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Women and Pregnancy Herbs- Herbal Care For Expectant Mothers
Pregnancy is a very crucial period in the life of a woman. The woman and the fetus are connected with each other spiritually, emotionally and physically. During pregnancy it is highly recommended that the woman concerned gets sufficient rest, eats properly, and exercises adequately.
Herbs proving to be useful during pregnancy
Some valuable herbs can prove to be immensely helpful in providing the requisite nutrition during pregnancy while also acting as protective barriers against the onset of complications. The nutritive herbs that are rich in vitamins and minerals and have a host of medicinal properties as well are prescribed. Red raspberry leaf, nettles, alfalfa and dandelion are herbs of choice for pregnancy. Experts suggest that it is preferable that the whole plant is used as a vegetable or drunk as a tea or tincture.
The red raspberry is considered as a tonic. This has been used by North American and European people for centuries. It is known to be safe. This is hailed as the best among the herbs for ensuring healthy pregnancy. It provides an all round care. This nourishes and builds and takes good care. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium minerals and vitamins B, C and E. There is also the presence of the alkaloid fragarine that is held responsible for making the herb a potent pregnancy medicine. It tones the uterus and eases morning sickness. Women having a history of miscarriages should especially resort to this herb. The red raspberry can well act as a wonder medicine.
Nettle is another herb that is similarly important in pregnancy. Nettles being abundant in biochelated iron, calcium and a number of other nutrients and protein act as a complete pregnancy tonic. Nettle infusion if administered during pregnancy provides good nourishment to mother and fetus both.
Again, Alfalfa is full of important vitamins A, D, E and K. Alongside it has 8 digestive enzymes and a number of trace minerals. This comes of special help during late pregnancy. The high vitamin K content helps ensure proper clotting of blood and reduces the postpartum hemorrhage risk.
The root and leaf of dandelion- the common garden weed is also a storehouse of many essential nutrients. There are vitamins A, C, iron, calcium, potassium and trace elements (minerals). This promotes liver health. The leaf being a mild and nonirritating diuretic can also help reduce water retention during pregnancy. The fresh leaves can be taken as a green salad constituent. They can also be cooked and eaten or taken as a tea.
Observing caution about using of herbs
A word of caution- the herbs if taken in the form of some drug do not always pass through established scrutiny and evaluation processes regarding quality and standard. Hence, there is a risk associated always with the drugs. It is only under the recommendation of some qualified and competent herbalist that the drugs may be taken. Besides, the herbs need not necessarily be free from side effects and contraindications as is popularly believed. So, they need to be always taken in with observation of utmost care regarding their effect.