Pregnancy is a tender, beautiful time of growth and bonding between mom and baby. It’s the perfect time to begin nurturing yourself, if you aren’t already. Pregnant women will often look to herbs to help maintain good health and decrease the need for medical interventions during these nine months. But, taking herbs during pregnancy can cause concern for many new mothers. Natural remedies don’t necessarily mean harmless remedies. In fact, they can be very potent! So, what is safe for mom and her growing baby?
There is a general lack of scientific evidence on the safety of herb use during pregnancy, and for good reason: nobody wants to put a baby at risk! However, hundreds of years of historical data and research support the use of many herbs during pregnancy.

Herbs For Pregnancy
Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) and red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) are extremely rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium and iron, and they’re considered “queens” among herbs that can be used during pregnancy. Both help to supply needed iron to the blood and tone the blood vessels, decreasing the risk of hemorrhoids and hemorrhage. While red raspberry works specifically to tone the uterine muscles, nettles can be used as a tonic herb to support healthy kidney function. Both herbs enrich and increase breast milk production.

Oatstraw (Avena sativa) is abundant in vitamins and minerals and is a gentle, relaxing herb for the nerves.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), like oatstraw, is a gentle, nourishing herb that supplies an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa is also rich in protein.

Dandelion greens and roots (Taraxacum officinale) might be a common weed in some lawns, but we would be better served to use them as food! Both the greens and roots aid digestion, stimulate bile flow, and support liver function (and thus hormone balance). The greens are also a gentle diuretic, helping to maintain fluid balance during pregnancy without depleting the body of potassium.

Burdock root (Arctium lappa) was used by ancient herbalists to strengthen and tone the uterus and is mentioned in the 17th century Culpepper’s Herbal as a good herb to calm the womb and “stay the child in it.” Today, it’s used in pregnancy more for its high amounts of nutrients (including chromium, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A and zinc), along with stimulation to the digestive system and gentle laxative effects.

Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is another important herb for supporting liver function. High in absorbable iron, yellow dock is also used as a tonifying remedy for pregnant mothers who deal with low iron or constipation.

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) is one herb that has well-documented scientific as well as historic evidence of its effectiveness in decreasing morning sickness. The root is also used to stimulate and warm digestion, which can be sluggish during pregnancy. However, less than two grams of ginger root should be taken daily, as it is also a circulatory stimulant and, in large amounts, can bring on menstruation.

All of the above herbs can be used as alcohol tinctures, but taking them in tea form is preferable. Water is more effective than alcohol at pulling vitamins and minerals out of the herbs. It’s also important to stay hydrated when pregnant, and drinking teas throughout the day can help accomplish this. Nettles, dandelion greens, ginger and burdock root are four herbs that can also be eaten; try them in a sauté for a delicious meal!

Herbs and Breast-Feeding
Herbs are also wonderful for mom and baby during the precious time of breast-feeding, when it’s important to nourish your body and take in plenty of healthy calories and nutrients to support your milk supply.

During the time you’re breast-feeding, it’s important to know the uses and safety of herbs you’re consuming. There are many herbs that are generally regarded as safe for breast-feeding, and the baby will receive some of the medicinal effects of the herbs through mother’s milk. Herbs can be used to help enrich and increase the flow of milk, decrease the flow of an overabundant supply, and help with plugged ducts, mastitis and sore nipples.

Along with adequate calories and a balanced diet, herbs known as galactogogues can be used to help increase milk production for a low supply. Herbs that have traditionally been used include fenugreek, vervain, nettles, red raspberry, oats, dandelion root and leaves, blessed thistle, hops, marshmallow root, alfalfa and fennel. On the other hand, sage, peppermint and parsley can be used to decrease milk flow or help with weaning.

Herbs can also be used to help with the discomfort of plugged ducts and mastitis, which occur in some mothers during breast-feeding. Remember also to get plenty of rest, fluids and nourishment and breast-feed on the affected side. Warm compresses and/or hot tub soaks for the breasts made with soothing and anti-inflammatory herbs can help ease pain and decrease swelling. You can make an infusion with herbs such as marshmallow root, ginger root, chamomile, comfrey, burdock root, violet leaf, calendula and willow bark. Dip a cloth in the infusion and place over the affected area of the breast. Cover with a warm blanket or bottle and rest. If a fever is present, as in the case of mastitis, immune stimulating herbs like echinacea, elderberry and elderflower can be taken internally.

Sore, cracked, red and dry nipples can be a common complaint of breast-feeding mothers. Herbs can help the skin to heal, especially during those early weeks of breast-feeding. A soothing herbal salve can be applied after nursing. Chickweed, comfrey, calendula, and aloe vera are helpful and healing in this case. An herbal tea or poultice can also be used with calendula, chamomile, violet leaves and marshmallow. Be sure to gently wipe the nipples with water before breast-feeding to remove the salve.

If you notice any side effects in yourself or your baby while taking herbs, decrease the amount of the herb or discontinue. In general, to prevent unwanted side effects in babies, avoid herbs that affect the hormones, herbs that are strongly sedating or stimulating, toxic herbs and cathartic herbs. If you are ever concerned about taking an herb and cannot confirm its safety, be cautious and don’t take it.
Herbs play an important role in a vital, healthy pregnancy and postpartum period. They can ease symptoms of discomfort, provide vitamins and minerals, and support the mother and child during this time of growth and change. [For more information on holistic approaches to pregnancy, turn to Breathe In on page 26.]

HERBAL TEA TO BOOST MILK SUPPLY
Ingredients:
1 part nettles
1 part blessed thistle
1 part fenugreek
1 part chamomile
1/2 part lemon balm
1/2 part milky oats
1/2 part fennel
Instructions:
Combine herbs and store in an airtight container. To make a medicinal herbal infusion, bring water to a boil. Take off heat and add one tablespoon of the herb mixture to a cup of water. Cover with a lid for at least 20 minutes. Strain herbs and drink three cups a day.

Maria Muscarella and Nikki Solomon have over 20 years combined experience as nurse-herbalists. Maria has a four-year-old daughter and Nikki is happily breast-feeding her five-month-old son. Together they run the Viriditas Healing Center & Apothecary in Asheville, seeing clients for herb, flower essence, and Maya Abdominal Massage consultations. They can be reached at 828-251-8688 or www.viriditashealing.com.

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