Many of us are aware of the "right" herbs to use during pregnancy and birth. Red Raspberry is of course great during pregnancy to tone and strengthen the uterus. Then there is Nettle to cleanse and tone. And, of course later on in the pregnancy as the time of birth approaches we think of Black Cohosh and Blue Cohosh. There are others of course, but these have earned special positions amongst the trust of the wise women of birth, as well as parents.
Yet how often do we consider the "other" benefits of these herbs and many others? At times we need to think of more than the constituents and look beyond, to the nutrients.
All herbs are high in vitamins and minerals. The king of nutrition among herbs is Medicago sativ...Alfalfa. Known as "The Father of all foods", Alfalfa is loaded with vitamins, minerals and amino acids beneficial to all, but, especially to expectant mothers. As an herbalist, I feel all women should ingest Alfalfa during gestation. Alfalfa is also a galactogouge, which means that it increases milk production. Once the baby has been born, Alfalfa should be discontinued until the mothers own milk production has been revealed.
Dandelion seems to be an invasive plant to most. But this stubborn survivor plant is highly nutritious both in it's leaf and it's root. This plant we spend so much time trying to get rid of is packed with Vitamin A, B1, B2, Niacin, Vitamin C (the greens), Vitamin E, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Magnesium (the greens). Of course harvesting in ones own yard means taking into consideration any chemicals or contaminates that may have come in contact with the plant. Many supermarkets are carrying Dandelion Greens in their produce section, and certainly health food stores do. Dandelion greens sautéed with olive oil and garlic and then eaten in a sandwich with cheese...yummy herbal nutrition for lunch!
And, what about our beloved Red Raspberry? Here is an herb that yes, indeed is wonderful during the gestational period of a woman's life, but it is a plant that benefits women at all stages and phases of their lives. The calcium content alone makes it worth drinking daily. Of course Red Raspberry tea is not touted as milk is, and yet this is only one of the many reasons to value this herb as a form of nutrition.
Nettle is beneficial to women who struggle with Iron poor blood Anemia, Folic Acid Anemia, and fatigue, as well as strengthening the immune system during their pregnancies. Obviously this is due to the high levels of Iron and Folic Acid. Many of the symptoms of deficiencies can cause tiredness, increased stress intolerance, and even backache. Making a humble tea to enhance the nutritional intake can be a simple but valuable way to slow down and regenerate both mind and body.
Using herbs daily is the best way to benefit from them as a source of nourishment. I am a firm believer in "All things in moderation". I also feel herbs should be avoided during the first trimester unless prescribed by an experienced Herbalist. Even then, as low a dose as possible should be used and choices made from the least harmful herbs possible.
Before conception, during pregnancy, as well as during post partum, looking to herbs to promote health, strong immunity, and restoration from stress and illness is truly the "Wise Woman Way".
To learn more about herbs and nutrition during pregnancy, look to the old standby from Susun Weed, "Wise Woman Herbal For The Childbearing Year", or, my personal favorite,"The Natural Pregnancy Book" by Aviva Jill Romm. Aviva also has a book for Post Partum, and Babies and Children.
Anji Church NHCM, CPM, LM, is a Licensed Midwife in New Hampshire and Vermont and is a Nationally Certified Midwife through NARM(North American Registry of Midwives). Anji is also a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Herbalist, a member of MANA (Midwives Alliance of North America) and NHMA (New Hampshire Midwives Association of Midwives) which she is the Secretary for. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Brian, of 25 years. Anji is the mother of 4 sons, Brian Jr., David, Andrew and Michael, whom she and Brian Home Educated, and the mother-in-law to Sarah. She is also "Grandma Anji" to Zoë.