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Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems
By Susun Weed
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; varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation, skin
discoloration and anemia are evidence of lack of specific nutrients;
preeclampsia, the most severe problem of pregnancy, is a form of acute
malnutrition. Excellent nutrition includes pure water, controlled breath,
abundant light, loving and respectful relationships, beauty and harmony
in daily life, joyous thoughts and vital foodstuffs.
During pregnancy nutrients are required to create the cells needed to
form two extra pounds of uterine muscle, the nerves, bones, organs,
muscles, glands and skin of the fetus, several pounds of amniotic fluid,
a placenta and a 50 percent increase in blood volume. In addition, extra
kidney and liver cells are needed to process the waste of' two beings
instead of one.
Wild foods and organically grown produce, grains and herbs 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.
TONICS DURING PREGNANCY
Wise women have recommended herbal tonics for childbearing for thousands
of years. These herbs are empirically safe and notably effective. Tonic
herbs improve general health by balancing and sustaining energy flow
and focus in the body.
Tonics allay annoyances and prevent major problems. They can boost
the supply of vital minerals and vitamins, increase energy and improve
uterine tone. Some uterine tonics are contraindicated during pregnancy
or are restricted to the last few weeks of pregnancy.
The tonics indicated for pregnancy need to be used regularly; a tonic
is to the cells much as exercise is to the muscles: not much use when
done erratically. Of course even occasional use of tonics during pregnancy
will be of benefit, since they do contain nourishing factors. Better
benefit will come from using them 5 times a week or more.
Some simple suggestions to get into the habit of' using tonics: pregnant
women could replace the morning cup of coffee with a rich Nettle infusion.
Or she could brew up some raspberry leaf tea and put it in the refrigerator
to drink instead of soda, wine, or beer. Wild greens can be added to
the diet. Women in many cultures have used the following herbs for centuries
to have a healthier pregnancy.
RED RASPBERRY LEAVES (Rubus spp.)
Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, raspberry is the best known, most
widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs. It
contains fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the
pelvic region, including the uterus itself.
Most of the benefits ascribed to regular use of Raspberry tea through
pregnancy are traced to the nourishing source of vitamins and minerals
found in this plant and to the strengthening power of fragrine - an
alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including
the uterus itself. Of special note are the rich concentration of vitamin
C, the presence of vitamin E and the easily assimilated calcium and
iron. Raspberry leaves also contain vitamins A and B complex and many
minerals, including phosphorous and potassium.
The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout
pregnancy include:
~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an
excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.
~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus
and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed
or atonic uterus.
~ Easing of morning sickness. Many attest to raspberry leaves' gentle
relief of nausea and stomach distress throughout pregnancy.
~ Reducing pain during labor and after birth. By toning the muscles
used during labor and delivery, Raspberry leaf eliminates many of the
reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. It does not,
however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation.
~ Assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. The high mineral
content of Raspberry leaf assist in milk production, but its astringency
may counter that for some women.
~ Providing a safe and speedy pariuntion. Raspberry leaf works to encourage
the uterus to let go and function without tension. It does not strengthen
contractions, but does allow the contracting uterus to work more effectively
and so may make the birth easier and faster.
NETTLE LEAVES (Urtica Dioca)
Less well known as a pregnancy tonic but deserving a kinder reputation
and use, Urtica is one of the finest nourishing tonics known. It is
reputed to have more chlorophyll than any other herb. The list of vitamins
and minerals in this herb includes nearly every one known to necessary
for human health and growth.
Vitamins A, C, D and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and sulphur
are particularly abundant in nettles. The infusion is a dark green color
approaching black. The taste is deep and rich. If you are blessed with
a nettle patch near you, use the fresh plant as a pot herb in the spring.
Some pregnant women alternate weeks of nettle and raspberry brews;
others drink raspberry until the last month and then switch to nettles
to insure large amounts of vitamin K in the blood before birth.
The benefits of drinking nettle infusion before and throughout pregnancy
include:
~ Aiding the kidneys. Nettle infusions were instrumental in rebuilding
the kidneys of a woman who was told she would have to be put on a dialysis
machine. Since the kidneys must cleanse 150 percent of the normal blood
supply for most of the pregnancy, nettle's ability to nourish and strengthen
them is of major importance. Any accumulation of minerals in the kidneys,
such as gravel or stones, is gently loosened, dissolved and eliminated
by the consistent use of nettle infusions.
~ Increasing fertility in women and men.
~ Nourishing mother and fetus.
~ Easing leg cramps and other spasms.
~ Diminishing pain during and after birth. The high calcium content,
which is readily assimilated, helps diminish muscle pains in the uterus,
in the legs and elsewhere.
~ Preventing hemorrhage after birth. Nettle is a superb source of vitamin
K, and increases available hemoglobin, both of which decrease the likelihood
of postpartum hemorrhage. Fresh Nettle Juice, in teaspoon doses, slows
postpartum bleeding.
~ Reducing hemorrhoids. Nettle's mild astringency and general nourishing
action tightens and strengthens blood vessels, helps maintain arterial
elasticity and improves venous resilience.
~ Increasing the richness and amount of breast milk.
CALCIUM
Of course calcium is a mineral, not an herbal tonic, but it is so important
during pregnancy and throughout our woman lives that I consider it a
tonic. Lack of adequate calcium during pregnancy is associated with
muscle cramps, backache, high blood pressure, intense labor and afterbirth
pains, osteoporosis, tooth problems, and preeclampsia.
Calcium assimilation is governed by exercise, stress, acidity during
digestion, availability of' Vitamin C, A and especially D, and availability
of magnesium and phosphorous in the body and the diet. Getting 1000
to 2000 mg of calcium every day is not hard with the help of Wise Woman
herbs:
~ The best food sources of calcium are fish dairy products, but there
is controversy about the assimilability of calcium from pasteurized,
homogenized milk. My preferred food sources include goat milk and goat
cheese, salmon, sardines, mackerel, seaweed (especially kelp), sesame
salt (gomasio), tahini and dark leafy greens Such as turnip tops, beet
greens and kale.
~ There are roughly 200 mg 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, (kale, collards and especially
dandelion) half a cup of milk, three eggs, four ounces of fish, or one
tablespoon of molasses.
~ Most wild greens are exceptionally rich in calcium arid the factors
need for calcium absorption and use. lambs quarters, mallow, galinsoga,
shepherd's purse, knotweed, bidens, amaranth and dandelion leaves all
supply more calcium per 100 grams than does milk.
~ Bones soaked in apple cider vinegar release their calcium into the
acidic vinegar. A tablespoon of this vinegar in a glass of water supplies
needed calcium and relieves morning sickness too.
~ 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 source.
~ Raspberry leaf infusion contains calcium in its most assimilable
form. Assimilation is further enhanced by the presence of phosphorous
and vitamins A and C in the raspberry leaves.
~ Fresh parsley and watercress are available in most grocery stores
year round. They are both good sources of many minerals and vitamins,
including calcium, phosphorous, vitamin A and vitamin C.
~ Nettle Infusion supplies calcium and phosphorous, vitamin A and the
vital vitamin D, in a readily assimilable form.
~ Foods that are thought to interfere with absorption of calcium should
be avoided: spinach, chocolate, rhubarb and brewer's yeast.
~ 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.
TONICS TO USE WITH CAUTION
Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens), Blue Cohosh (Caulophyflum
thalicotroides), and Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) all
should be avoided until the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Even then,
they should be used only when indicated, and under the supervision of
someone experienced in their use. Some midwives report that the Cohoshes
must be used together (not interchangeably). Others have reported premature
labor when Blue Cohosh was taken in combination with Pennyroyal. False
Unicorn Root (Helonias dioica), Dong Quai (Angelica spp.)
and PN6 capsules are considered too strong for use during pregnancy.
I harvest the flowering stalks when they are fully formed; and I am
careful to use the cultivated garden comfrey, which grows very tall
and has purplish, pinkish, bluish flowers. I avoid wild comfrey which
stays rather small, even when flowering, and has cream-colored, white,
or yellowish flowers.
Some people feel that comfrey is not safe to use during pregnancy. Some
people feel comfrey is not safe to use internally at all. I disagree.
The roots of comfrey do contain compounds that are best avoided during
pregnancy. (As do all parts of the wild plant.) In fact, I rarely use
comfrey root because of the possibility of liver congestion, and I strongly
caution those who have had hepatitis, chemotherapy, or alcohol problems
to strictly avoid comfrey root. Yet even these people can benefit from
use of comfrey leaf infusions.
* Another important herbal ally for women over forty who desire a
child is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-casti). It has been used in
Africa and parts of Europe for several thousand years to discourage
the male libido. In women, the effects seem to be the opposite! It may
also be a fertility enhancer. Most importantly, chaste tree is a strengthening
tonic for the pituitary gland, the master control gland for the endocrine
system. Daily use of the tincture of the berries (1 dropperful/1 ml
2-3 times daily) had been shown to increase progesterone--the hormone
of pregnancy--and luteinizing hormone--which promotes conception. Because
it can lower prolactin levels, chaste tree is best discontinues during
the last trimester of pregnancy.
* Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is not recommended for women
over forty. In general, this herb promotes blood flow to the uterus
and surrounding tissues. This can promote the growth of fibroids and
increase the risk of post-partum hemorrhage. Ginger is a better warming
tonic; motherwort is better at relieving pain; and raspberry is better
at preparing the uterus for birth.
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Susun Weed’s books include: |

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Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year
Author: Susun S. Weed. Simple, safe remedies for pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and newborns. Includes herbs for fertility and birth control. Foreword by Jeannine Parvati Baker. 196 pages, index, illustrations.
Order at: www.wisewomanbookshop.com
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Healing Wise
Author: Susun S. Weed. Superb herbal in the feminine-intuitive mode. Complete instructions for using common plants for food, beauty, medicine, and longevity. Introduction by Jean Houston. 312 pages, index, illustrations.
Order at: www.wisewomanbookshop.com |
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NEW Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way
Author: Susun S. Weed. The best book on menopause is now better. Completely revised with 100 new pages. All the remedies women know and trust plus hundreds of new ones. New sections on thyroid health, fibromyalgia, hairy problems, male menopause, and herbs for women taking hormones. Recommended by Susan Love MD and Christiane Northrup MD. Introduction by Juliette de Bairacli Levy. 304 pages, index, illustrations.
Order at: www.wisewomanbookshop.com
For excerpts visit: www.menopause-metamorphosis.com
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Breast Cancer? Breast Health!
Author: Susun S. Weed. Foods, exercises, and attitudes to keep your breasts healthy. Supportive complimentary medicines to ease side-effects of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or tamoxifen. Foreword by Christiane Northrup, M.D. 380 pages, index, illustrations.
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Down There: Sexual and Reproductive Health the Wise Woman Way
Publication date: June 21, 2011
Author: Susun S. Weed
Simple, successful, strategies cover the entire range of options -- from mainstream to radical -- to help you choose the best, and the safest, ways to optimize sexual and reproductive health.
Foreword: Aviva Romm, MD, midwife, 484 pages, Index, illustrations.
Order at: www.wisewomanbookshop.com
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Abundantly Well - Seven Medicines
The Complementary Integrated Medical
Revolution
Publication date: December 2019
Author: Susun S. Weed
Seven Medicines build foundational health and guide you to the best health care when problems arise.
Includes case studies, recipes, exentsive references and resources. Introduction by Patch Adams illustrated by Durga
Yael Bernhard 352 pages, index, illustrations
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Susun Weed's Video & CD's: |
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Weeds to the Wise DVD Video
Visit Susun's farm for a weed walk. Hear her talk on the Three Traditions of Healing. Make infusion with her. Fun! (1 hour VHS video) Please note: this VHS video tape is in NTSC format which may not be compatible with video players outside of the USA and Canada.
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Susun
Weed, green witch and wise woman, is an extraordinary teacher with
a joyous spirit, a powerful presence, and an encyclopedic knowledge
of herbs and health. She is the voice of the Wise Woman Way, where common
weeds, simple ceremony, and compassionate listening support and nourish
health/wholeness/holiness. She has opened hearts to the magic and medicine
of the green nations for three decades. Ms. Weed's Six herbal medicine
books focus on women's health topics including: menopause, childbearing,
and breast health. Visit her site www.susunweed.com for information on her workshops, apprenticeships, correspondence courses
and more! Venture into the
Menopause site www.menopause-metamorphosis.com to learn all about the Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way. Join Susuns Mentorship site for personal one on one mentorship!
We also invite you to visit our commerce site www.wisewomanbookshop.com to learn about our Wise Woman publications, workshops, correspondence courses. As well as online courses at Wise Woman School.
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