Note: This is the second article in a 3-part series about using herbs during pregnancy. Part one provides general information about taking herbs, what to expect and detailed instructions on preparing herbal teas and tinctures, to learn more read, Using Herbs during Pregnancy.
Pregnancy can take a toll on the body and its systems. With every part of the body working overtime to support the new life growing inside you, staying healthy is imperative. In this second post of this series I will address herbs that are particularly nutritive to keep those systems and the body in optimum health.
Burdock: Burdock is good for the liver, mildly tonic for the bladder and kidneys, and an excellent source of trace minerals and vitamins such as B3 and vitamin C. Supporting the liver is especially important during pregnancy as it is the primary organ aiding in keeping pregnancy normal. You can buy burdock in capsules, tincture or as a fresh root, most commonly found in Asian markets. Take for general health in any of the following forms.
Capsules: 1-2 capsules per dayTincture: ½ -1 dropperful per dayCrushed Burdock with Sesame Dressing Recipe
Dandelion: Dandelion root is helpful for the liver, stimulating bile flow and aiding in digestion, while also assisting with the elimination of excess water from the system. Its high levels of potassium means it is less depleting to the body than other diuretics. Fresh dandelion leaves also provide an excellent source of pre-biotics, the food for probiotics – both very important to good health. Take for general health in any of the following forms, as needed or desired.
Capsules: 1-3 capsules per dayTincture: 1-2 droppersful per dayTea: Drink daily, can be drank in combination with any other tea
Floradix Iron + Herbs: This liquid extract formula is rich in iron, B vitamins and vitamin C. During pregnancy, the heart has to work overtime in order to provide adequate nourishment to the fetus. To do this, the body increases its blood volume by 30-50% and because of this increased blood volume, it is normal to experience mild anemia during pregnancy. Severe anemia can be the cause of low birth weight and put you at risk for premature delivery. Floradix Iron + Herbs is very highly absorbable and combines iron with digestive herbs, nutritional yeast (Sacharomyces cerevisiae), ocean kelp and extracts of wheat germ and rose hip. And unlike many other iron products, its non-constipating.
Nettle: Nettle is highly recommended especially for women suffering from chronic fatigue and low energy due to insufficient iron. Nettle increases iron levels and is also good for the adrenal glands – a double win if you are suffering from fatigue. It is also an excellent source of calcium. Calcium is the only mineral whose requirement doubles during pregnancy. Calcium is in such high demand during pregnancy that the mother’s body will actually take calcium from her bones and teeth to get the needed levels to the baby. Some women lose up to 3% of their bone mass during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But do not be alarmed, it is gained back quickly after weaning, if the diet allows. Low dietary intake of calcium is also associated with preeclampsia and muscle cramps.
How and with what you take your calcium is important. Calcium found in plants is already balanced with other minerals important to its absorption, making them highly effective and beneficial. Nature has already made the perfect blend for you! Foods that are thought to interfere with absorption of calcium should be avoided: spinach, chocolate, rhubarb and brewer’s yeast. You can get herbal calcium tinctures as well.
Nettle is also a superb source of vitamin K, and increases available hemoglobin, both of which decrease the likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage. Take for general health in any of the following forms, as needed or desired.
Capsules: 6 capsules per dayTincture: 2 droppersful per dayTea: Combine nettle tea with red raspberry leaf, drink daily
New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamins: This multivitamin is a probiotic whole-food complexed multivitamin with targeted levels of folate, as well as organic herbs including: dandelion, rose hips, lavender, lemon balm and peppermint. Folate reduces the risk of neural tube defects, making it essential for healthy fetal development in early pregnancy.
Oat Straw and Shave Grass: Oat straw and shave grass (also known as horsetail) are rich in calcium, silica and magnesium. As mentioned above, calcium is the only mineral whose requirement doubles during pregnancy, and when found in plants it is balanced with other minerals important to its absorption! While silica is important for joint health, healthy skin, hair and nails, magnesium can help to increase energy, relieve constipation, muscle aches and spasms. Oat straw and shave grass are also good for calming the nerves and stress. Take for general health in any of the following forms, as needed or desired.
Capsules: 3-6 capsules per dayTincture: 1-2 droppersful per day
Tea: Drink 1-2 cups per dayTIP: Place 1 cup of herbs with 3 cups of boiled water and let steep for 12 hours to extract as much calcium as possible. Good taken with chamomile and/or nettle teas.
Red Raspberry Leaf and Squaw Vine: Red raspberry leaf taken alone or, with squaw vine (also known as partridge berry) is a famous uterine tonic, nourishing to the female reproductive organs. It is high in vitamins A, B, C and E, and boasts a high mineral content including calcium, phosphorous and potassium. It contains an alkaloid known as fragrine, which can help strengthen the uterus, as well as the pelvic area.
Capsules: 6 capsules per day of each
Tincture: 2 droppersful per day of red raspberry leaf, 1 dropperful per day of squaw vine
Rose Hips: Rose hips are mildly tart and fruity in taste and are high in vitamin C. Some small studies have shown that taking at least 100 mg of vitamin C daily decreases the chances that the amniotic sac will break before labor starts. That is a very good thing, lowering your risk of infection and your need for induction! Other powerhouse sources of vitamin C include acerola cherry and camu.
Capsules: 6-8 capsules per day. *You can also get vitamin C supplements that contain rose hips. In those cases be sure to adjust dosage according to label, as it is possible to get diarrhea from super-dosing vitamin C (I would stick with a dose of 1,000 mg of vitamin c per day).
Tincture: 2-3 droppersful per day
Powdered: I take about a tablespoon per day but you could do less or more. Add to water or smoothie and drink. ** Since heat destroys vitamin C, tea is not recommended if taking rose hips as a source of vitamin C.TIP: I usually add powdered rose hips in my kombucha along with blended strawberries for an extra kick of vitamin C. So good!
As you can see, the plant kingdom has so much nutrition to offer! These herbs are great habits to start in pregnancy and continue on afterward. Tune in next week for the final post in this series on using herbs during pregnancy, Pregnancy Side Effects and How Herbs Can Help. I will share with you some amazing herbs that are more medicinal in nature, and helpful for relieving some of the more common pregnancy side effects. A must read for expecting mothers!
About the Author:
Karly Nuttall is a in the Greater San Diego area, who provides prenatal, home birth, postpartum and monitrice services, as well as breastfeeding support and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) services. When not busy delivering babies and caring for their families, Karly likes to get outdoors and travel. She also enjoys writing and playing music, singing, taking hip hop dance classes, meditating and book shopping on Amazon. You can connect with Karly online at www.KarlyNuttall.com, , , , and .
Sources for this 3-part series include: Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Healing for Women: Simple Home Remedies for Women of All Ages. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993. Print., www.susunweed.com, www.motherearthnews.com, www.herblore.com, www.kellymom.com, http://wellnessmama.com, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, http://justherpes.com
Disclaimer: These statements, products and stated indications are based solely on tradition, studies and clinical experience and have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.