Herbs That Are Beneficial During Pregnancy

Barley Juice Powder - Barley juice powder is a nkown blood builder, which is also rich in Vitamin B-1 (30 times more than what is in milk), Calcium (11 times more than milk has), and Vitamin C (7 times more than orange juice). It is also anti-inflammatory for hemorrhoids. It cleans and boosts the internal system, and neutralizes lead and mercury.

Bee Pollen - Start with small doses of this!! Bee pollen is a very balanced "herb" in itself, having a nice balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, enzymes, and amino acids. It is also a blood builder and balances the endocrine system. It is wonderful for allergies, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis - great for using for these as drugs are definitely not recommended during this time. Also wonderful for raising energy levels - sometimes a real problem during pregnancy.

Bilberry Fruit - This improves circulation, helps spider veins, and is a mild diuretic, making it wonderful for the extra retention of water.

Blessed Thistle - Blessed Thistle balances the female hormones, reduces cramps, helps alleviate headaches, strengthens the heart and lungs, aids circulation to the brain, reduces and controls fevers, is a general tonic for the digestive system, AND... stimulates lactation in nursing mothers.

Burdock - Excellent to use during pregnancy, as burdock contains a mineral-rich hormone which prevents jaundice in newborns. It is also a blood builder and can be used to reduce joint swelling. Also good for sore throats, abcesses, coughs, colds, and tonsilitis.

Butcher's Broom - This herb eliminates swelling of ankles, legs, etc. with it's diuretic properties. It is an anti-inflammatory, and is useful in promoting circulation to the brain, arms, and legs. It lowers cholesterol. It is also wonderful for one going into surgery, as it prevents many post-op problems such as thrombosis, so if you're headed for a C-section, consider Butcher's Broom.

Echinecia - Also known as the "King of Blood Purifiers," echinecea is very potent for strengthening the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-viral tendencies and will increase white blood cells, thus destroying virii. Echinecea also expels toxins and poisons from the system, and is therefore one herb which is rather benficial during pergnancy.

Fennel - Fennel is one of those "can't do without" herbs. It improves digestion, relieves hiccups, clears mucous from the liver and lungs, eliminates gas, is a wonderful tissue cleaner and enriches milk in lactating mothers.

Fenugreek - Stimulates milk in nursing mothers. Lowers blood sugar levels, and is useful in bronchitis and pneumonia.

Red Raspberry - EXCELLENT herb for the mother-ro-be! It is good to use during every stage of pregnancy. It strengthens the wall of the uterus, as well as the entire female reproductive system. It alleviates morning sickness and nausea; tones and regulates the system before, during and after childbirth. It assists labor, making delivery easier, relieves afterpains, and has been used as a preventative for hemorhhaging during labor. Also prevents miscarriage.

Yellow Dock - Very beneficial as it builds iron, therefore preventing infant jaundice and helping to remedy anemia. Also has a high mineral content, builds the immune system, and balances body chemistry.

DANGERS OF CERTAIN HERBS DURING PREGNANCY

Black Cohosh - Contracts the uterus and can therefore cause miscarriage

Cascara Sagrada - May be taken in small doses for constipation, but anything more than a very small amount can cause harmful side-effects or miscarriage

Fenugreek - If you are trying to become pregnant, avoid fenugreek, as it is a natural pregnancy preventative.

Parsley - DO NOT take large doses during pregnancy! Not only can parsley congest the uterus, it dries the milk of lactating mothers.

Psyllium Hulls - As most pregnant women have problems with water retention, psyllium hulls will clog the system, therefore causing constipation and aggravating hemorrhoids. Since psyllium hulls are also used for weight loss, and problems can easily result from improper use, it is best for the prenant woman to completely avoid it.

Uva Ursi - This herb can cause miscarriage, as it causes the uterus to contract.