Herbs and Aromatherapies for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women have used herbal medicines to relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy for hundreds of years, passing the knowledge down from generation to generation. Fortunately, much of that wisdom is still available to us.

Some guidelines for using herbs in pregnancy:
Use herbs as little as possible during the first trimester
Use milder herbs in smaller doses
Do not use these herbs before 37-38 weeks-
black or blue cohosh, motherwort, dong quai, rue, squawvine

• Ginger and peppermint teas for nausea and vomiting
• Slippery elm for heartburn or indigestion
• 1-2 TBSP flax seed meal daily for prevention of constipation
• Nettles tea or capsules for allergies
• Chamomile, lemon balm, catnip, oatstraw teas for calming or to promote sleep
• Red raspberry for nutrients and uterine toning
• Mullein tea for coughs and congestion
• Skullcap tincture for reducing labor pain
• Fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle, alfalfa or goat’s rue for building milk supply

Herbs to avoid during pregnancy are: Uva ursi, goldenseal, damiana, licorice, cascara, ephedra, kava kava,comfrey (internally) and internal aloe.

Aromatherpy, using pure essential oils, can be a great way to soothe body and soul. Essential oils can be diffused into the air with electric diffuser or lamp ring, 5-7 drops can be added to a bath, or you can mix a massage oil with 10-15 drops essential oil or oils  in 1 oz base oil such as olive, sweet almond or apricot.

Oils considered safe for use during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are: Lavender, rose geranium, sandalwood, ylang ylang, eucalyptus, bergamot, chamomile, rosemary, clary sage, jasmine.

Wake up a great massage oil for labor by blending 2 oz olive oil with 20 drops lavender and 10 drops chamomile pure essential oils.

This time in life presents an opportunity for education about natural therapies for yourself and your family. Also, work with you healthcare team, midwife, physician or knowledgeable herbal practitioner when choosing herbal options.

Written by Donna Walls, RN, IBCLC, Herbalist, Aromatherapist
Author of Natural Families- Healthy Homes