Herbalism is one of the oldest forms of medicine originally used by the ancient civilisations of China, and Egypt around 2500BC. Today it is probably the most commonly practised form of medicine worldwide. A growing number of medical practitioners in the West are now discovering and utilising the benefits of botanicals.
Many medical drugs in common use today are synthetic versions of plant sources. A common example is diosgenin, used to make progesterone for the contraceptive pill. The original source of which is the herb wild yam.
 

Balance

Herbal practitioners, also called herbal pharmacists or herbalists, argue that the processes involved in making synthetic versions destroy the natural vitality and therapeutic value of the plant. They believe that herbal medicine preserves this balance and is therefore more effective.
Herbal medicine can be taken in a number of ways. A qualified medical herbalist will most likely prescribe liquid preparations called tinctures. These are herbal extracts in concentrated form made from individual dried or fresh herbs by steeping them in a mixture of water and alcohol. This acts as both a preservative and a carrier for the active ingredients.
Herbalists may also prescribe tablets, capsules or give you dried herbs to make an “infusion” or herbal tea. Fresh herbs may be applied directly to the skin as a compress or poultice and are often used to heal wounds or soothe injuries to muscles and tendons.

Caution

Herbal supplements are readily available in capsule or tablet form in health shops and supermarkets. These should be clearly labelled and may contain cautions for pregnancy. It is strongly recommended that you check all herbal preparations with a qualified herbal practitioner regarding their safety before taking them.

The following herbs are not advised for use during pregnancy. Those marked * are safe to use only during childbirth itself.

• Alder buckthorn
• Angelica
• Arbor vitae
• Autumn crocus
• Barberry
• Basil oil
• Black cohosh*
• Blood root
• Blue cohosh*
• Broom
• Cascara
• Cotton root
• Dang qui
• Devil’s claw
• Fern
• Feverfew
• Goldenseal*
• Greater celandine
• Juniper
• Landy’s mantle
• Life root
• Lovage
• Marjoram
• Mistletoe
• Motherwort
• Mugwort*
• Myrrh
• Nutmeg
• Pennyroyal*
• Peruvian bark
• Pokeroot
• Rhubarb
• Rosemary
• Rue
• Sage
• Sassafras
• Senns
• Shepherd’s purse
• Southernwood
• Sweet flag
• Tansy
• Thyme
• Tree of life
• Vervain
• Wormwood

Herbal Tea or Infusion

For every two tablespoons of herb, use 600ml of boiling water.
Let it steep or infuse for 5 to 10 minutes
Strain.
Drink a cupful three times a day, most herbal teas can be taken hot or cold.
Make a fresh brew every day.
For best results, use water just off the boil microwaves are not recommended to reheat herbal preparations.

Compress

Add two tablespoons of the herbal preparation to 200ml of hot water. Using a clean muslin cloth, soak in the infused water and apply to affected area four times daily. Compresses are good for healing wounds and reducing inflammation.

Preconception

Herbs have an excellent reputation for enhancing fertility. More than five hundred plants contain plant hormones called phytoesterols that mimic our own hormones, including false unicorn root that stimulates the ovaries. Other fertility herbs include natural yam, squaw vine as well as blue and black cohosh.

Pregnancy & Labour

Herbal medicine can help morning sickness, anaemia, insomnia, back pain, anxiety, indigestion, labour pains, constipation and haemorrhoids, lactation, post partum recovery and cystitis

Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry leaf is a reproductive tonic specific to pregnancy and childbirth. It is available as a tea and also in capsule form. It aids in controlling bleeding, is high in calcium and magnesium, stimulates the release of oxytocin and strengthens and calms the uterine muscles in preparation for labour.

Nettle

Nettle is a perfect pregnancy tonic supporting the uterus, kidneys and urinary tract. It strengthens the blood vessels and circulatory system, helps in diabetes, digestion, fluid retention, incontinence, anaemia, hypertension, kidney stones, hair loss, leg cramps and painful childbirth.

Squaw Vine

Squaw Vine tones the uterus, urinary tract and bowels. It is also used to prevent bleeding, enhance labour and promote lactation.

False Unicorn Root

False Unicorn Root tones the uterus, aids delivery and balances hormones.

Wild Yam

Wild Yam regulates hormones, is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, reducing cramping and toning the liver.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai is recommended for use during the last six weeks of pregnancy. It is noted in traditional Chinese medicine for its use in preparation for labour. It is thought to encourage blood flow to the uterus. It also helps anaemia.

Peony

Peony is known as a foetal calmer and is used with Dong Quai to regulate hormones and soothe the uterine muscles.

Withania

Withania is a traditional pregnancy tonic helpful to relieve stress, promote sleep and boost energy.

St Mary's Thistle

St Mary’s Thistle helps digestion and cleanses the liver.

Labour Formula

You or your herbalist may prepare the following formula for use after the 34th week of pregnancy:

Red Raspberry Leaf 20 ml

Nettle 20 ml
Squaw Vine 30 ml
False Unicorn Root 20 ml
Withania 50 ml
St Mary’s Thistle 30 ml
200ml

Directions

During the 34th week, take 2ml daily, the 35th week take 2 ml twice a day, the 36th week take 2 ml three times daily, the 37th week take 5 ml twice daily, the 38th week take 5ml three times daily, the 40th week take 8 ml three times daily. If the practice contractions are too strong, stop and start from the beginning with 2ml daily again.

Post Natal

There are many herbs suitable for post partum recovery and lactation.

Scarring/wounds

Apply calendula compresses and take calendula tincture.

Milk Production

Teas from St Mary’s Thistle, dill, fennel, cumin and marshmallow.

Post natal baby blues/depression

St Johns Wort, Kava, Pulsatilla, Motherwort, Damiana, Liquorice, Siberian and Korean Ginseng.