The grandmother of herbalists today, Juliette de Bairacli Levy, is often quoted as saying “Motherhood. What maturity there is in that word; all those “Os”. I couldn’t agree with her more! For most women stepping into such maturity, be that with our first child or our 4th we welcome some assistance along the way. All the nurturing and nourishment we offer the child in our womb can be the opportunity to welcome and receive nurturing and nourishment for us as well. A lot of us find it easier to give to others rather than receive, in truth they are the same. Mothering is a wondrous opportunity to teach our selves that in the giving we receive. How great is that thought!
Herbs have a long tradition of supporting women in pregnancy whether attending to minor discomforts, affirming wellbeing or healing diagnosed symptoms. A cup of herbal tea can offer a pregnant woman such gifts in terms of nourishment, sustaining well being and lifting the spirits. At Welcome World Herbal Teas we draw on this traditional knowledge and my herbal training. But most of all it is the experience of working with so many pregnant women in my private herbal practice. The herbs used in our formulas are all friendly, familiar herbs which have grown in many back yards in Europe and North America for generations. I like to call them friendly, family kitchen cupboard herbs. The herbs I am going to share with you are all in the Pregnancy Joy tea this is one of our most popular formulas. All four of these herbs could be called mild, gentle, tonic herbs, nurturing and nourishing plants and yet what I have learnt in using and prescribing these herbs is that there is also a rock like strength and sustained nourishment.
As a herbalist I have the good fortune to assist pregnant women through my herbal practice, so which herbs go into Welcome Worlds Pregnancy Joy Tea and why? Let’s start with Nettle leaf. A herb that nourishes in so many different ways, such a beautiful no nonsense plant. Strength is offered in every cup of nettle tea. I would describe nettle as getting the job done. So whenever there is job to be done, extra strength needed or a change of direction in our life, nettle certainly assists us to be less fragile and has a very building and sustaining quality. It is also a great every day herb to brew up as a cuppa assisting us to be full of energy throughout the day. Nettle is often described as a uterine tonic herb. So as you can hear nettle would always be in any pregnancy tea I choose to formulate. Each cup packed with vitamins and minerals.
The next herb I am going to speak of is Oat Straw, this is one of my favourite and most used herbs as a single use herb. Oatstraw is also a very friendly herb and will fit beautifully in to any tea formula. To me oat straw oozes life force energy of saying 'yes' to life. But what it whispers to me more than anything is reminding me to be kind to be tender with myself and of course others. This herb feeds and nourishes the nervous system of which is so needed in pregnancy where most of us are meeting change in our life with the discovery of pregnancy. It has a normalizing effect on the whole physiology of the body when under any level of stress. Oatstraw is known to support conception and nourishes and soothes pregnancy. If these effects are not blessings enough there is more this great plant gives to us freely. Praises are sung regularly for oats ability to support the heart and increase energy levels; can you hear what I mean when I say "... it oozes life force energy?" I believe as we support the nervous system and encourage the body to rest back our immune systems are enhanced. All of which supports the joy of pregnancy. Again a herb rich in vitamins and minerals.
Lemon Balm, this is a herb I enjoy and can be added to most pregnancy cuppas. Lemon Balm supports the nervous system and the digestive system at the same time. As pregnancy moves through the trimesters there is a feeling of less space understandably for the mother and baby. This can be perceived in many different ways. Sometimes digestive systems issues arise as a result of less space and this is where lemon balm offers assistance. This herb is great to combine with nettle if you do not want to use an allopathic remedy while you are pregnant. Lemon balm is known for lifting our spirits and adds a delightful taste to any tea formula. Again relax into the joy of pregnancy.
So the last plant I am going to speak of in the Pregnancy Joy Tea but certainly not the least is Alfalfa. Wow! this herb pushes its roots so far down into the earth and draws up all the goodness the earth has to offer. Alfalfa is so rich in vitamins and minerals especially vitamin k. I would use it as a herb on its own for assisting with a programme to lower cholesterol and also have used it successfully when extra weight or growth is needed. In pregnancy I use alfalfa as part of a formula tea to enhance general wellbeing. This plant is full of vitality and of course can be eaten sprouted as well as in herbal tea.
In the last trimester of pregnancy I suggest bringing raspberry leaf into your kitchen cupboard. This herb I call a woman’s best friend. Raspberry leaf has supported and restored generations of women’s uteruses. A good tonic herb that supports women in preparing for birth, widely known as women’s birthing ally. Herbalist also call raspberry leaf an astringent herb as it assists in lessening the flow of discharge. Raspberry leaf is often defined as a strengthening, tonic and supportive herb. Carry on having raspberry leaf in the kitchen cupboard after your baby is born; it’s a great family herb that can be combined with nettle very easily for most family ailments and well being. Raspberry leaf provides very easily assimilated calcium and iron for all the family. Only drink in the last trimester of pregnancy. Also make a large pot or flask to sip in early labour. Midwives and doulas enjoy a brew of Raspberry leaf as well not forgetting partners of course.
I hope this has encouraged you to believe that herbal teas are not only of benefit and an alternative to caffeine drinks during pregnancy but also are a delight and a blessing. So relax make a brew and enjoy.
Amanda Rayment is a Master herbalist and owner of Welcome World Herbal Teas.
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