Don’t Hold Back On The Herb Just because You’re Pregnant
The use of herbal medicine during pregnancy has been around for centuries. These potent natural wonders have been a little lost in recent times due to the medicalisation of birth. However, they are making a come back as the normal birth movement reveals itself again.
During pregnancy, Herbal Medicine is commonly used to:
– Manage vomiting and nausea
– Reduce the risk of preeclampsia
– Manage urinary tract infections and the common cold
– Induce and shorten of duration of labour
The most favourable herbs are:
Ginger – used to treat morning sickness in pregnancy.
Vitamin B6 – studies (click to read) suggest vitamin B6 reduces nausea and vomiting. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology actually prescribes vitamin B6 as a first course of treatment.
Garlic – has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, which enhance the immune system. This study (click to read) found that garlic was also effective at reducing blood pressure (gestational hypertension).
Peppermint – is one of the oldest and widely used medicinal herbs in Eastern and Western traditions to reduce nausea.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea – traditionally taken for fertility, however women tend to take it throughout their pregnancy (particularly in the last 2 months) in an attempt to prepare the uterus for birth. These studies (click to read) suggest Red Raspberry Leaf Tea lessens the need for instrumental deliveries, shortens the second stage of labour, and reduces the need for an ARM.
Castor oil – a potent laxative thought to stimulate labour. This study (click to read) found that the consumption of castor oil could stimulate labour within 24 hours.
Echinacea – commonly prescribed to treat upper respiratory tract infections, cold/flu and UTI.
The least favourable herbs are:
Blue Cohosh – this herb is most commonly used for induction. However, it is incredibly concerning as many reports (read to click) have shown a link between blue cohosh and cardiovascular side effects. The mechanism behind blue cohosh involves the chemicals glycosides, caulosaponin, caulophyllosaponin and sparteine to induce labour contractions. Appetence Families DOES NOT recommend the use of this herb.
Evening Primrose Oil – This oil is a fatty acid consumed for the use of cervical ripening. This study (click to read) found that evening primrose oil actually increased the incidence of prolonged rupture of membranes, oxytocin augmentation, lack of fetal descent and vacuum extraction. Appetence Families DOES NOT recommend the use of this oil.
The power of medicinal herb use for normal birth is largely underrated. Herbs have naturally derived chemical compounds, and therefore must be taken with the utmost caution when intending to alter the natural course of pregnancy and birth.
I know it can be tempting to try anything – especially towards the end of your pregnancy when your patience has worn thin – but it is really important to understand that an induction is an induction, no matter how you trigger it. An Induction of Labour (IOL) aims to force the maternal body and baby to begin labour before it is naturally ready to do so. This is sometimes the safest option for both mum and babe if there are complications, however medical herbs should always be considered with caution.
If you after a natural pathway to Induction that is safe, click here for Appetence Families Holistic Care Consults.
At Appetence Families, we believe there is a time and place for these beautiful plants. And it is important to ALWAYS discuss your options with a professionally trained TCM practitioner who can create the appropriate treatments.
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