Herbs & Nutrition In Pregnancy

 This Article is taken from The Herbalist, newsletter of the

Canadian Society for Herbal Research. COPYRIGHT March 1989. 

 

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Herbs & Nutrition In Pregnancy - Susun Weed

Wise women see 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

labour pains often result from insufficient calcium; varicose

veins, haemorrhoids, constipation, skin discolorations and 

anaemia 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, positive, 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, stretching, bending, breathing, moving,

touching the earth, taking time to talk with plants and herself,

and opening the spiritual world of plants.

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:

have the client replace her morning cup of coffee with a rich

Nettle infusion. Or have her 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. The following herbs

have been used by women in many cultures 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 can be traced to the strengthening power of

fragrine or to the nourishing power of the vitamins and minerals

found in this plant. 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 haemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the

uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and post-partum haemorrhage

from a relaxed or atonic uterus. 

*Easing of morning sickness. Many attest to raspberry leaf's

gentle relief of nausea and stomach distress throughout

pregnancy. 

*Reducing pain during labour and after birth. By toning the

muscles used during labour 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. 

*Providing a safe and speedy parturition. 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. 

*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. 

NETTLE LEAVES (Urtica Dioca)

Less well known as a pregnancy tonic but deserving a wider

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 be 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 colour approaching black. The taste is deep and rich.

If you are blessed with a nettle patch near you, use the fresh

plant as 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 infusion 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 haemorrhage after birth. Nettle is a superb source or

vitamin K, and increased available haemoglobin, both of which

decrease the likelihood of postpartum haemorrhage. Fresh Nettle

Juice, in teaspoon doses, slows postpartum bleeding. 

*Reducing haemorrhoids. 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 labour 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 and dairy products, but

there is controversy about the body's ability to assimilate

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 grams 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 and the

factors need for calcium absorption and use. Lamb's 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

warm water supplies needed calcium and is good for 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 infusions supply calcium and phosphorous, vitamin A and

the vital vitamin D, in a readily assimilable form.

Foods which 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 (Caulophyllum

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 labour when Blue

Cohosh was taken in combination with Pennyroyal. False Unicorn

Root (Helonias dioca), Dong Quai (Angelica spp.) and PN6 capsules

are considered too strong for use during pregnancy.

FURTHER READING

How to be a Healthy Mother and have a Healthy Child. Society for

the Protection of the Unborn through Nutrition (SPUN) 17 North

Wabash, Suite 603, Chicago, IL. 60602

The Brewer Medical Diet for Normal and High Risk Pregnancy. Gail

and Tom Brewer; 1982, Simon and Shuster

Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Discomforts. Free; send stamped,

self addressed, legal size envelope to: Department of Consumer

Affairs, POB 310, Sacramento, CA 95802

About the author.

Susun Weed, herbalist, author, teacher and founder of the "Wise

Woman Center" offers workshops and apprenticeships world wide.

Free brochure: PO Box 64, Woodstock N.Y. 12498. Her books are

"Healing Wise" and "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year",

Ash Tree Pub.