14 Medicinal Plants for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is the most beautiful love story that can be written in the world because it’s an unconditional and complete surrender of your heart. But, it’s important that we know very well how to provide our little ones with everything they need so that they grow up healthy and strong. Fortunately, nature’s an inexhaustible source of health and well-being for human beings, especially if we’re going through a time as important as pregnancy. The therapeutic use of medicinal plants and their derivatives is known as herbal medicine, which can become the main ally of pregnant women.
Some plants help you stay strong for your little one and ease discomfort
Although this science has been around for a very long time, it’s more fully understood today. Therefore, the list of options for future moms is of great value, especially because you need to recover from the loss of iron, calcium, constipation, and avoid a weak placenta.
Undoubtedly, most of the resources that are obtained in these natural sources can be found in pills made by laboratories. However, no one doubts the power of home remedies, not even science itself. So, if you dare to try one of these alternatives, consult your trusted doctor and enjoy the blessings of the natural world.
Medicinal plants for pregnant women
Medicinal plants are perfect for alleviating certain pregnancy discomforts and preventing certain problems that cause difficulties . Of course, you shouldn’t ingest them without first asking your doctor, and it’s not a good idea to exceed the recommended doses because their effects could be negative.
So, let’s see what herbs you can ingest during pregnancy:
1. Elderberry
This is a mild diuretic, which limits the retention of fluid typical of pregnancy. Also, when used as an ointment, it helps prevent bruising and sprains. You must be careful not to ingest the bark because it works as a strong purgative.
The diuretic activity of elderberry, especially black elderberry, is given by the amount of flavonoids contained in flowers and berries. This fact was evidenced in a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods. The study also confirms the diaphoretic and antipyretic properties of the plant.
2. Basswood
Basswood can be prepared as a delicious infusion, which serves to calm the nerves and prevent thromboembolism (a clot that remains located in the vascular system and travels towards the bloodstream). If you suffer from migraines , it’s a good idea to make a tea with the bark.
3. Ginger
Boil a little of this root to reduce nausea and to improve digestive processes and ailments in the abdomen. Don’t exceed 1 gram per day.
A study published in the Canadian Family Physician journal showed that ginger is helpful in treating vomiting and nausea in the first trimester. This root is capable of improving nausea up to 4 points on a certain scale, while it can eliminate vomiting in 1 out of 3 women.
4. Aloe
The crystal of this powerful plant relieves dermatitis, offers quick healing, calms burns, etc. Neither children nor pregnant women should ingest it because it works as a diuretic and causes contractions.
Melasmas are dark spots on the face caused by the effect of hormones during pregnancy, which disappear on their own at the end of pregnancy. Fortunately, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed that aloe vera improves the appearance of these spots by up to 32%.
At the same time, creams with aloe vera and sweet almonds prevent the spread of abdominal stretch marks in women who are pregnant for the first time. This fact was evidenced in a study published in the Journal of Maternal-fetal and Neonatal Medicine. This article also stated that creams reduce erythema and itching in pregnancy.
5. Echinacea
This beautiful flower is perfect for strengthening the immune system and reduces the chances of suffering from colds . Children under 12 years of age can’t drink this tea as it causes them to vomit.
One study showed that echinacea is helpful in treating upper respiratory tract infections in the first trimester of pregnancy. Fortunately, its consumption didn’t demonstrate a relevant teratogenic effect, however, more studies are still needed in this regard.
6. Calendula
An ointment made from this plant relieves incipient varicose veins. Never drink from this infusion, as it affects the uterus.
Calendula can also be helpful in women who’ve given birth. The essential oil of this flower is useful in reducing pain after an episiotomy according to an article in the prestigious Journal of Maternal-fetal and Neonatal Medicine.
7. Chamomile
This plant is helpful in cases of stomach aches and colic .
At the same time, a bibliographic review published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology showed that chamomile is also useful for reducing vomiting and nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy. The cited study also showed that other natural products such as ginger, lemon, and peppermint are able to alleviate these symptoms.
8. Raspberry leaf
Raspberry leaf tones the muscle mass of the uterus, promoting labor. It contains vitamin E, calcium, and iron. One study showed a reduction in the duration of the second stage of labor in women who ingested an infusion of raspberry leaves. However, other studies have failed to show significant benefits or risks.
9. Nettle
This plant prevents bleeding, allows good absorption of iron, and increases the production of breast milk.
10. Dog-rose
This shrub that contains large doses of vitamin C strengthens the placenta and reduces problems in childbirth.
As with calendula, dog-rose is also useful after pregnancy. In fact, a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research showed that the capsules of the fruit of this plant are capable of reducing the incidence of urinary infections after a cesarean section.
11. Rumex Crispus
Known as yellow dock, curly dock, or curled dock, this is the perfect ally to combat constipation. You should take three teaspoons of tea a day and, little by little, add an additional portion until the effect is achieved.
12. Lavender essence
Lavender is a plant that has multiple medicinal properties and has relaxing and anxiolytic effects when consumed in tea. In addition, the topical application of the essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Although its effectiveness in pregnancy isn’t proven, a study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice demonstrated its effectiveness during labor. In this sense, aromatherapy during labor can be useful for pain management.
13. Flaxseed
This is a plant that contains a large amount of fiber, so it’s useful in the treatment of constipation during pregnancy. In this sense, a recent study showed that flaxseed oil is an effective and safe laxative during the second trimester of pregnancy.
14. Dill seeds
Beyond being a beneficial plant during pregnancy, dill offers its true benefits during labor. Research published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice showed that dill seeds can reduce the duration of labor. However, this plant is only recommended in low-risk pregnant women due to the lack of studies.
Dangerous herbs for pregnant women
Drinking or using medicinal plants can be as beneficial as it is dangerous. Some plants, such as Artemisia ludoviciana, which is very good for colic, could cause abnormalities in the fetus.
Valerian interferes with the use of antidepressant medications. Also, chamomile in excess will make you lose sleep, while arnica stimulates blood loss.
Never eat any herb without consulting your doctor
Comfrey is a dangerous plant for little ones, as it reaches the mother’s milk and poisons it. The same happens with Ginkgo Biloba and star anise.
Ask your doctor before trying these medicinal plants that Mother Earth gives us, follow their recommendations, and guarantee the proper growth of your little one.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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