herbs for childbirth

Herbs For Childbirth

PREPARATION FOR CHILDBIRTH

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) prepares uterus
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictriodes) *prepares uterus (reserve for special circumstances only)
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) Read article prepares uterus
Partridge Berry (Mitchella ripens) prepares uterus
Evening Primrose/Borage Oil prepares cervix

Hypotensives
(reduces blood pressure)

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia)
Valerian (Valeriana off.)
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Hops (Humulus lupus) - do not use in depression
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Lemon Balm (Melissa off.)
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

During Labor

Calcium/Magnesium improves contractibility, decreases risk of hypertension
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) aids contractions, reduces hypertension
Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) relaxant
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) relaxes muscular tension
Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) relaxes muscular tension, may prevent blood loss
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)*systemic relaxant, allows mom to rest
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforlatum) helps relieve some discomfort
Ginger (Zingiber off.)*aids nausea, provides some stamina
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) uterine tonic, nutritious
Vervain (Verbena off.) relaxes nerves, may reduce pain
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)*direct effect on contractions
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) direct effect on contractions
Homeopathics i.e. Pulsatilla, Traumeel, Calms Forte for discomfort, progression, etc.
Rescue Remedy for shock, exhaustion, fear, etc.
Essential Oils (Jasmine, Rose, Lavender, Clary Sage, Neroli) soothing, invigorating, etc.
Partridge Berry (Mitchella ripens) supports uterus

After The Birth

FOR RETAINED PLACENTA
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)*emmenagogue
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)

HEMORRHAGE PREVENTION
Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) ‘Green Foods’ i.e. alfalfa, nettle very high in natural vitamin K

ACUTE HEMORRHAGE
Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) astringent
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) astringent
*Cayenne (see warning below)

SHOCK/TRAUMA
Rescue Remedy Homeopathics i.e. Traumeel, Calms Forte
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Valerian (Valeriana off.)
Nervine Herbs i.e. Passionflower, Vervain, Chamomile, Lemon balm

AFTER-PAINS
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
Crampbark (Viburnum opulus)
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia)
Vervain (Verbena off.)

PERINEAL TEARS or CESAREAN INCISIONS See Postpartum Healing   Lactation - Post partum

POST PARTUM ( treated much like PMS)
St. John’s wort
Essential Fatty Acids
Wild Yam
Motherwort
Black Cohosh
Damiana
Vitex
B complex

Natural Remedies for Labour and Postpartum by Stacelynn Caughlan
Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in Prenatal and Pediatric Health.

*Cayenne caution: Although Cayenne is recommended by some herbalists as successful in controlling postpartum bleeding, this fast-acting herb is in disfavor among midwives; some go as far as to call it dangerous. It does slow down hemorrhage, but it also stimulates circulation. The danger hides in a false sense of security: having seemingly alleviated the problem, the midwife tends to other concerns, only to find that the hemorrhage has returned with increased vigor behind her back. In addition, Cayenne does not contract the uterus, a necessity if bleeding is to be totally controlled.

**I am personally familiar with all herbs that are underlined.

***These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please do your own research and use caution when making use of any herb. Accept responsibility for yourself and your unborn child.