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