One more note about the list of herbal
"no nos" during pregnancy. As mentioned, some of the herbs on that list may
be prescribed by licensed herbalists or medical doctors. For instance, one
of our readers said she used a yellow dock tonic throughout her 2nd and 3rd
trimesters of pregnancy to treat her anemia. Yellow dock is on our "no no"
list and she was wondering why. She said the tonic recipe came from a book
written by Susun Weed and that it was effective where iron supplements were
not. Happily, she was able to proceed with her plans to deliver at home.
Hooray! What a wonderful way to be brought into this world. Congratulations
and well done!
Given the fact that thousands of people
read our newsletter, we are prone to be overly cautious with our suggestions
and we concede that other herbalists may be more "expert" than we. Yellow
dock (Rumex crispus) is a laxative and bile stimulant which is the reason
it is included on the "no no" list. For some, this action could cause a
problem during pregnancy. For others, it may cause no problem at all. Yellow
dock is a very good cleansing herb especially when combined with burdock and
dandelion root or burdock and red clover root, but we must stand by our
original recommendation and leave it on the "no no" list during pregnancy
unless otherwise instructed by a licensed professional.
ANEMIA AND PREGNANCY
First, seek professional advice to
determine the type of anemia you have. There are several types. Iron
deficiency anemia is most easily treated with herbal self-help remedies.
The cause for hemolytic anemia may be hereditary (sickle-cell) or diseases
such as leukemia. Pernicious and megaloblastic anemias are caused by a
deficiency of vitamin B12. Deficiency of folate can cause anemia in pregnant
women and is easily remedied with a good B-complex supplement. Other,
relatively rare types of anemia include thalassemia and aplastic
anemia.
IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
(Do not exceed recommended doses in
treatments of any kind during pregnancy or breastfeeding.)
Nettle (Urtica diotica) is rich in
iron and potassium, and can be used safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The leaves help anemia and improve breast-milk production. Use fresh leaves
to make a soup with carrots and onions. Or, make an infusion using 25 g of
nettle leaves and 750 ml of water. Sip the whole dose at intervals
throughout the day.
Gentian (Gentiana lutea) improves
digestive functions thus improving nutrient absorption. It aids the
absorption of iron and vitamin B12 and is also safe for use during pregnancy
and breastfeeding. Make an infusion using 1 tsp gentian root to 1 cup water
and drink a half hour before meal time. Do not take if suffering from acid
indigestion and peptic ulcer.
Chiretta (Swertia chirata syn.
Ophelia chirata) is an excellent digestive aid for anemia especially
when suffering from nausea, bloating, or loss of appetite. It is also
safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Make an infusion of the
aerial parts using 1/2 tsp herb to 1 cup water and drink a half hour
before meal time.
FOODS FOR ANEMIA
Spinach? Surprise!
DO NOT eat spinach for anemia. It may hinder iron absorption.
Other things that may reduce iron absorption are bran, rhubarb,
zinc and calcium supplements, antacids, coffee, and tea according to
the new book, Foods That Harm Foods That Heal, released by
Reader's Digest.
This book recommends eating plenty
of organ meats, beef and other meats, poultry, fish, and egg yolks for
iron and vitamin B12. The book also recommends dried legumes, tofu and
other soy products, dates, raisins, dried apricots, blackstrap molasses,
iron-enriched breads and cereals, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables
(excluding spinach we assume). We recommend eating plenty of cabbage and
parsley along with your nettle and other green leafy vegetables. It is my
opinion that vegetarians or semi-vegetarians can get adequate iron and
vitamin B12 without meats. It's not easy, but it is possible.
CHILDBIRTH
Ready or not, here it comes.
You are about to become someone's mother. There's no turning back now.
As the due date approaches, there are some herbal things-to-do that will
facilitate an "easy" delivery ... if there is such a thing.
Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
can be used during the last ten (10) weeks of pregnancy. Make an infusion
of 1 tsp raspberry leaves with 1 cup water. Brew for 5-6 minutes and
drink 1-2 cups a day. Do not brew this tea longer than 5-6 minutes and
do not take until the last 10 weeks.
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum
thalictroides), also known as squaw root or papoose root, is a uterine
tonic that is useful during labor. Do not use during pregnancy. A tincture
is given during labor to relieve the pain of childbirth and speed delivery.
Take only under professional supervision.
Squaw vine (Mitchella repens)
is worth mentioning as a uterine tonic, too. This herb is useful during
labor and may also stimulate breast-milk production. Again, do not use
during pregnancy and take only under professional supervision.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum or O. minimum)
has been used to ease childbirth and expel the afterbirth. Make a decoction
of 1 tsp basil to 1 cup water and drink 1-2 cups a day during labor and
immediately after delivery.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
or Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis syn. A. polymorpha) has been used
to expel afterbirth. Make a decoction using 1 tsp herb to 1 cup water
and drink 1-2 cups a day immediately after delivery.
THE WEEK BEFORE DUE DATE
You can soften the perineum by
using an oil made with 5 drops pure essential oil of rose (Rosa damascena),
also known as rose otto/attar or rose absolute, and 1 tsp almond oil.
Once a day, use a tiny amount of this mixture along the line of muscle
and fibrous tissue that bridges the genital area and the anus. This
will encourage elasticity in the area and help prevent tearing during
childbirth.
If you have chosen to deliver
at home like our aforementioned reader, you can prepare the delivery
room with lavender essential oil as was done in the days of the Roman
empire. Lavender EO stimulates circulation; has a slight analgesic effect;
is antibiotic, antiseptic, and disinfectant, with slight antiviral and
anti-inflammatory properties; promotes healing of open wounds and can
be used instead of antiseptics; is good for headaches, fainting, and
bringing around after shock; and is very calming.
In the delivery room, essential
oil should be used in a diluted form. Not as an overpowering scent,
but to purify and cleanse the air. Other essential oils are beneficial
during delivery such as rose, neroli, nutmeg, clary sage, and geranium.
Consult a professional about the use of aromatherapy and massage during
delivery. Do not attempt to massage the belly during delivery without
professional advice.
YOUR NEW SOUL
The wonderful new life you are
about to hold in your arms has been preparing to meet you. Your baby
develops remarkable senses during the last few weeks in your womb.
The bond has already begun to form. Your emotional state, your voice,
and your touch are all recognized by this tiny little person. The moment
of birth is nothing less than a miracle manifest. Before delivery make
your wishes known. Request that your baby be placed in your arms immediately.
Speak softly to him or her and touch your miracle.
From that day and for the rest
of your life, you are a mother. And, when I thought my heart was full,
along came my grandson.
THE FUN BEGINS
I did say last week that herbs
for infants and children would be coming up next. Hopefully, that will
be the topic for next week. If there is something we have not covered
in this series that you would like for us to address, please let us know
and we will tack on an addendum later on.
Give all your little ones a hug
for me and please try to relate to their young minds. We were all there
once before ourselves. It's not always easy being a kid ...
remember?
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