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