- Saw Palmetto – when used orally, has hormonal activity
- Goldenseal – when used orally, may cross the placenta
- Dong Quai – when used orally, due to uterine stimulant and relaxant effects
- Ephedra – when used orally
- Yohimbe – when used orally
- Pay D’ Arco – when used orally in large doses; contraindicated
- Passion Flower – when used orally
- Black Cohosh – when used orally in pregnant women who are not at term
- Blue Cohosh – when used orally; uterine stimulant and can induce labor
- Roman Chamomile – when used orally in medicinal amounts
- Pennyroyal – when used orally or topically
I like to make tinctures out of nettle, oatstraw and red raspberry leaf. I have read that its safe to start taking in the last trimester. I usually wait until the 8th month. This tonic has been known to help tone the uterus and encourage a strong milk supply. Here are the befits:
- Nettle- This has a grassy taste to it which isn't the best, but all the benefits outweigh any issues with taste. Its a fantastic source of magnesium and potassium. Its also considered a good source of plant-based protein. High in vitamins A, C, K , calcium, potassium, and iron. Used in many pregnancy teas because it is a great all around pregnancy tonic. The list of vitamins and minerals in this herb includes nearly every one known to be necessary for human health and growth. Aids the kidneys. Increases fertility in men and women. Nourishes not only mother but baby as well. Easing leg gramps and other spasms. Diminishing pain during and after birth. The high calcium content, which is readily assimilated, helps diminish muscle pains in the uterus, in the legs and elsewhere. Prevents hemorrhage after birth. Nettle is such a superb source of vitamin K, and increases available hemoglobin, both of which decrease the likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage. Also assists in reducing hemorrhoids. (Note on the safety of Nettles from the American Pregnancy Association's website: Natural Medicines Database gives Nettles a rating of Likely Unsafe, even though it is used in countless pregnancy teas and recommended by most midwives and herbalists. This may be contingent upon which part of the Nettles plant is used (the root or the leaves) and how much is used. According to other sources, the use of Nettles is encouraged during pregnancy because of its health benefits)
- Oatstraw- Can assist with any digestive problems, improve the overall digestive system, especially in those who experience occasional constipation. It's also a great source of magnesium, calcium, chromium, fiber and a variety of vitamins. Assists to strengthen the nervous system and are considered nerve tonics. Helps relive anxiety, restlessness and irritated skin. Helps build strong bones and teeth and strengthen capillaries and veins. Provides some support to those troubled by varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
- Red raspberry leaf- Great source of magnesium, potassium and a variety of vitamins including iron. Tones the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. Increases fertility in both men and women. Assists in preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Also helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Some have said to have it assist in morning sickness relief. Reduces pain during labor and after birth. By toning the muscles used during labor and delivery, RRL eliminates many of the reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. (It does not, however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation) Assists in the production of plentiful breast milk. RRL works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension. It does not strengthen contractions, but does allow the contracting uterus to work more effectively and so may make the birth easier and faster. Some studies have even reported that using RRL during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth.
Recipe:
1/2 cup red raspberry leaf
1/3 cup of oatstraw
1/4 cup of nettle
Place the above herbs in a quart sized mason jar. Pour boiling water into the jar, filling it to the top. Let it steep for about four hours. After four hours, strain the herbs and pour the infusion into a fresh jar. Add whatever you would like for taste (honey, lemons, peppermint, etc.). I personally like to make a big pitchers worth so I have an already, chilled, and ready made batch whenever I want in the fridge.
Of the 3 herbs mentioned above, Red Raspberry is the most well known herb for pregnancy. And in my opinion is the most important. Now sometimes it has been very hard for me to drink the tea. Even with added ingredients to improve taste, I personally still found it hard to drink as much as I wanted to. And I didn't want all that wonderful RRL to go to waste. So what I ended up doing was taking RRL in pill form. This assured I was definitely taking as much RRL that I wanted directly and not just from the infused tea.I personally have not tried these but I just found that oatstraw and nettle are also available in capsule form. I might just opt to getting the capsules instead of the tea in the future. If you're interested you can click here for the Nettle leaf capsules. And here for the oatstraw capsules.
But feel free to do your own research and decide which brand of capsules (should you decided to go that route) is best for you.
