Herbal Pregnancy Tea – why and how

dried-herbs-on-wooden-cutting-board

Herbs are an easy addition to your nutritional diet, adding minerals and vitamins that might otherwise be challenging to consume.
There are several herbs that are particularly useful during pregnancy.

Herbs for Pregnancy

Dandelion Root – high in vitamin C, tones the liver
Raspberry Leaf – mineral rich (magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium), tones the uterus and pelvic muscles, eases labor, and minimizes postpartum hemorrhage
Nettle – rich in iron, magnesium, and calcium
Oatstraw – high in calcium and magnesium
Rosehips – very high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps a body absorb iron and is essential in the production of collagen – the building blocks of cartilage, bones, and muscles.
Peppermint – relieves nausea, settles the stomach by relaxing it, and helps tea taste yummy. Peppermint can often relieve congestion and improve digestion.
Alfalfa – can ease morning sickness and is an excellent source of vitamin K – an important vitamin for both mom and baby during birth and immediately postpartum.

herbal-tea-for-pregnancy

Preparing Tea

  • 1 part dandelion root
  • 4 parts red raspberry leaf
  • 4 parts nettle
  • 2 part oatstraw
  • 1/4 part rosehips
  • to taste Peppermint
  • 1 part alfalfa

Mix dried herbs together in bulk.
When you’re ready to brew some tea, pour a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves. Let steep for a minimum of 10 minutes, but it can easily steep overnight. Sweeten to taste.
I find this tea much more appealing iced. So I pour my steeped hot tea over a cup full of ice.
The recommendation is one cup during your first trimester, two during your second, and three during your third trimester.

Herb Supplier

You definitely want to be sourcing your herbs from a reputable source. The first time I ordered herbs for this tea, my husband said he could go out and find all of this in the pasture. (He couldn’t. It was winter.) He couldn’t believe I was buying weeds.
So yes – if you have access to a pesticide -free pasture and have the dedication to harvesting and drying your own herbs – do it!
However, if you’re wanting to start making this tea yesterday, Mountain Rose Herbs and Bulk Herb Store are great resources.

Not Pregnant?

I may have gone a little tiny bit overboard with ordering herbs approximately 9 years ago … so still have plenty. When I found myself (surprise!) pregnant the third time, I immediately dug out my collection of herbs and started drinking this tea.
Postpartum, I continued the habit.
I generally drink a quart 2-4 days a week. When I skip drinking it for a week, I notice. Pregnant or not, this tea is good for overall health and wellness. Drink up!

 

*If you are unsure, check in with your care provider about the use of any or all of these herbs. Some herbs are known to contradict conventional medications or may have other reasons they are not in your best interest.*

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *