Herbs for the Childbearing Years©

Deb Phillips, CPM, LLM


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Herbs work in many different ways.  Many midwives have herbs they use and prefer.  These are the ones with which I am familiar.  This list is by no means exhaustive.  Herbs can have the same effects as meds.  Be familiar with an herb before you use it.  Use them safely.  First, do no harm.  These recommendations are not meant to be considered as prescribing.  Consult your health care provider.

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Apothecary for Women, Children and General Health

All tinctures sell for $10 an ounce. Specify 1, 2, or 4 oz bottles.

Call me at 501-350-1520 to arrange an herbal consultation.

Singles:

  • Angelica – For GI complaints, mild intestinal spasms, flatulence, nausea, enhances digestion/absoption.
  • Ashwaganda – Adaptogen – helps your body adapt to stresses.  For memory, learning, energy, stamina. Good for arthritis and rheumatism and for elders.  Good for dementia, stimulates thyroid function, and increases body indurance, hepato- and renal-protective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulating.
  • Astralagus – Tonic – Builds immune strength, prevents infections, colds, flu and candida.  Good for those with diabetes. Anti-cancer.
  • Bayberry – Wound healing, anti-inflammatory, bile stimulant, douche for vaginal infections, gargle for sore throat.
  • Beth root – For insect bites, hemorrhoids, bruises, varicose veins and ulcers. Not for Pregnancy.
  • Black cohosh – For menopause, vaginal dryness, menstrual irregularities, nervous system problems, PMS, childbirth, cramps, excessive menstrual bleeding, fever, high blood pressure, hot flashes, lumbago, mammary inflammation, tinnitus, bronchial spasms, bronchitis, pertussis, pneumonia.  Not for pregnancy.  Used to induce labor with blue cohosh.
  • Black haw  - Miscarriage prevention, false labor; dysmenorrhea, asthma, postpartum bleeding with yarrow, cinnamon, or shepherd’s purse,  hypertension with motherwort, hawthorn, garlic, olive leaf, dandelion leaf, or linden flower.
  • Blessed thistle – Used for poor bile secretion, clay-colored stools, and poor fat digestion,  nausea, flatulence, bloating, and constipation.
  • Boneset -  Used to treat fever, influenza, respiratory allergies, chills , rheumatism, bruises, broken bones, urinary tract infection and jaundice. Fights catarrh and bronchitis. Not for pregnancy
  • Blue cohosh – Used to induce labor with black cohosh.  Not for pregnancy.
  • Burdock - For lymphedema, chronic colitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, skin disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, boils, gout and rheumatism.
  • Catnip – For cataracts, cramps, glaucoma, insomnia, colic, teething pain, colds, fevers, nausea, flatulence, and irritability, GI ailments such as belching, hiccups, and too much stomach acid, combine with meadowsweet, marshmallow and licorice
  • Chickweeed - Antitussive, expectorant, demulcent to treat sore throat, coughing, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia,  rheumatism. Externally to treat boils, abscesses, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, itching, insect bites, and to promote healing of wounds.
  • Cotton root bark – To induce labor.  Not for pregnancy.
  • Creeping Charlie – For tinnitus.
  • Crampbark - Miscarriage prevention, dysmenorrhea, cramps.
  • Dandelion – For liver support, treatment for chronic colitis when combined with St. John’s wort, lemon balm, calendula, and fennel.
  • Don quai – For GI discomfort and gas, female reproductive tonic, blood and bone marrow tonic (to enrich blood/increase healthy platelets and oxygenated red blood cells), muscle pain, menstrual irregularities and in menopausal formulas, cardiac dysrhythmia.
  • Echinacea – Immuno-modulator, fights infection especially of the respiratory tract.
  • Elderberry Syrup – Cold remedy.  Take all winter.  Elderberries and honey.
  • Eucalyptus -  Asthma, nasal congestion, fevers, bronchitis, coughing, flu, mucous membrane inflammation, respiratory disease.
  • False unicorn - Infertility, labor, lack of menstruation, menopause.
  • Feverfew - Lowers fevers and reduces allergic reactions, a preventive and treatment for migraines. psoriasis and arthritis, Meniere’s disease, and vertigo, menstrual pain. Not for use during pregnancy
  • German chamomile - For GI spasms, inflammation, IBS, flatulence and bloating; acute, uncomplicated diarrhea, in combination with pectin; infantile colic in combination with lemon balm, vervain, licorice and fennel; travel sickness and nervous diarrhea; dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea and teething problems mild anxiety, restlessness, stress-induced insomnia, and bruxism. Externally - skin and mucous membrane inflammations, for the oral cavity and gums and eyes.  
  • Ginger: Dyspepsia; motion sickness; dizziness; lack of appetite; morning sickness; postoperative nausea; seasickness. neutralizes stomach acids and digestive toxins, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, prevent arterial plaque build-up.
  • Goldenseal - Bronchitis, canker sores, cholera, colds, colitis, cramps, Crohn’s disease, dermatitis, diabetes (NIDDM), diarrhea, dysentery, earache, ear discharge, ear inflammation, eczema, eye diseases, gallbladder problems, gastritis, gingivitis, gonorrhea, heart disease, herpes, indigestion, infections, irregular heart rhythm, jaundice, kidney inflammation, lack of appetite, laryngitis, menstrual irregularities, oral inflammation, parasitic infections (such as giardiasis, leishmaniasis, ringworm, salmonella, tapeworm) pharyngitis, pneumonia, smallpox, sores, trichomoniasis, tuberculosis, ulcers, urinary tract infections, non-specific vaginitis. Not for pregnancy.
  • Gotu kola - Topical for  wound healing. Internally to  increasing fertility, treat hypertension, varicose veins, chronic interstitial cystitic, cellulite and periodontal disease.
  • Hawthorne - Heart remedy, strengthens the force of the contraction of the heart muscle, dilates the vessels of coronary circulation, and normalizes heart function. palpitations and increased blood pressure. For attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
  • Horehound, white -  Chronic bronchitis, nonproductive cough, the common cold, asthma, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence.
  • Lavender - Restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, headache, bloating. flatulent dyspepsia, colic, digestive dysfunction, rheumatism,  antibacterial, anti-inflammatory EO kills Giardia duodenalis,Trichomonas vaginalis, and Candida albicans
  • Lobelia - Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, bronchitis, coughing, laryngitis, nicotine addiction, sore throat, whooping cough.  Not for pregnancy.
  • Milk thistle -  For Hepatitis, nonalcoholic and alcoholic liver damage or disease, including abnormal liver function and fatty liver;  exposure to chemical pollutants and conventional drugs; skin conditions involving liver dysfunction, dyspeptic conditions, preventing gallstone formation, gallbladder problems.
  • Mother Wort - Cramps, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease), insomnia, palpitations; coronary heart disease; anxiety, neuralgia, chorea, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, ovarian pain, rapid heart rate, stroke
  • Oregano - Inflammatory and spastic conditions of the respiratory tract, where there is thickened mucus, flatulence, cramps, diarrhea, Cervical dysplasia; Group B Strep. Good in your neti pot.  Good first aid wash with yarrow, barberry and calendula. Not for pregnancy. 
  • Pau D'arco - For vaginal yeast infections, other fungal infections, scabies, impetigo, immune system weakness and cancer.
  • Pennyroyal - For flatulent dyspepsia and common cold, oil in bath for chiggers.  Not for pregnancy.
  • Red raspberry – Labor prep, used in the last 2 trimesters to strengthen the muscle of the uterus, shortens labor.
  • St. John's wort - Useful for musculoskeletal dysfunction involving the nervous system, such as spinal injuries, neuralgia, and sciatica or to enhance mood in those experiencing stress due to their condition Oily hypericum preparations for treatment and post-therapy of acute and bruised injuries, pain and first-degree burns
  • Shepherds purse - Mild menorrhagia and metrorrhagia; diarrhea; hemataemesis; hematuria; hemorrhoids; topical application for nose bleeds; externally for superficial, bleeding skin injuries. Heavy uterine bleeding or irregular bleeding with yarrow.  Herbal baths for after birth to heal tissue/skin injuries.
  • Skullcap - Nervous excitability, restlessness, wakefulness, anxiety, physical or mental tiredness, headache, depression, epilepsy, neuralgia, tremor.
  • Squawvine – Labor prep, used in the last month to strengthen the muscle of the uterus.
  • Usnea - For mild inflammations of the oral, pharyngeal and vaginal mucosa, cervical dysplasia.
  • Valerian - Insomnia marked by difficulty falling asleep and to increase restfulness, restlessness or nervous tension with lemon balm or hops, improves sleep quality with no daytime sedation or impairment, shortens sleep latency and reduces night awakenings, depression and anxiety in combination with St. John’s wort, stress, migraine, nervous headache, cramps, intestinal colic, dysmenorrhea, rheumatic pains, chorea, mild spasmodic movements and muscle pain in combination with kava, black haw, or skullcap, epilepsy.
  • Vitex - Menstrual regulator; Reduction in PMS and perimenopausal symptoms.
  • For acne (hormonal induced); breast milk deficiency; breast pain and fibrocystic breast disease; regulates the menstrual cycle, reducing PMS symptoms caused by elevated estrogen levels or deficient progesterone levels (migraines, breast tenderness, cramps, edema, and constipation) and relieves dysmenorrhea with black haw, motherwort, or Roman chamomile; reduces perimenopausal symptoms of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, formication (sensation of something crawling under skin), particularly when combined with black cohosh, dong quai, and Omega-3 fatty acids; reducing excess prolactin levels, increases or decreases menstrual flow according to bodily need, corrects luteal phase defects, increases both progesterone and follicle-stimulating hormone which corrects anovulation and progesterone deficiencies, for PCOS with saw palmetto, licorice and white peony root, reduce size of uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts (2-6 months may be required to see results), to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms from opiates (heroin, methadone, and oxycodone).
  • Wild Cherry Syrup –  Good for coughs.  Wild cherry, Echinacea, cinnamon. 
  • Wild yam -  For GI spasm or irritation, including intestinal colic, diverticulitis, cholecystitis, uterine or ovarian cramping, including dysmenorrhea, alleviation of menopausal symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Yarrow - For loss of appetite, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal spasm, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, hemorrhoids, fevers, common cold, topical treatment for slow-healing wounds and skin conditions.  Not for pregnancy
  • Yellow dock - For chronic skin conditions, constipation, bowel sluggishness, indigestion, rheumatism.

 
  
Combos:

  • After ease – To ease the pain of after-birth pains.  Cramp bark.
  • Anti-bleed – To control postpartum bleeding.  Black cohosh, blue cohosh, bay berry, yarrow, shepherd’s purse.
  • Hormones – A tonic for women who miscarry.  To be taken before pregnancy and through the first month
  • Labor prep 1 – For the last month of pregnancy to strengthen the muscle of the uterus. Red raspberry, squawvine.
  • Labor prep 2 – For the last 2 weeks of pregnancy as a partus preparatory.  Black cohosh, blue cohosh, false unicorn, black haw, ginger.
  • Miscarry-not – For those who miscarry.  To be taken before pregnancy and through first month. Vitex, cramp bark, wild yam, false unicorn.
  • Super Tonic – To ward off the winter viruses, flu, and common cold. Garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, jalapeno. 
  • TJ-16 – For those with PCOS. Licorice and white peony.

Loose Herbs:

  • Herbal Baths -  Comfrey, shepherd’s purse, uva ursi, rosemary.
  • NORA tea – Nettles, oat straw, red raspberry, alfalfa.

All tincture herbs available in loose herb form for tea also.

Oils:
  • Arnica Oil - For eliminating bruising for you and especially your toddler. For sore joints.
  • Calendula Oil -  For internal and topical treatment for inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa; Internal treatment for gastric and duodenal ulcers; enlarged or inflamed lymph nodes, acne, sebaceous cysts; Internal treatment for spasmodic conditions, including dysmenorrhea; Topical treatment for burns, inflammation of the skin and mucosa, wounds, especially poorly healing wounds, leg ulcers, venous circulatory problems, scalds, to help control bleeding, eczema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, acne, vaginal discharge.  Especially good for eliminating bruises on you and your toddler.

Others:

  • Alfalfa – Nutritive, very high in chlorophyll, Vitamins A, C, E, and K, Manganese
  • Bilberry – Nonspecific, acute diarrhea, venous insufficiency of the lower limbs, local therapy of mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of mouth and throat, circulatory disorders, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, poor night vision, and diabetic/hypertensive retinopathy
  • Comfrey - Topical use in gels or ointments to speed healing of ankle sprains, muscle and back pain, and bruised tissue. Bedsores, breast pain, bruises, bug bites, chafing, eczema, fractures, gum disease, inflammation, joint sprains, muscle strains, psoriasis, rashes, sores, ulcers, wounds, encourages new skin and cell growth, diabetic ulcers. Not for internal use.  Not for pregnancy.
  • Corn Silk   Inflammatory and infectious conditions of the urinary system and the prostate: cystitis, urethritis, bedwetting, bladder disorders of children, urinary calculi, prostatitis; stimulates diuresis and improves renal function, reduces blood pressure.
  • Eleuthro  Previously called Siberian Ginseng. Adaptogen for stress.  Increases T lymphocytes significantly, for stress, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, cancer, and as an adjunct therapy during conventional cancer treatment.
  • Eyebright -  For upper respiratory tract catarrh, sinusitis, chronic sneezing, hay fever, middle ear problems, sore throat, catarrhal phase of measles, the common cold; Inflammation or infection of the eyes, including conjunctivitis
  • Fennel  - For dyspepsia with wormwood, caraway and peppermint, chronic digestive problems, bloating, flatulence  with caraway, peppermint, and gentian, infantile colic  with lemon balm, chamomile, vervain, and licorice, spasmodic GI complaints, bloating, flatulence, Chronic nonspecific colitis  with dandelion root, St. John’s wort, lemon balm, and calendula; Upper respiratory tract catarrh, wheeze, shortness of breath, chronic cough, as a gargle for pharyngitis, suppressed lactation; IBS,  obesity.
  • Fennugreek - Dermatitis, high cholesterol, indigestion, inflammation, arthritis, breast milk deficiency, cancer, constipation, eczema, gas, hair loss, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, infections, labor, sore throat, stone formation in the urinary system, ulcers, lowers blood glucose levels, relieves diarrhea and  constipation, lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels; loss of appetite; dyspepsia, gastritis, debility, GI inflammation; preventing atherosclerosis; promoting lactation.
  • Horsetail/shavegrass – Nutritive, very high in calcium.  Calming.
  • Licorice – For gastric and duodenal ulceration, gastroesophageal reflux. polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, muscle cramps, dysmenorrhea, with white peony; Adrenal insufficiency and withdrawal from corticosteroid drugs; Inflammatory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract inflammation; Upper respiratory catarrh; Cough, bronchitis; Addison’s disease; Topical treatment for eczema, melisma, recurrent mouth ulcers and herpes lesions.  Do not use for a long time or use a large dose during pregnancy.
  • Marshmallow – Demulcent, emollient, vulnerary. For irritation of the mouth or throat mucosa and dry cough gastritis, peptic ulceration, cystitis.
  • Meadowsweet – For gastric ulcer, dyspepsia, hyperacidity, heartburn, diarrhea, IBS; Genitourinary tract disorders, such as cervicitis, vaginitis, leucorrhea, cystitis, and dysuria, fever, arthritic and rheumatic conditions, for colds and other respiratory infections, for cervical dysplasia and carcinoma of the vagina, stomach lesions.
  • Mullein – For acute or chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, the common cold, influenza, respiratory catarrh, tonsillitis; GI conditions requiring demulcency, such as ulceration, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids.
  • Nettle - For allergic rhinitis – freeze-dried product most effective for this purpose; Osteoarthritis – particularly of thumb joint, hip, and back, rheumatoid, chronic skin eruptions, especially eczema; Inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, prevention and treatment of kidney stones; Internal blood loss, including uterine hemorrhage, melena; Topical treatment for nosebleeds, burns, wounds, inflammation of the mouth and throat. Mild diuretic effect.
  • Oat straw - Nervine For nervous system support during nicotine nervous exhaustion and conditions resulting from nervous exhaustion, such as insomnia, feverish conditions, general debility, convalescence, depression, menopausal neurasthenia,connective tissue deficiencies, and weakness of the bladder.
  • Oregon Grape - Antioxidant; Antimicrobial; Cardiac Relaxant; Antiproliferative. Oregon grape to be used as a substitute for endangered goldenseal. decreasing the proliferation of psoriasis; relaxing the aorta and serves as a muscular antioxidant. Contraindicated in pregnancy and in neonates.
  • Passionflower  Anxiolytic; Spasmolytic; Mild sedative; Hypnotic. For anxiety disorder, insomnia, neuralgia, and nervous tachycardia.
  • Schisandra - Adaptogen/tonic for chronic liver and heart ailments, for menopausal women and others suffering from night sweats, for nervous conditions, coughs, and liver ailments, enhances immune response, reduces fatigue and sleeplessness, hepatitis, reduces fatigue and increases endurance in athletes and reduces muscle fatigue and damage while improving performance,  improved myocardial performance, stimulates liver regeneration post-partial hepatectomy, strong anti-hepatitis C activity, enhanced cognition and memory and enhanced physical endurance  Neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, renal protective, antineoplastic, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing. Not for pregnancy except to assist childbirth in a prodromal labor for maternal exhaustion.
  • Slippery Elm - Protects, soothes and heals irritated mucous membrane tissue in the esophagus, stomach, and intestinal membranes (colitis, IBS, diarrhea, leaky gut syndrome, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, ileitis); Decreases throat irritation with dry, ticklish cough, irritation of the vocal cords and laryngitis. Topical use to relieve pain and decrease inflammation of abscesses, varicose ulcers, anal fissures, first-degree burns, styles, and ingrown nails
  • Thyme - For Productive cough, bronchitis, whooping cough, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, stomatitis and halitosis, laryngitis, sore throat, fever in the common cold, dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, tonsillitis, as a gargle
  • Uva Ursi – Inflammatory disorders of the lower urinary tract.
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Gladstar, Rosemary:  Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, 2008

Hoffmann, David:  Medical Herbalism, 2003

Parker, Shonda:  Naturally Healthy Herbs – Materia Medica

Parker, Shonda:  The Naturally Healthy Pregnancy, 2008

Romm, Aviva:  Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, 2010

Simon Mills and Kerry Bone:  The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety, 2010

Simon Mills and Kerry Bone:  Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, 2007

Trickey, Ruth:  Women, Hormones, & The Menstrual Cycle, 1998 

 
 PRE-PREGNANCY
 

Red Raspberry - good for the entire childbearing years; fertility promoter


B6 – fertility promoter

Multiple vitamins – taken three months before conception, deters birth defects

Cleansing diet – helps decrease morning sickness

"Miscarry-Not" Herbal Combination – taken 3 months before and first month of pregnancy; helps prevent miscarriage and promotes fertility

Progesterone cream – rubbed into skin helps prevent miscarriage

 COMPLAINTS OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Vitex – for menstrual complaints of all types including endometriosis, long periods, PCOS

TJ-68 – for PCOS

Cramp Bark – for painful cramps

No meat or dairy for 2 weeks before period to keep from having migraines.  Also helps as a cleanse before pregnancy to keep from having morning sickness.
 PREGNANCY
 GENERAL GOOD HEALTH

Eat a plant based diet (meat on the side) with plenty of protein and plenty of water.  Avoid fast foods and packaged foods with hidden calories and hidden bad fats.  Kefir keeps the gut healthy.

Red Raspberry – high in vit. C, E, A. and B complex, phosphorus and potassium, easily assimilated calcium and iron; eases morning sickness, reduces pain during labor and after birth, provides a safe and speedy parturition, assists in plentiful breast milk; nutritive 

Nettle – high in vit. A, C, D, and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and sulphur; aids the kidneys, eases leg cramps, diminishes pain during and after birth, helps to prevent hemorrhage after births, reduces hemorrhoids, increases richness and amount of breast milk

Prenatal vitamins – any good brand from the health food store or a good multiple with extra B complex

NORA Tea (Nettles, Oatstraw, Red Raspberry, Alfalfa) – good for general health especially during pregnancy, helps settle the nerves, helps with early postpartum, increases milk supply; high in iron



Morning sickness:

Acidophilus – increases normal digestive bacteria in the gut

B6 – 10-20 mg - good for morning sickness

Protein – a little every 2 hours

Red Raspberry – tea or capsule; elixir under tongue in severe cases

Chewable calcium – settles stomach

Fennel, anise – soothing

Ginger

PROBLEMS DURING PREGNANCY

Anemia:

I-X  (herbal iron) – Nature’s Sunshine brand

Alfalfa, Red Raspberry, Floridex, Hemaplex, Beet Root, Dandelion, spinach, greens, blackstrap molasses


Bladder Infection:

Cranberry or blueberry juice

Echinacea, Nettle, Cranberry/Buchu capsules, AZO



Constipation:

Magnesium in quantities to make loose stool, then take a little less

Psyllium Seed (Metamucil)-  drink lots of water when taking



Cramping:

Calcium, Potassium, Nettle



Colds:

Vit. C – virus cannot grow in a vit. C culture, continue for 7 days; Emergen-C is a good source.

Echinacea – take at first sign of a cold or at exposure to one; no goldenseal. Take lots.

Ginger – reduces mucous, settles stomach; Jamaica Ginger Brew or small piece in tea

Chewable Vit. C – eases sore throat

Salt water nose spray – for mucous

Zicam (homeopathic zinc spray) – relieves head cold

Oscillococcinum – good for flu

Sovereign Silver – good to boost immune system

Raw garlic – Antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory

Take warm bath and go to bed.


Heartburn/Gas:

Acidophilus, Papaya Mint tabs, Probiotics


High blood pressure:

Garlic oil – capsules twice a day

Cream of tartar – 2 t. in juice of half a lemon once a day for 3 days; skip a day; repeat once

Cucumbers – one raw eaten daily

Passionflower, skullcap, hops – to relax



Low blood pressure:

Chlorophyll – helps oxygenate the blood

Nettle – high in chlorophyll



Pain:

Arnica – homeopathic or oil

Calcium – sooths nerve endings

Chiropractic adjustments



Stress/Insomnia:

Lobelia, hops, nervine tincture, calcium


Swelling:

Alfalfa, Nettle, Potassium, rest, lots of water


Varicosities:

Vit. E – reduces viscosity of the blood

Witch Hazel (active ingredient in Tux pads)– apply topically


Yeast:

Acidophilus, raw garlic inserted, Gentian Violet, no sugar diet, kefir; treat partner also


 

END OF PREGNANCY

5W – causes Braxton-Hicks, helps keep pregnancy from going overdue; provides for faster, easier, less painful delivery; taken last five weeks of pregnancy

Blue Cohosh/Black Cohosh ("B&B") – oxytotic, taken last week of pregnancy along with 5W

Oil of Evening Primrose – four a day in last three weeks; insert one vaginally at bedtime; relaxes tissue and cervix, helps with stretching

Chiropractic adjustment – can induce labor

Acupuncture – can induce labor

To avoid testing positive for Group B Strep – increase probiotics for two months, drink Kefir faithfully, wash with Hibiclens or peroxide for three days before testing



False Labor:

Nervine tincture relaxes enough to let discoordinate contractions go away, mother can sleep, and real labor will return

Glass of wine OR (2) Benadryl – makes false labor go away

Chamomile tea


Three Day Induction Plan:

Day One:  Take stopperful of Black and Blue Cohosh tincture every hour. 

Day Two:  Take stopperful of B&B every hour.

Day Three:  Take B&B every 30 minutes and take the castor oil by using 2 oz. every 2 hours.  Mix in ½ cup of orange juice and drink with a straw.  Drink something hot afterwards.  Always begin castor oil first thing in the morning. (Cotton root bark tincture may be substituted in the afternoon of the third day for the B&B.)

Baby will be born the night of the 3rd day.

Discontinue B&B if headache or vomiting begins.  Continue again next day.



Labor:

Red Raspberry – aids the efficiency of the uterus; nutritive

Calcium – helps sooth nerve endings

Arnica – homeopathic or oil helps with pain

Rescue Remedy – energizes

Nervine tincture – relaxes



PROM (ruptured membranes)/Stalled Labor:

B&B Cohosh  - oxytotic

Cotton Root Bark - oxytotic

Nothing internal; no baths

Hibiclens wash

Breast pump – 10 minutes every hour

Sleep

AFTER BIRTH

Hemorrhage:

Anti-bleed tincture – stops hemorrhage quickly

Cayenne – causes delayed hemorrhage, not recommended

Shepherd’s Purse – high in Vit. K for clotting

Chlorophyll– oxygenates the blood, helps overcome shock

I-X, Hemaplex, Floridex – raises hemoglobin

Crampbark- helps with afterbirth pains

Angelica – helps with retained placenta

Motherwort – reduces after-birth pains



Herbal Bath Formula:

2 cups                   Comfrey

1 cup                     Shepherd’s Purse

1 cup                     Uva Ursi

1 cup                     Sea Salt

½ cup                  Rosemary powder or stem of fresh

Put in knee-hi hose and simmer in stew pot.  Remove herb pack and put tea in tub.  Make compresses from herb pack. Refrigerate and use cold compress every 2 hours.

LACTATION

Marshmallow Root, Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Alfalfa – increase milk supply 

Nettles, Avocado – enriches milk

Brewer’s yeast - increases milk supply and quality

Parsley or cabbage leaf compresses – reduces engorgement, dries milk

Sage – reduces milk supply

Additional Information:

Too much milk: Sage or raw cabbage leaves in the bra

Birth control pills are also well known for decreasing milk supply, particularly the ones that contain estrogen.

Sudafed (a decongestant) can also decrease milk supply, particularly with regular use.


BABY CARE

Thrush or Diaper Rash:

Acidophilus – works better than allopathic drugs especially if problem is detected early

Gentian Violet – very staining; can be toxic if used too long

Comfrey Salve – good for diaper rash

Raw garlic in olive oil

 
MENOPAUSE

Dong Quai – moderate hot flashes

Oil of Evening Primrose – estrogen

Black Cohosh – good source of estrogen

Wild Yam – progesterone

Vitex (chaste tree) – progesterone

Ginseng – hormone balancer

Soya – phytoestrogen – every day

Vit. E, Calcium

Red Clover – strong estrogen

Traditional Medicinals Women’s Liberty tea – every day for sanity


HERBS CONTRAINDICATED© 2004 Shonda Parker

CONTRAINDICATED DURING PREGNANCY:

Arbor-vitae (Thufa occidentalis)

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Bloodroot (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Cinchona (Cinchona spp.)

Cotton-root bark (gossypium herbacium)

Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus)

Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)

Meadow saffron (Crocus sativus)

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Poke root (Phytolacca decandra)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Wormwood (Artemisia spp.)



CONTRAINDICATED WHILE BREASTFEEDING:

Aloe leaf exudate*-  laxative

Basil plant - genotoxins (can cause genetic mutations)

Buckthorn fruit* - laxative

Bugleweed leaves -reduces milk supply

Butterbur rhizome*- hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Cascara sagrada bark* -laxative

Cinchona bark* -toxic to small children

Cocoa seeds -stimulant

Coffee beans* -stimulant

Cola seeds -stimulant

Coltsfoot leaves* -hepatotoxic PA's

Comfrey root and leaves* -hepatotoxic PA's

Frangula bark* -laxative

Hemp agrimony plant* -hepatotoxic PA's

Jasmin flowers -reduces milk supply

Kava-kava root -toxic to small children

Life root plant* -hepatotoxic PA's

Madder root -genotoxin

Ma huang plant* -stimulant

Mate leaves -stimulant

Meadow saffron corm & seed*-toxic

Prickly ash bark -irritant to digestive tract

Pulsatilla plant* -irritant to digestive tract

Rhubarb root* - laxative

Sage leaves* - reduces milk supply

Tea leaves -stimulant

Tobacco leaves* - toxic to small children

Wintergreen leaves* toxic to small children

* denotes herbs that may have other side effects other than those noted.




Disclaimer: Most herbal treatments have not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to lactation. Herbs are drugs, and some caution is necessary. I am presenting this data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and am not liable for its accuracy nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on this information.