Herbal Tonics for a Healthy Pregnancy
Erin Piorier
Pregnancy is a time of incredible changes and increased demands on a mother’s body. Rapid growth takes place within the tissues of the mother and baby meanwhile an entirely new organ is grown—the placenta. The mother copes with the demands of excreting her waste as well as that of her baby. The mother’s whole body and metabolism undergo a transformation under the influence of the hormones of pregnancy.
Herbs can help during this exciting but challenging time of growth. Herbal tonics can offer concentrated nutrition in the form of easily assimilated vitamins and minerals as well as a whole complement of healing phytochemicals. There is a long tradition of using herbs as tonics during pregnancy. Tonics are safe and gentle herbs that are used as a part of the regular diet in the form of a food, tea or sometimes as herbal syrups. Because of their proven safety, tonics can be taken as desired by the expecting mother, from once or twice weekly to once or twice daily. Tonics are preventative medicine—when taken regularly the many vitamins and minerals in a tonic tea may help prevent many common pregnancy discomforts, promote optimal fetal growth and development and increase the chances of a normal and problem-free birth.
Red Raspberry Leaf
The most famed herbal tonic for pregnancy is Raspberry Leaf. Women all around the world, Asian, Native American, European, have used Raspberry Leaf for ages for the same purpose—toning and strengthening the pregnant and postpartum uterus, thus contributing to an easier labor and birth.
Raspberry is rich in minerals, which account for some of its “toning properties.” Smooth muscles, such as the uterus, function best when supplied with adequate minerals. Calcium and magnesium work in tandem to help the smooth muscles both relax and contract. In addition to calcium and magnesium, Raspberry Leaf is also rich in potassium, zinc, iron and folic acid, all of which contribute to the overall wellness of mom and baby.
Raspberry contains phytochemicals such as tannins, which promote toning and astringing the uterus and the alkaloid Fragarine, which studies have shown also affects the uterus. Studies show that Raspberry Leaf both stimulates and relaxes the uterus. Confused? Many herbs tend to have a regulating effect on body tissues. For instance, the same herb can often be used for constipation or diarrhea, too much urine or not enough urine. Raspberry leaf may help promote the ideal type of contractions during labor: coordinated uterine contractions that are strong, rhythmic and regularly spaced with complete relaxation of the uterus in between.
Raspberry Leaf is not a drug, nor is it a markedly strong herb. Its strength comes from the nourishment it offers when consumed regularly. It is safe to drink it freely in pregnancy to taste. Raspberry Leaf makes a delicious tea that has the same astringency and richness as black tea with a touch of fruitiness. It is an appropriate beverage during labor. Do not expect, (or worry about), pitocin-type effects from this herb.)
Raspberry Leaf is also used postpartum to tone the uterus after birth and as a galactagogue (an herb to build breastmilk).
Nettles
Stinging Nettles is the second most commonly used herbal tonic for pregnancy. Stinging Nettles is a nutritional powerhouse. It is extremely rich in protein and many vitamins and minerals that are woefully lacking in the American diet including calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, chromium, cobalt, phosphorus, copper, sulfur, silica and other trace minerals. Nettles also include: B vitamins, vitamin k and abundant chlorophyll.
Nettles are a fabulously effective remedy for anemia, a very common issue in pregnancy. The chlorophyll and iron help to build blood. Nettles are very energizing to those suffering from the fatigue of anemia.
Nettles are frequently used by homebirth midwives and their clients for its markedly high Vitamin K content. Hospitals routinely give newborns a Vitamin K injection to prevent bleeding from a rare hemorrhagic disorder in babies. Women who wish to avoid routine Vitamin K injections after the birth use Nettles prenatally in the hopes of passing increased Vitamin K to their unborn babies and to increase their own stores of Vitamin K. Adequate stores of Vitamin K help to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in the mother.
Nettles have a gentle stimulating effect on many organs of the body, encouraging them to function optimally and to eliminate wastes effectively. I think of Nettles as a bit of an herbal “kick in the pants.” Nettles helps with sluggish digestion, weak kidneys, skin problems of all sorts, underactive thyroid and other health issues. Nettles are useful during urinary tract infections which may be common during pregnancy.
Like Raspberry Leaf, Nettles is a galactagogue and increase the production of breastmilk in the new mother.
Herbal Syrups for Vitamins and Minerals
As a practitioner, I provide many of my pregnant clients with herbal syrups to use as tonics during pregnancy. Various herbal tonics/syrups are available from the local health food store and syrups made from local wildcrafted plants are available from local herbalists. Syrups are delicious and offer concentrated nutrition from the many plants (including Raspberry Leaf and Nettles) that are used to make them. They can be stored in the fridge and a tablespoon or two can be taken quickly and easily with breakfast. Syrups can effectively treat anemia, fatigue and constipation. One pregnant student of mine recently raised her hemoglobin count by 1.5 points in just two weeks using a handmade herbal syrup!
Listening to Your Body While Pregnant
You may consult with one of more caregivers during your pregnancy. You may read this article and many other books and articles during your pregnancy. Ultimately however, you are the expert on your own body. Sample the teas and judge the effect for yourself. The herbal tonics listed above have time-honored reputations of safety during pregnancy. However, we are all unique individuals with unique constitutions. If you don’t like a particular herbal tonic, it seems unhelpful or even makes pregnancy symptoms worse, stop taking it!! Listen to your body. Take herbal tonics as your body dictates. Do not persist in a regimen with herbs that doesn’t agree with you based solely on the recommendations of this article or any other source.
Making a Tonic Herbal Tea
Use one teaspoon of dried herbs or 1 Tablespoon of fresh herbs to 8 ounces of boiling water. Cover (to prevent the volatile oils from escaping) and steep for approximately 20 minutes.
Making herbal teas is like making a soup from the leftovers in your fridge, not like making a complicated soufflé. Dried tonic herbs can be mixed together. Feel free to use up to ½ ounce of herbs per pint of water and steep up to eight hours for really strong herbal brews.
Note to the reader: Please be aware that this topic is not without controversy in the herbal world. There are well-regarded herbalists, sometimes quite famous, authors of books, etc. who consider only about a half-dozen herbs to be contraindicated in pregnancy. There are many other well-regarded herbalists, who also write books and have achieved acclaim in the field, who considers dozens and dozens of herbs to be inappropriate for use in pregnancy.
The following list attempts to land somewhere in the middle. I do not make blanket generalizations about the safety of herbs, nor do I hope to instill undue fear in the hearts of pregnant herbal users. Please note that some herbs to be avoided are not included in this list. I have tried to include herbs you are more likely to see suggested in contemporary herbals or found in products at the health food store. A number or strong and potentially dangerous herbs are mentioned in old herbals from the 19th century or earlier which are not in common use these days. Such herbs are not included.
If in doubt about an herb, consult a well-respected herbal reference or call a professional herbalist. Many midwives are also knowledgeable about herbs. Also, some of the herbs on this list may be safely used in pregnancy under the direction of a practitioner trained in herbal use.
Cotton Root (Gosssypium hirsutum)
Dang Quai, Angelica (Angelica sinensis, Angelica archangelica)small amounts such as that found in Floradix is fine
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Purgatives—Cathartics—Emetics--- Strong Laxatives—Strong Bitters—Strong Cleansing
Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus pursiana)
Celandine, Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)
Ipecac (Ipecac ipechachuana)
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Senna (Cassia senna)
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Wormwood (Artemisia absintuium)
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Comfrey Root (Internal) Symphytum officinale
Ephedra spp.
Juniper
Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)
Sustained Use of Herbs that have an Effect on the Endocrine (hormonal) system of the body are best avoided
Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca)
Ginseng (Panax spp.)
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Occassional use in tea for sore throat, stomach upset, perfectly o.k. avoid sustained—week after week--use
Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis)
Miscellaneous
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalus)
Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Calamus (Acorus calamus)
Use the following only if directed by a trained holistic clinician with experience treating women in pregnancy or midwife
Black Cohosh (Cimcifuga racemosa)
Blue Cohosh (Caulophylum thalyctroides)
Butternut (Juglans Canadensis)
Poke Root (Phytolacca
Culinary Herbs: Contraindications?
Many sources suggest that Parsley, Nutmeg and Sage and many other culinary herbs are contraindicated in medicinal doses during pregnancy. Culinary use of these herbs is perfectly acceptable. All herbs commonly used in cooking are safe to continue using in cooking throughout pregnancy.
Herbal Birth Kit
During late pregnancy it is fine to continue with any tonics you have previously been taking like Red Raspberry Leaf, Nettles, Oatstraw or Alfalfa. An herb with a reputation as a late pregnancy tonic is Mitchella (also known as Squawvine or Partridge Berry). Many women, especially those who are experiencing anxiety, nervousness or trouble sleeping also benefit from the addition of low doses of Motherwort to soothe those final weeks before the big day.
Evening Primrose Oil and Borage Oil are used by many moms during the late stages of pregnancy to help the cervix ripen. (See the detailed not on oils below.)
Inducing Labor with Herbs
Many herbs have been used historically to promote and/or strengthen labor. However many of these herbs are quite powerful and their action may be poorly understood.
Consult with an Herbalist or Midwife if you wish to use strong herbs to begin or augment your labor.
Herbs that have been used for labor and delivery include:
Blue Cohosh, Black Cohosh, False Unicorn Root, Trillium (Bithroot, Bethroot),True Unicorn Root and Wild Ginger, False Unicorn Root.
Strong bitter or purgatives are also used to provoke labor. This is accomplished by greatly irritating the bowel which lies in close proximity to the uterus. Evacuate the bowels…evacuate the uterus. Castor Oil is a popular choice for this purpose. Please bear in mind that if you try to induce labor with Castor Oil you may sucesfully jump start your labor but you may also experience hours of diarrhea and possible bowel spasms and cramping. Sometimes this is an acceptable trade-off, especially if by not going into labor soon you may face a highly medicalized or possibly surgical birth. Other herbs have also been used for this purpose like, Mayapple or Wormwood. Caution is recommended. Check with your midwife or herbalist.
Some more gentle herbs that are believed to be Oxytocic include Fenugreek and Calendula. Medicinal doses of these herbs may be effective at beginning or augmenting labor with a low potential for side effects. Nevertheless, consult with your trusted practitioner.
Insertion of Evening Primrose Oil or Borage Oil may be used to ripen the cervix. This is due to the prostaglandin type activity of some of the compounds in Evening Primrose Oil and Borage. Capsules may be inserted directly into the vagina. Your body heat will melt the gelatin cap quite quickly. Check with your midwife—a rare side-effect with insertion is vomiting from irritation of the vagus nerve. You can also take EPO and Borage internally. These food-grade oils are safe throughout pregnancy.
During Labor
If you desire, you can sip any gentle tonic tea that agrees with you such as Nettles, Raspberry Leaf, Oatstraw or Alfalfa.
Relaxing herbs are appropriate to sip during labor. Emotional, spiritual and psychological issues can impede an otherwise normal labor. Consider a nervine to help smooth out the energy. Remember that sometimes a labor doesn’t need to be pushed or sped up. Sometimes the best prescription for a lagging 1st stage of labor is a good night sleep. A nervine can help a nervous first-time mom get some rest. Remember that lots of important work may continue in her body while sleeping, like further cervical changes, further changes in the baby’s position and more light contractions. Sleep is not wasted time.
Wood Betony is great for women who are very intellectual and too much in her head during this very physical process.
Chamomile is great for women having trouble with the pain of labor. Perhaps they are fixating a bit on various discomforts. Dare I say a bit whining?
Motherwort is excellent for those women who are experiencing a lot of fear and worry in early labor.
Other herbs to consider for relaxation and gentle sedation include: Lemon Balm, Linden Blossoms, Passion Flower, Hops, Prickly Lettuce
Note that
For External Use
Ginger may be used externally as a compress/fomentation to relieve back pain, essential oils may be used externally (well-diluted) or for the aroma
Postpartum
It is useful to have herbs variety of herbs on hand for the third stage and the first few days postpartum.
Shepherd’s Purse, Yarrow or
Shepherd’s Purse and Lady’s Mantle combination for the first week or two postpartum for uterine involution and reduction of lochia
Black Haw or Cramp Bark for after-pains
Something soothing to use for a peri-wash, compress or herbal bath. Recipes abound— ask you midwife or check out a good herb book. My top picks include: Comfrey Leaves, Calendula, Chickweed, Plantain and Chamomile. During a good ninth months or so of the year, you can probably pick fresh Plantain and possibly Chickweed right from the backyard. Nothing beats a fresh local herb!
Erin Piorier Did you know? Plant chemicals are called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals from food and herbs as well as chemicals from prescription, over-the-counter and recreational drugs can be transferred to baby via the breastmilk. However...Breastmilk transfer of chemicals is very different than placental transfer during pregnancy. In general, most chemicals do pass into mother’s milk but the dose is very small, usually about 1-2% of the maternal dose. Some medications like bulk-forming laxatives and insulin are not transferred at all. Furthermore, chemicals that enter the breastmilk may not have an effect on the baby. According to world-renown researcher Thomas Hale, “Some drugs [including phytochemicals] may be broken down in the baby’s stomach acid before they can be absorbed, or they may be poorly absorbed into the baby’s bloodstream. If the drug is absorbed by the infant’s body, it may be broken down by the baby’s liver and not cause an effect.” Factors to consider are: age and size of the baby; smaller babies are less able to eliminate chemicals from the system, exclusively breastfed infants receive higher doses of chemicals than those also eating solids, chemicals (drug or herbal) that are known to be safe for babies are also the safest choice for the breastfeeding mom; long-acting drugs/herbs are not as safe as short-acting chemicals. The bottom line: be considerably more cautious about using herbs while you are breastfeeding a tiny, exclusively breast-fed infant. Safety of Medicinal Herbs while Lactating It is my opinion, that reasonable amounts of almost all common medicinal herbs taken by the mother pose little risk to the breastfeeding infant. In general, many of the herbs contraindicated in pregnancy are quite safe for the lactating mom. Highly cathartic/purgative, strongly cardio-active and psychotropic herbs and herbs with known toxicity should be avoided. No responsible and educated practitioner would recommend such herbs to a lactating mother. Common sense dictates that self-medication with herbs of known toxicity should not attempted. The postpartum period is a time for rest, recuperation, deep nourishment and building. The postpartum period is not a time for rapid, intentional weight loss or intense cleansing, detox type regimens with diet or herbs. Sleep well, eat well, drink plenty of healthful beverages and use tonic type herbs or use judicious amounts of well-chosen medicinal herbs only when needed. In general, there is a severe paucity of scientific data on herbs and even less on herbs and lactation. Much of research that is done on toxicity of medicinal herbs is riddled with problems. (This is a very hot topic in medicinal herbalism). Dr. Thomas Hale’s website on Lactation Pharmacology (www.neonatal.tthsc.edu/lact/) does contain some information, mainly along the lines of “we don’t have any data on x, y, or z, herb, but if it’s non-toxic for mom, it poses little risk to the baby.” Sources for this handout include La Leche League International’s Breastfeeding Answer Book (Third edition) and A Medication Guide for Breastfeeding Moms, by Thomas Hale.
Thank you to:
Erin Piorier
Herbalist
Doula
Apprenticing Midwife
Lactation Support
Herbal Birth Kits and Supplies
Erin Piorier is a professional herbalist who has been studying and working with plants for over eight years. She has studied with
