Beneficial Herbs for Pregnancy

There are many herbs that can be beneficial during pregnancy. From leg cramps, to low iron, to gaining nutrients and uterus strength there is an herbal remedy for almost everything. There is also quite a long list of herbs that you should not use during pregnancy, so always ask your care provider before using them. You can easily add these four herbs to your daily regime by using them to make a tea, finding the capsules/tablets of each, or using tinters and tonics.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Red Raspberry leaf is one of the more well known herbs for pregnancy. It is great for helping strengthen the uterine muscles. The herb is high in iron, which is important for a healthy pregnancy and birth. There are also an abundance of other vitamins, including C, E, A, and B. It can help with nausea and even reduce labor pains. Raspberry leaf is also beneficial in increasing milk supply, so you should continue to drink it after pregnancy. Many pregnancy and nursing teas already contain this herb so you can buy those, or buy the herb and make your own tea.

Nettles

Nettles are an excellent source of iron and many other nutrients and vitamins such as A, C, D, K, and calcium. The high amounts of vitamin K make it especially important to drink at the end of pregnancy, as it can help prevent hemorrhaging. It is also an herb very high in chlorophyll. This is essential for good blood build up, and can also help you breath better if having shortness of breath.

Oat straw

Oat straw is an herb that is high in calcium and magnesium. It is also high in the B vitamins, helping with depression. It helps with skin agitations, which can be common during pregnancy with all of the bodies changes. Oat straw can aid in feeling uneasy, nervous, or restless. If you have high cholesterol or heart problems this is a great herb to turn to. Oat straw is more beneficial with time, so try adding it to your daily tea at the beginning of pregnancy.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa, or “father of all foods” is also good during and after pregnancy. It is abundant in chlorophyll, and many important prenatal vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin K, calcium, folic acid, and the B vitamins, just to name a handful. During pregnancy it can help with morning sickness, blood clotting, urinary complications, and reducing high blood pressure or cholesterol. After pregnancy it is said to also aid in increasing breast milk! If taken during the last trimester, it is likely to help with any hemorrhaging and decrease the bleeding for you. It also is said to give you and baby lots of needed vitamin K.

These are just some of the more common herbs for general well being during pregnancy. There are many other herbs that can address specific ailments and discomforts just remember to always check with your care provider for the safety of your chosen herbs. Pregnancy is such a sacred time to cherish, and it all starts with good health. Buying these herbs and enjoying them in a daily tea can truly be a wonderful part of your day and a healthy pregnancy!