Herbal Support
Using Herbs Safely in Pregnancy
Crystal Wilson, Herbalist
Turtle Mountain Herbs Farm
www.turtlemountainherbs.com
My herbal medicine practice is based both in tradition and research. Traditional use has its own merit in that it has given us established records of safety of herb use in humans. In the last twenty years, many herbal studies have been conducted, adding to the validity of tradition and at times disputing it. Herb use in pregnancy has been around as long as women. Not in the far distant past, the village herbalist was also the village midwife.
When looking at a study I look for the following: animal versus human subjects, how large the study is, and its scope. Three herbs have been extensively studied for their safety during pregnancy. These herbs include: Red Raspberry leaf, Echinacea root, and Ginger root. In two human studies, Red Raspberry was proven safe for toning the uterus when started at 32 weeks in healthy, low-risk women. Echinacea has long been promoted as an antibiotic and immune booster. We now have a study demonstrating its safety in pregnancy. It is not to be used by someone with an autoimmune disease. The third, Ginger root, also has studies to back its traditional use for morning sickness.
There are six categories of herbs that should be avoided internally in pregnancy: 1.Abortifacients: Tansy, Mugwort, and Motherwort. 2.Emmenagogues(stimulate menstruation): Blue Cohosh, Cotton Root Bark 3.Berberines: Goldenseal, Oregon Grape 4.Laxatives: Senna, Aloe 5.Alkaloids: Comfrey, Borage, Coltsfoot 6.Phytoestrogens: Red Clover.
Herbs have been used to induce labor. These include: Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Cotton Root Bark, Crampbark, Black Haw, Evening Primrose. The use of these herbs could have serious repercussions for a woman and her baby, if not used properly. They should never be used unless under the supervision of a health care practitioner educated in herbal medicine.
Herbs can be safely used for some pregnancy complaints. For morning sickness, a blend of Ginger root, Peppermint leaf, Wild Yam root, and Dandelion root can be quite effective. Marshmallow root or Slippery Elm bark is safe for pregnancy heartburn. A salve made with Arnica flowers and Witch Hazel bark heals varicose veins. Pregnancy insomnia can be relieved with Chamomile tea. Stomach issues whether it be constipation or diarrhea can be helped with Slippery Elm bark.
Herbs are safe, but as with everything ,they must be used with temperance and respect. During pregnancy, it is even more important to follow guidelines. If you have any health conditions prior to pregnancy, please take those into consideration also before reaching for an herbal remedy. “Natural” does not always mean safe.
Crystal Wilson, Herbalist
Turtle Mountain Herbs Farm
www.turtlemountainherbs.com
My herbal medicine practice is based both in tradition and research. Traditional use has its own merit in that it has given us established records of safety of herb use in humans. In the last twenty years, many herbal studies have been conducted, adding to the validity of tradition and at times disputing it. Herb use in pregnancy has been around as long as women. Not in the far distant past, the village herbalist was also the village midwife.
When looking at a study I look for the following: animal versus human subjects, how large the study is, and its scope. Three herbs have been extensively studied for their safety during pregnancy. These herbs include: Red Raspberry leaf, Echinacea root, and Ginger root. In two human studies, Red Raspberry was proven safe for toning the uterus when started at 32 weeks in healthy, low-risk women. Echinacea has long been promoted as an antibiotic and immune booster. We now have a study demonstrating its safety in pregnancy. It is not to be used by someone with an autoimmune disease. The third, Ginger root, also has studies to back its traditional use for morning sickness.
There are six categories of herbs that should be avoided internally in pregnancy: 1.Abortifacients: Tansy, Mugwort, and Motherwort. 2.Emmenagogues(stimulate menstruation): Blue Cohosh, Cotton Root Bark 3.Berberines: Goldenseal, Oregon Grape 4.Laxatives: Senna, Aloe 5.Alkaloids: Comfrey, Borage, Coltsfoot 6.Phytoestrogens: Red Clover.
Herbs have been used to induce labor. These include: Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Cotton Root Bark, Crampbark, Black Haw, Evening Primrose. The use of these herbs could have serious repercussions for a woman and her baby, if not used properly. They should never be used unless under the supervision of a health care practitioner educated in herbal medicine.
Herbs can be safely used for some pregnancy complaints. For morning sickness, a blend of Ginger root, Peppermint leaf, Wild Yam root, and Dandelion root can be quite effective. Marshmallow root or Slippery Elm bark is safe for pregnancy heartburn. A salve made with Arnica flowers and Witch Hazel bark heals varicose veins. Pregnancy insomnia can be relieved with Chamomile tea. Stomach issues whether it be constipation or diarrhea can be helped with Slippery Elm bark.
Herbs are safe, but as with everything ,they must be used with temperance and respect. During pregnancy, it is even more important to follow guidelines. If you have any health conditions prior to pregnancy, please take those into consideration also before reaching for an herbal remedy. “Natural” does not always mean safe.
Local Mother-Friendly Providers offering Herbal Support
Turtle Mountain Herb Farm
Herbal Products for Women's Healthy
Crystal Wilson, Herbalist
[email protected]
www.turtlemountainherbs.com
Herbal Products for Women's Healthy
Crystal Wilson, Herbalist
[email protected]
www.turtlemountainherbs.com