Natural remedies for pregnancy, mums & babes
Amber
Arnica
Chamomile
Ginger
Nettle
Raspberry Leaf
Floradix
Stretch Mark Oil
Perineum Massage Oil
Amber
Amber is fossilized tree resin from ancient forests, and when in contact with warm skin releases healing oils with pain relieving and other therapeutic properties which are absorbed into the bloodstream. The amber is said to reduce inflammation caused by teething when worn close to the skin and promote a stronger immunity to common infection as well as assisting general well-being. These are a fantastic natural alternative for teething babies.
There are also many reports of them helping to relieve many painful conditions in adults, including arthritis, headaches, injuries, muscular aches and much more
How do they work? The active ingredient in amber is succinic acid which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and is known to stimulate neural system recovery and build the immune system, boost awareness, concentration and reflexes and reduce stress Buy onlinee
Arnica 30 Homeopathic Remedy:
Why? Used for physical exhaustion, over exertion, shock, reducing bruising, sprains, insomnia due to overtiredness, aches, pains & bleeding.
When? From 2 weeks before due date or whenever feeling symptoms and until soreness subsides after giving birth.
How? Take 15 minutes between meals, drinks, cleaning your teeth, smoking and other medication. Pillules/tablets should not be touched but taken from a spoon or lid of the container. Hold in mouth for 10 seconds before sucking or chewing. Buy online
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Chamomile Tea:
Why? Chamomile is an excellent herb for treating various digestive disorders, is known to effectively combat stress and depression, can be used to defeat insomnia by acting like mild sedative. Relaxes muscles which can relieve cramps. Helps to heal skin irritations and can help in the fight against acne. (During pregnancy I found it excellent for indigestion and to help me to relax. I have used a pot of it in my baby’s bath for nappy rash and to relax her, and have drank it loads whilst nursing her especially when she’s seemed unsettled, colicky or constipated and I can highly recommend it!) Buy it loose leaf from your local health food store
When? Throughout pregnancy and nursing
How? Put ¼ teaspoon tea inside strainer (for one cup); pour boiling water over it, stir, cover and leave to steep for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired.
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Ginger Tea:
Why? Ginger regulates a whole range of body processes and thereby prevents disease. It is an excellent treatment for all kinds of nausea, including morning sickness, and is a really effective in treating all kinds of digestive problems and stimulating the circulatory system. Studies show it is as effective as leading anti-nausea medicines and is completely harmless.
When? Throughout pregnancy and nursing
How? Use ¼ teaspoon per cup of tea. Put in cup; pour boiling water over it, stir, cover and leave to steep for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired.
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Nettle Tea:
Why? Nettle leaves are very beneficial both medically and nutritionally. They are very rich in minerals, especially calcium, potassium and iron. They aid digestion, kidney function and blood circulation and have been used to stimulate the secretion of mother’s milk, to treat bites and stings and to treat lung disorders . Native Americans used this tea to aid pregnancy, childbirth and nursing. Buy it loose leaf from your local health food store
When? Throughout pregnancy and nursing
How? Use 1 level teaspoon per cup of tea. Put in strainer; pour boiling water over it, stir, cover and leave to steep for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired.
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Raspberry Leaf Tea
Why? Traditionally used to prepare uterine muscles for labour, but is also beneficial for morning sickness, to sooth and prevent bleeding gums, relax muscles in uterus while it is contracting, assist the birth of baby and placenta and calm the cramping of the uterus. Raspberry Leaf is also a rich source of iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium and contains Vitamins B1, B3 & E Buy it loose leaf from your local health food store
When? Last 2 months of pregnancy. Can also be sipped during labour.
Caution: Although Raspberry leaf is a very safe herb to use, it is best to err on the side of caution and not to use it in the first 6 months of pregnancy as it stimulates contractions.
How? One cup per day building up gradually to a maximum of 4 cups per day.
Use 1 level teaspoon per cup of tea. Put in strainer; pour boiling water over it, stir, cover and leave to steep for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired.
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Floradix:
Why? During pregnancy the body starts to produce more red blood cells and plasma in order to have enough for the foetus. A woman’s iron reserves will become strained and so it is important to provide the body with extra iron to meet this extra demand. Iron is also required to produce the mother’s milk which covers the baby’s demand for iron Babies absorb approximately 50% of the contained iron. Floradix contains iron in an easily absorbable form as well as vitamin C to enhance the iron absorption. It also contains Herbal extracts to maintain healthy digestion and B-vitamins for blood formation and energy release. It is free from chemical preservatives, colourings and flavourings. Floradix is suitable for vegetarians. (It helped me a lot when I was feeling fatigued during pregnancy and made me feel healthier all round, and is fab now that I'm nursing too as it gives me extra energy) Available from any good health food stores.
When? Throughout pregnancy and nursing
How? 10ml twice daily
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Make your own stretch mark oil: Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Borage Oils blended with a couple of drops of Lavender and Sweet Orange Essentials oils developed to help prevent and reduce stretch marks and maintain healthy skin.
Why? To help prevent and reduce stretch marks and maintain healthy skin whilst relaxing you and making you feel pampered.
Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins D & E, essential fatty acids and trace minerals. Jojoba Organic Carrier Oil has excellent moisturising properties as well as being cleansing and anti-inflammatory. It also helps to maintain healthy skin. Borage Organic Carrier Oil is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and the essential fatty acid GLA. Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most versatile of the essential oils. It has analgesic and sedative properties making it useful for headaches, migraines, muscular aches and pains, and rheumatism. It is particularly useful in children for colic, irritability and nervous excitement. Also used for ear, nose & throat infections due to its antiseptic properties. Lavender has a balancing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. It may be useful for many conditions particularly burns, bruises, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, scars, fungal infections, wounds and insect bites and stings. Lavender is suitable for use during pregnancy and for young children. Emotionallly lavender is said to be balancing and useful for fatigue, nervous tension, insomnia and depression. Sweet orange Essential Oil is reputed to be stimulating, refreshing and strengthening. It may be used as a general tonic for the digestive system as well as to improve poor circulation and as a nervine sedative. It may be useful for coughs, colds, bronchitis, headaches and fever. Emotionally Sweet Orange is said to be uplifting and useful as an aid to relaxation. Although the oil is said to have stimulating properties its overall effect is one of calming.
When? Throughout pregnancy and postnatally.
How? Massage gently into dry skin twice a day.
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Perineum massage oil: You could use a quality cooking Olive Oil or make your own blend of Olive Oil and Rose Petal Extract to use in the last month of pregnancy. Apply a few drops of this oil daily and massage into the perineum to help soften the skin.
Why? To help soften the skin and improve elasticity to help prevent tears and stitches during childbirth. Stimulates blood supply and helps speed healing process after birth.
When? Last month of pregnancy, once a day.
How? Sit or lean back in comfortable position, place one or two thumbs (or fingers, if you can’t reach) inside your vagina. Press downwards and to the sides at the same time. Firmly but gently keep stretching until you feel a slight burning or tingling sensation. Hold for about 2 minutes. Keep pressing and slowly and gently massage lower half or your vagina. (your partner can also do this for you)
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