I became intrigued with herbal remedies shortly after I finished college. A friend of mine gave me a very old book titled “The Herbalist”. The first copyright for this book was in 1918. There was something about the way it was written that I could tell this form of medicine had been passed down for a very long time. I learned how to make tinctures, infusions, and how to mix dry herbs to make simple remedy teas. For about two months I was making lip balm, scented candles, and tea. After some time, my interest turned in other directions until I became pregnant.
When you think of all the human experiences, giving birth and being born has been around since the beginning of time. What did the primitive women have to help them through long and tiring labour? Herbs. At some point along the way we realized that the plants around us could help with relaxation (chamomile), breastmilk production (fenugreek), soothing perineium(calendula), strong uterus(raspberry leaf). Just to name a few.
I was so thankful to be blessed with a midwife who had knowledge in the art of herbal remedy. My body craved raspberry leaf tea as soon as I introduced it into my diet. I was drinking about a 1/2 gallon a day I think. Summer pregnancy. I wonder now if that is the reason my body held twins for 37 weeks without even knowing I was having two babies. Hum.
Nowadays we have so many wonderful, ready to use herbal products for pregnancy, labor and birth. Don’t forget that herbs are one of the gentlest products to use on your baby too.
Tea is one of my favorite ways to enjoy herbal remedy. Pregnancy Tea is a wonderful drink. It calms you, tones you uterus, and it is delicious. I could not have nursed twins for two years without the support of Weleda Nursing Tea. It’s a delicious beverage that supports your lactation and your baby’s digestion.
Every woman who has had a baby come through the birth canal knows there will be some soreness in your perineum. Herbal Sitz bath is a luxury after giving birth. Really. Just try it and you will see.
These are only a few of the many herbs and remedies that will help you throughout your childbearing year. We need only to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors to realize the true benefits of herbs. Be well.