Herbs in pregnancy can effectively help with many ailments and problems during pregnancy. But you need to know which herbs are safe while pregnant and which you shouldn't use right now. If you haven't used any herbs before your pregnancy, it's better not to start using them now. Some medicinal plants contain strong allergens. What herbs are safe in pregnancy?

Herbs in pregnancyare worth using, but future mothers are often afraid to reach for them because they do not know if they are safe. In fact, not allpregnant herbsare safe, but many are. And only about such herbs today we write. It is worth liking them because they are often very effective.

Herbs in pregnancy: how to use?

Herbs during pregnancy are best drunk prophylactically - because they have a great power to prevent diseases. This is due to the high content of vitamins, microelements and other active substances with a beneficial effect on the body (including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols). It is worth supplementing your home first aid kit with them. Infusions of herbs can be drunk prophylactically 2-3 times a day, preparing them in the proportion: 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs per glass of water.

Herbs in pregnancy: common nettle

Contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, especially iron and calcium. Regularly drinking nettle infusion or eating the herb strictly prevents anemia. Nettle also has a diuretic effect, so it is worth drinking it when you suffer from leg swelling - it helps to get rid of excess water from the body. Thanks to vitamin K, flavonoids and tannins, it has anti-haemorrhagic properties. It lowers blood pressure. It stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, has anti-diarrheal properties, and slightly lowers blood sugar levels.

Herbs in pregnancy: chamomile

It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, soothes ailments in flatulence, gastritis, it also has a calming and slightly hypnotic effect. When mixed with ginger, it helps with morning sickness. Applied externally, it has anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties, it can be used to rinse eyes, rinse the mouth with gingivitis and the throat when angina is troubling. A bath with the addition of chamomile infusion soothes swollen legs often during pregnancy.

Herbs in pregnancy: ginger

The medicinal raw material is fresh ginger rhizome (ginger powder will not yieldexpected results). A piece of ginger (approx. 5 cm), finely chop, pour 0.5 liters of water and cook for 20 minutes. Drain the stock and mix with honey. You can also grate the rhizome on a grater, mix it with honey and lemon juice - and eat it. Ginger is bactericidal, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. It moisturizes the mucosa well and brings relief from a dry cough. But it is important during pregnancy because it is effective in relieving morning sickness. One study even found that it reduces the risk of miscarriage.

Herbs in pregnancy: linseed

Flax seeds are a very good remedy for constipation: pour a tablespoon of seeds into 150 ml of hot, boiled water and leave for 30 minutes. Eat the seeds prepared in this way (you can add honey to taste) three times a day with water. The linseed solution also soothes a dry cough.

Herbs in pregnancy: raspberry

Raspberry leaves are controversial herbs in Poland - there is a popular opinion that they cannot be drunk during pregnancy before 37-38. even some midwives say that, because they can cause premature uterine contractions. However, everything indicates that this is our local myth. Both Dr. Preeti Agrawal, a well-known gynecologist from India, and the famous promoter of natural childbirth, Janet Balaskas, mention raspberry leaves as one of the most important herbs in pregnancy in their publications. They recommend drinking an infusion of raspberry leaves even throughout pregnancy, and at least - the last two trimesters, because it has a very good effect on the uterine muscle: it strengthens and nourishes it, which improves childbirth and helps to endure the associated effort. In addition, it tones the stretching muscle and relaxes at the end of pregnancy, soothes contractions, which is why many pregnant drinkers of raspberry leaf infusion do not feel the so-called predictive contractions. On the other hand, at the time when labor begins, the infusion of raspberry leaves enhances the effect of uterine contractions, which makes the process progress more efficiently.

Herbs in pregnancy: marshmallow

Contains mucilaginous substances, has a shielding and softening effect. Marshmallow root decoction relieves digestive ailments such as gastric excess, heartburn and constipation. Marshmallow leaf infusion covers the irritated throat, reducing dry, exhausting cough.

Herbs in pregnancy: dandelion

The herbaceous parts and flowers of this common plant contain large amounts of vitamin A, calcium and iron, and the leaves are also rich in potassium. Dandelion (commonly known as dandelion) also contains substances that facilitate digestive processes and stimulate the secretion of bile. In addition, it helps in getting rid of excess fluid.

Herbs in pregnancy: lemon balm

Eases the statesnervous agitation, it works for sleep not. A cup of warm lemon balm infusion sweetened with honey removes headaches, chases away depressed mood and insomnia. It can be brewed together with chamomile or nettle. Some expectant mothers also use it successfully in the first trimester to help relieve nausea and vomiting.

Pregnant herbs: peppermint

Mint leaves support the digestive tract and digestive processes, thus preventing flatulence. In some pregnant women, the mint infusion also relieves morning sickness. In addition, it has a calming effect and helps soothe the irritability and anxiety that often accompany expectant mothers.

Pregnant herbs: alfalfa

Its leaves contain significant amounts of vitamins B, C, D, E and K as well as minerals: potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus. Drinking an infusion of alfalfa leaves helps in the treatment of anemia, prevents hemorrhages, and eliminates flatulence and constipation. It's also worth trying alfalfa as a nausea remedy - it is often effective.

Herbs in pregnancy: monkshood

Thanks to its astringent properties, this herb prevents childbirth hemorrhages, it also helps with morning nausea and digestive problems. During pregnancy, algae is used to strengthen the uterus - if drunk daily for four weeks before delivery, it can improve its course.

Pregnant herbs: marjoram

Marjoram infusion (1 teaspoon per glass of boiling water) relieves pregnancy nausea. If you don't like drinking herbs, you can just eat a level teaspoon of marjoram.

Herbs in pregnancy: evening primrose

Evening primrose oil can be purchased at the pharmacy in the form of capsules. It is worth using it before childbirth (starting from the 36th week of pregnancy), because evening primrose has a softening effect on the cervix. When it's time to give birth, your neck will be more likely to shorten and open up. Dosage: two capsules three times a day.

Herbs in pregnancy: medical lavender

Regardless of the form in which it is used, it is always relaxing. It is worth not only inhaling its unique scent (e.g. in the form of an aromatherapy oil), but also drinking an infusion of lavender: pour a tablespoon of lavender flowers with a glass of boiling water, cover, and after 10 minutes, stir, strain and drink. The infusion perfectly soothes and puts you to sleep, and also prevents flatulence.

These herbs must not be used during pregnancy

The species of herbs that must not be used during pregnancy include: yarrow, wormwood, grass, rue, tansy, field mint, lovage, aloe, mugwort, ginseng, senna, angelica, lithium , garden savory. Besides, many herbs come inreactions with medications taken, therefore you should always discuss their use with your doctor in charge of your pregnancy.

When preparing the material, I used, among others from the books: Pregnancy naturala, Janet Balaskas and Discovering Motherhood, Preeti Agrawal.

"M jak mama" monthly

Category:

Pregnancy