, | | | | Castor oil (Ricinus communis): purging |
| strain the leaves out of the infusion. | | | | cathartic |
| | | | |
| Drink the liquid hot or cold, with honey, | | | | Comfrey (Symphytum uplandica): alkaloids in |
| or anyway you like it. | | | | roots are dangerous to the liver; leaves are |
| | | | safe to use |
| Refrigerate left-overs. Capsules, | | | | |
| tinctures, and teas of raspberry are not as | | | | Cotton root bark (Gossypium harbaceum): |
| effective.Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)Some | | | | contains oxytocin |
| people dislike nettle because of its strong | | | | |
| sting, but it is an herb with myriad benefits | | | | Dong quai (Angelica sinensis): contains |
| for the expectant mother. A strong infusion | | | | coumarins which may irritate uterus and liver |
| (prepared by brewing one ounce of dried | | | | |
| nettle leaves in a quart of boiling water for | | | | Ephedra (all species): increases blood |
| at least four hours) helps prevent varicose | | | | pressure; may cause heart palpitations, |
| veins and hemorrhoids, eases leg cramps and | | | | insomnia, headaches |
| backache, reduces the incidence of hemorrhage | | | | |
| after birth, and increases the richness of | | | | Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): |
| breast milk.Every cup of nettle infusion | | | | used by midwives to initiate labor |
| supplies amazing amounts of energy as well as | | | | |
| huge amounts of calcium, magnesium and | | | | Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium): may cause |
| vitamins A, D, C, B, and K. It prevents folic | | | | headaches, irritability, insomnia |
| acid anemia and iron deficiency anemia, and | | | | |
| is also a digestive aid, a strengthener to | | | | Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): contains |
| the lungs, an ally of the kidneys, and a | | | | irritating alkaloids which stress liver and |
| restorative to the hair and skin.Capsules, | | | | kidneys |
| tinctures, and teas of nettle are not as | | | | |
| effective.Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)As a | | | | Juniper berries (Juniperus communis): very |
| keeper of dairy animals, I was introduced to | | | | harsh on the kidneys |
| this herb as an ally to keep my goats' | | | | |
| fertility high and their milk production | | | | Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): increases |
| generous. It took only a little imagination | | | | blood pressure; large doses can cause heart |
| for me to begin to use it for women, too. Red | | | | failure, headache, lethargy, water retention, |
| clover blossoms are best taken as a strong | | | | and excessive excretion of potassium |
| infusion (one ounce of dried blossoms brewed | | | | |
| overnight in a quart of boiling water). The | | | | Ma-huang (another name for ephedra) |
| tincture is a sedative; pills and capsules | | | | |
| have very little effect.To date, I know of | | | | Mistletoe (Viscum album): large doses can |
| dozens of women who, unable to conceive, have | | | | have detrimental effects on the heart |
| found success after drinking up to a quart of | | | | |
| red clover infusion every day for at least | | | | Mistletoe, American (Phoradendron |
| six weeks. The generous amounts of minerals, | | | | flavescens): raises blood pressure, causes |
| proteins, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens in | | | | uterine contractions |
| red clover restore health to the entire | | | | |
| reproductive system. It's great for men, too. | | | | Rue (Ruta graveolens): contains essential |
| Most notable are the amounts of vitamin E and | | | | oils that can damage the kidneys and liver |
| the presence of selenium and zinc. Red clover | | | | |
| has ten times more plant hormones than | | | | Senna (Cassia senna): potent purging |
| soy.Don't stop drinking red clover infusion | | | | cathartic |
| once you get pregnant though. The infusion | | | | |
| prevents and eases the constipation so common | | | | Thuja (Thuja occidentalis): contains |
| during pregnancy. It also strengthens the | | | | essential oils that can damage the kidneys |
| liver and improves appetite, especially when | | | | and liver |
| morning sickness is a problem. And it | | | | |
| relieves anxiety.And keep on drinking red | | | | Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum): purgative; |
| clover once your child is born. There is no | | | | may cause uterine contractions |
| more valuable herb to keep breast milk rich | | | | |
| and the breasts healthy then red clover. In | | | | Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): essential |
| fact, it is the world's most respected | | | | oils can adversely affect brainWOMEN WHO |
| anti-cancer herb, acting not only to | | | | MISCARRY EASILY MAY ALSO WANT TO AVOID THESE |
| eliminate cancer but to stop its occurrence | | | | HERBS Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): |
| as well.Seaweeds (including kelp, nori, | | | | also known as saffron; large doses can cause |
| dulse, kombu, and wakame)One of the best | | | | miscarriage |
| green allies for women in their fertile years | | | | |
| is seaweed, both for its mineral richness, | | | | Basil (Basilicum species): see mints |
| and for the special substances it contains | | | | |
| which directly counter birth defects. Algin | | | | Bearberry (Berberis vulgaris): bark |
| or alginic acid, found in many seaweeds, | | | | contains similar alkaloids to goldenseal; |
| absorbs radioactive neucleotides and heavy | | | | berries and leaves OK |
| metals. When eaten by the prospective mother | | | | |
| and father, seaweed protects them from cancer | | | | Catnip (Nepeta cataria): see mints |
| and protects the fetus from faulty genes. | | | | |
| Seaweeds also protect the fetus and parents | | | | Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum): large |
| from the harmful effects of chemicals and | | | | doses may stimulate uterine contractions |
| carcinogens.Seaweed is one of the most | | | | |
| nutritious plants known. Earl Mindell, in his | | | | Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium): |
| book Vitamin Bible notes that kelp contains | | | | contains essential oils that can damage liver |
| vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as choline, | | | | and kidneys |
| carotenes, and 23 minerals including calcium, | | | | |
| selenium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. He | | | | Ground ivy (Hedeoma hederacea): see mints |
| recommends it especially for nourishing the | | | | |
| brain, spinal cord, and nerves of the fetus. | | | | Mints - such as basil, catnip, rosemary, |
| Eating seaweeds regularly improves the | | | | thyme, savory, peppermint, oregano, ground |
| fertility and the health of the pregnant | | | | ivy, sage, and spearmint - contain essential |
| woman, too, strengthening her digestive | | | | oils that, used internally (or extracted into |
| system, increasing her overall energy, and | | | | a tincture) may harm the kidneys and liver; |
| helping to prevent constipation, muscle | | | | the infusion, taken in large enough quantity, |
| cramps, backaches, anemias, hemorrhoids, and | | | | may stimulate uterine contractions |
| depression. For healthy skin, hair, and | | | | |
| bones, there is no better food or herb than | | | | Mugwort/Cronewort (Artemisia vulgaris): used |
| seaweed.Capsules, tablets, and powdered | | | | to help bring on labor |
| seaweeds are not as effective as eating | | | | |
| seaweed as a vegetable several times a week. | | | | Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): a large dose of |
| In addition to buying seaweed at your health | | | | this spice contains the essential oils that |
| food store, you can harvest it yourself. | | | | could adversely affect the brain, liver, and |
| There are no poisonous seaweeds. For more | | | | kidneys |
| information on harvesting and using seaweeds, | | | | |
| consult the Lewallens' Sea Vegetable Gourmet | | | | Oregano (Oreganum species ): see mints |
| Cookbook.Dandelion (Taraxacum | | | | |
| officinalis)This common weed of suburban | | | | Osha (Ligusticum porterii): may irritate the |
| lawns is one of the best liver tonics known. | | | | uterus |
| All parts of the dandelion are medicinal: the | | | | |
| roots, leaves, and flowers are brewed into | | | | Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): a |
| tinctures, medicinal vinegars, cordials, | | | | well-known, and quite effective, |
| wines, and bitter infusions.If you dig your | | | | abortifacient |
| own, use them to make a mineral-rich vinegar: | | | | |
| Fill a jar with cut dandelion, then fill the | | | | Poke root (Phytolacca americana): large dose |
| jar to the top with pasteurized apple cider | | | | (more than 4 drops) may stress kidneys |
| vinegar. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap | | | | |
| held on with a rubber band. Label, with the | | | | Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma |
| date; it's ready to use in six weeks. Try it | | | | pulegiodes): essential oil may harm kidneys |
| as a salad dressing, or a condiment for | | | | and liver; also see mints |
| beans. Some women like to drink it first | | | | |
| thing in the morning: 1-2 tablespoonsful in a | | | | Peppermint (Mentha piperita): see mints |
| glass of water.Nourishing the liver is | | | | |
| critical during pregnancy. Lack of strong | | | | Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): see mints |
| liver functioning is implicated in morning | | | | |
| sickness, hemorrhoids, constipation, | | | | |
| heartburn, indigestion, lack of energy, | | | | Sage (Salvia officinalis): see mints |
| headaches, and mood swings. If using the | | | | |
| tincture, try a dose of 10-20 drops in a | | | | Savory (Satureja hortensis): see mints |
| small glass of water just before meals.Fennel | | | | |
| Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) | | | | Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum): |
| | | | essential oils, similar to those in wormwood, |
| Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum) | | | | are easily extracted into tinctures and can |
| | | | adversely affect the brain |
| Dill Seed (Anethum graveolens) | | | | |
| | | | Spearmint (Mentha spicata): see mints |
| Caraway Seed (Carum carvi) | | | | |
| | | | Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): essential oils in |
| Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum)The | | | | tincture may damage kidneys and liver |
| aromatic seeds are members of the "carrot | | | | |
| family" of plants and are used around the | | | | Thyme (Thymus species): see mints |
| world to ease indigestion, freshen breath, | | | | |
| and increase milk supply. As the medicinal | | | | |
| value is found in a volatile oil, the seeds | | | | |
| are quickly and easily brewed: add a heaping | | | | Legal Disclaimer: This content is not |
| tablespoonful to a mug and fill it with water | | | | intended to replace conventional medical |
| just off the boil, letting it steep for 2-5 | | | | treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs |
| minutes. A spoonful of honey is a delightful | | | | listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, |
| addition.For a somewhat more complicated | | | | cure or prevent any disease, condition or |
| brew, midwife Elizabeth Davis (in her book | | | | symptom. Personal directions and use should |
| Heart and Hands) relates this old wives' | | | | be provided by a clinical herbalist or other |
| remedy to increase milk supply: Boil 1/2 cup | | | | qualified healthcare practitioner with a |
| pearled barley in three cups water for 25 | | | | specific formula for you. All material |
| minutes. Strain and refrigerate. Heat (but do | | | | contained herein is provided for general |
| not boil) one cup of barley water and pour it | | | | information purposes only and should not be |
| over one teaspoon fennel seeds. Steep no | | | | considered medical advice or consultation. |
| longer than thirty minutes.And how delightful | | | | Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner |
| that the ease imparted by the brew influences | | | | if you are in need of medical care. Exercise |
| the infant through the breastmilk, relieving | | | | self-empowerment by seeking a second |
| colic, turning fretfulness into slumber, and | | | | opinion.For more information about herbs and |
| countering teething pain. For best results | | | | pregnancy, including herbs to use during |
| drink your brew, hot or cold, while nursing | | | | birth, to improve lactation, and to help the |
| your baby. Herbalist Juliette de Bairacli | | | | newborn infant, see: Wise Woman Herbal for |
| Levy advises mothers of infants and young | | | | the Childbearing Year, by Ash Tree |
| children to always carry some aromatic seeds | | | | Publishing. To receive a free brochure of |
| in their pocket for the children to chew | | | | classes and correspondence courses available |
| should they be car-sick or become | | | | from Susun S Weed, contact her at:Susun Weed |
| argumentative.Ginger (Zingiber | | | | |
| officinalis)When it comes to quelling nausea | | | | PO Box 64 |
| or morning sickness (motion sickness, too) | | | | |
| there is no better herb than ginger root. | | | | Woodstock, NY 12498 |
| Whether you use it fresh or dried, a little | | | | |
| ginger goes a long way toward warming the | | | | Fax: 1-845-246-8081Vibrant, passionate, and |
| belly and relieving queasy feelings. Some | | | | involved, Susun Weed has garnered an |
| books mistakenly list ginger as an herb that | | | | international reputation for her |
| can cause a miscarriage. This misinformation | | | | groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and |
| no doubt got started by a hopeful woman who | | | | writings on health and nutrition. She |
| had noticed that drinking ginger tea made her | | | | challenges conventional medical approaches |
| menses flow more easily. But midwives agree | | | | with humor, insight, and her vast |
| that ginger is safe, even in early | | | | encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. |
| pregnancy.In addition to quelling morning | | | | Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and |
| sickness, ginger helps prevent constipation | | | | enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often |
| of pregnancy, keeps the pelvic muscles warmed | | | | profoundly provocative.Susun is one of |
| and toned, relieves intestinal cramping and | | | | America's best-known authorities on herbal |
| gas (in infants, too), increases digestive | | | | medicine and natural approaches to women's |
| force by encouraging the secretion of | | | | health. Her four best-selling books are |
| digestive enzymes, lowers blood pressure, and | | | | recommended by expert herbalists and |
| restores vitality.CalciumOf course calcium is | | | | well-known physicians and are used and |
| a mineral, not an herb, but it is so | | | | cherished by millions of women around the |
| important during pregnancy that it deserves | | | | world. |
| our attention. Lack of adequate calcium | | | | |