Pregnancy Teas
Herbal teas can be used during pregnancy to promote optimal health. These herbs may prevent or relieve discomforts and complications of pregnancy. Nettle leaf and Raspberry leaf are safe for pregnancy. They provide nutrients that help you to have a healthy pregnancy, including calcium, magnesium and iron. These herbs also have a tonic effect. Tonics have a highly nourishing effect on a particular organ or body system. Tonics are safe for long term use. In fact, daily use over time is necessary for effectiveness.
Nettle, Raspberry, Mint and sometimes other herbs are often used together in a Pregnancy Tonic Tea. Drinking Pregnancy Tea is an excellent and delicious way to support health during pregnancy.
Mama's Red Raspberry Brew
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Nettle Leaf Tea
PLEASE NOTE: Not all herbs are safe to use during pregnancy. Some herbs to avoid during pregnancy are Licorice, Goldenseal, Ginseng, Dong Quai, Gingko, Comfrey, Damiana, Ephedra, Feverfew and Yarrow. Ask your midwife if you have questions about the safety of certain herbs during pregnancy.
Herbs can help with indigestion, gas, or stomach pain. Herbs that aid digestion include Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Fennel seed, Anise seed, Ginger, Linden (Tilia), Dandelion root and Orange Peel They are all considered safe to use during pregnancy.
Some herbs are soothing to the nervous system. They help to decrease anxiety and improve sleep. These herbs include Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Tilia.
In order to obtain the most benefit from these herbs it is best to make an INFUSION, which is stronger than a regular tea, that is why buy loose teas are so beneficial! Directions on How to Make an Infusion
Mama's Red Raspberry Brew
Includes: Red Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa, Peppermint and Nettle.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Alfalfa
Peppermint 
Nettle
This is a tradtional recipe - the "old reliable" to a healthy uterus and happy birth. Feedback about this te: yummy! Brew some up, store it in the refrigerator and take some with you wherever you go.
Directions
You can make a cup of hot tea by adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of the premixed herbs to 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, and add honey (raw is best) to taste.
To make a pitcher of tea for storing in the refrigerator, use 10 teaspoons or so of the premixed herbs for 8 cups of boiling water. Let it cool for a while and strain. Discard the used herbs, and put the tea in the refrigerator to drink over ice or reheated.
Mama's Red Raspberry Brew
Red Raspberry Leaf
- Has been used for hundreds of years by women during pregnancy to make the uterus strong, so it can work effectively during labor.
- Has a tonic effect on the uterus. If the muscle of the uterus is too tight or irritable, Raspberry leaf helps the muscle relax, but if the uterus is too relaxed raspberry leaf makes the uterus stronger.
- Is very rich in calcium, magnesium and other important nutrients.
Seven years ago there was a flurry of warnings over the web not to use large amounts of raspberry leaf(only European raspberry) during early pregnancy. I always take the safe road, so I cautioned pregnant ladies to only drink a cup or two a day of raspberry until they were 5 months along. Now trusted researchers go on record as saying that Raspberry is safe for pregnant women. Here are two sources that are respected and helpful. Debi Pearl, GrowingLife.com
AmericanPregnancy.org
Excerpts from The How the Herb Book (Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon)
Red Raspberry is used as a basic herbal foundation for all female organs and problems. It is in many female combinations.
- Strengthens wall of uterus and entire female reproductive system.
- Decreases profuse menstrual flow.
- Good during all months of pregnancy. Alleviates morning sickness and nausea. Has been used as a preventative for hemorrhaging during labor. Assists labor, makes delivery easier and relieves after pains. Tones and regulates before, during and after childbirth.
- Increases and enriches milk for lactation, can be combined with marshmallow tea.
- Raspberry tea is mild and pleasant to taste. It is good for stomachaches and bowel problems in children. For diarrhea in babies.
- Soothing to stomach and bowels and cankerous conditions of mucous membranes in the alimentary canal.
- High mineral and vitamin source.
Red Raspberry Leaf has been used in the following:
Nausea, Antacid, Childbirth, Colds, Coughs, Diarrhea, Digestion, Female problems, Fevers, Flatulence – gas, Flu – influenza, Gastritis, Labor pains, Decreases menstrual flow, Miscarriage, Mucous membranes, Afterpains of childbirth, Nursing, Pregnancy, Strengthens and tones uterus.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Nettle Leaf Tea
- May prevent or treat high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Soothes the digestive trac
- Is high in iron and prevents anemia (low iron in the blood)
- Keeps the liver healthy.
- When used regularly during pregnancy is believed to decrease the risk of hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) during childbirth)
- Is very high in calcium and magnesium, important nutrients for pregnancy health.
The following is an excerpt from Nutritional Herbology, Mark Pedersen:
Extracts of nettle have been included in hair tonics for centuries due to its purported ability to stimulate hair growth. Like many bitter herbs, nettle is a blood purifier. Its long list of traditional uses can be summed up in its ability to increase the production of urine, its mild laxative effect and its ability to increase the efficiency of liver and kidney function. Besides these general effects, folk use points to the herb’s affinity for treating imbalances of the mucous membranes. It has traditionally been used to treat asthma, ulcers, bronchitis, jaundice, nephritis, hemorrhoids and spasmodic dysmenorrhea.
Contains bitter compounds that increase the flow of urine, are antiseptic, and relieve pains. It also contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues and stop bleeding. Nettle has been used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, inflammatory skin conditions, diarrhea, and asthma.
Nettle Leaf Tea