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