There are many beneficial herbs that can be made into a tea and consumed before, during and/or after the pregnancy to keep both the mother and the growing baby healthy and happy.
Not so well-known herb to use before pregnancy is Herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum) because it is said to be the miracle remedy in case of infertility. It contains natural progesterone and stimulates fertility in both women and men. It is also a source of germanium which is a valuable element to the body as it makes oxygen available to the cells.
Probably the most well known herb on the other hand to use before and during pregnancy is raspberry leaf. It helps to prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage, eases morning sickness, reduces pain during labor and can actually help make the labor faster. After birth it assists in the production of breast milk. Raspberry leaf is also rich in various vitamins and minerals like calcium and magnesium which help relieve leg cramps and iron which helps to prevent and treat anemia.
Another herb to use before and during pregnancy is lady’s mantle which is also said to be very useful in treating sterility. It helps to thicken the uterine lining which is necessary for better embryo implantation. During pregnancy lady’s mantle helps to avoid miscarriage and during labor it helps and eases the process of giving birth.
Stinging nettle is also recommended during pregnancy but only for one week at a time. After drinking stinging nettle tea for one week you should have a break for at least 1 month before having it again. Stinging nettle tea is mostly used to treat and prevent anemia but it has other benefits as well. For example it aids and strengthens the kidneys, nourishes mother and baby, helps to reduce hemorrhoids and diminishes pain during and after birth.
Alfalfa tea is especially recommended during the last trimester of pregnancy because it contains a lot of vitamin K among other essential nutrients. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting so it helps to decrease postpartum bleeding and chance of hemorrhaging. Vitamin K is also essential to the newborn.
From 36th week of pregnancy it is recommended to start drinking one cup of wild thyme tea a day. It helps to prepare the cervix for the labor and relaxes smooth muscles. At the same time it is also a mild uterine stimulant.
All of the herbs mentioned above can be consumed after giving birth as well but there is one more herb that is especially recommended right after labor and that is yarrow. It helps to stop external and internal bleeding, has anti-inflammatory properties and is calming to the nerves. It can be used right after giving birth but should definitely be avoided during pregnancy!
