Breastfeeding
Herbs for Pregnancy and Childbirth
The following herbs are said to be good for pregnancy and childbirth:
- Alfalfa
This is one of the few plant sources of vitamin K (necessary for blood clotting). It also contains eight digestive enzymes, numerous trace minerals and high quantities of vitamins A, D and E.
- Chamomile
This is a great calming agent and helps with digestive disorders including nausea. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nettles
These contain high levels of calcium, iron and protein, and is an excellent herb for nourishing mothers who are feeling depleted.
- Oatstraw
This is high in calcium and magnesium. It also calms nervous stress and tension, and is an effective remedy for yeast infections.
- Red Raspberry Leaf
This is an herb rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, especially iron. It also nourishes the uterus, soothes nausea, helps prevent miscarriage, eases labor pains and builds a healthy breast milk supply.
- Rose Hips
These are a great source of vitamin C and help fight infection and exhaustion.
A Tea For Nursing Mothers
Some mothers find it difficult to either commence milk production or to maintain a high enough level of production while breastfeeding.
Since it is best for the child to be on breast milk for as long as it is feasible, herbs that will help can be invaluable. For this, herbs such as Aniseed, Blessed Thistle, Caraway Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Goat’s Rue and Vervain are available, with Goat’s Rue being perhaps the most powerful.
These seeds, which are rich in volatile oils, are also very effective and can be combined to make a very pleasant tea.
Combine the following:
- 2 parts Caraway seed
- 1 part part Fennel seed
- 2 parts Fenugreek seed
- 1 part Aniseed
Crush two tablespoons of a mixture of the seeds listed above and put them in a cup of cold water. Bring it to simmering point and then remove from the heat. Leave it to stand for 10 minutes, covered to reduce the loss of the volatile oils. Drink a cup of this tea three times a day.
From: The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal
Mother’s Milk Tea
You can change this recipe as desired, if you do not have access to all these herbs. The best galactic herbs are nettle, alfalfa, blessed thistle, and red raspberry leaf. The other herbs add wonderful nutrition and are healing to the body. The herbs can be rather bland and grassy tasting on their own, so I added cinnamon (about 1-2 tsp for this quantity), which provided a delightful flavoring. You could try chamomile or lemon balm as an alternative.
- 1/2 cup nettle leaf, dried
– a vitamin factory, high in calcium, iron, potassium, etc
– strengthens and tones entire system - 1/2 cup red raspberry leaf, dried
– nourishing tonic for the reproductive system
– high in calcium - 1/4 cup alfalfa leaf, dried
– a superlative restorative tonic, rebuilding vitality and boosting milk supply - 1/4 cup dandelion leaf, dried
-beneficial for all conditions due to the wonderful source of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and micro-nutrients - 1/4 cup fennel seed
– Increase milk production and tone the digestive system, curtailing colic and indigestion
– you could also substitute fennel with any of these seeds: anise, cumin, caraway, coriander or dill - 1/4 cup blessed thistle, dried
– Stimulates the milk flow and helps restore vitality to weary mothers - ground cinnamon,
– to flavor
Use about 1 tablespoon herbs per cup of boiling water. Allow to steep covered for 15 minutes before consuming. Best results if you consumed 3-5 cups per day. A teaspoon of honey tops it off for a refreshing tea beverage. I use my french press for this recipe with perfect results.
You can make as little or as much as you desire. I choose to make a larger batch at once and used 1/4 cup as my 1 part measurement, but you could cut the recipe in half as desired. This produced about 1 quart full of dried herbs. Combine herbs well and cover securely with a lid.
Store the herbs in a dark cupboard as light will cause nutrition loss.
Found at: Passionate Homemaking
Basil Water For Breastfeeding
Basil is believed to stimulate milk flow and an excellent source of carotene, niacin, thiamine and iron. It calms the nerves and initiates the let-down reflex. It aids digestion, reduces flatulence and increases appetite. You can also add basil leaves to your tea, milk, soups and cooked vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 7-8 fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup filtered water
- ½-1 tsp honey (optional)
In a pan add water and crushed/finely chopped basil leaves. Bring the mixture to boil. Simmer and let the leaves steep for about 5 minutes. Remove from the flame and sieve through a cup. Add honey to taste. Serve warm. Have 1-2 cups a day.
Found at: Dr Bar
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