Herbs for New Mothers

Being a mother is most likely the most wonderful gift any woman can have. All the pain, the kicks, the dreams and the excitement during the pregnancy is rewarded with an angel.

However, there are times when stress and depression strikes after delivering the baby.

First time mothers tend to be more excited on the baby rather than the idea of motherhood. Some even forget that to have a perfectly healthy child, it should start by being a perfectly healthy mother. For new mothers to be healthy, it is just a matter of herbal A, B and C.

A. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) – The alfalfa, being called the “Father of all plants”, is known to be used in aiding mothers and babies from the pregnancy to the delivery.

The chlorophyll content found in alfalfa is an essential factor against bacterial invasion.

The different vitamins like Vitamin-A, Vitamin-E, and Vitamin-B6 are also helpful to stabilize the body. Alfalfa also contains higher protein content than beef. 

Alfalfa has been used for centuries as a remedy for various illnesses like nausea, morning sickness, colds, coughs, and infections.

It can also be dangerous if alfalfa products are taken with certain medications. Before taking in alfalfa, a doctor’s advice should be taken in consideration.

Alfalfa Sources:

• Processed products (tablets, capsules)at drug stores

• Flavored products (cooked)at vegetarian restaurants

• Parts of alfalfa at organic markets

• Packages (Alfalfa parts, recipes, processed products) are widely distributed in Online herbal markets

The Alfalfa Cooler

Key Ingredients:
1 bunch of fresh alfalfa (well rinsed)
2 key limes
500mL of water
Sugar/honey for sweetening

Preparation:

Discard the thin stems with leaves from the thick stem of the alfalfa
Blend the alfalfa stems
Mix the juice from the limes and sweeten with sugar or honey
Pour the mixture into the blended alfalfa and stir
Best served when chilled

B. Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) – The blessed thistle is widely known as a galactogogue to aid in lactation. It also contains terpenoid lactones which are known for its antiphlogistic and antibacterial properties. Blessed thistle can be applied internally or externally.

Blessed thistle is also used for anorexia, ulcers, poor appetite and flatulence. However, excessive use or intake of any product made from the Blessed thistle can lead to vomiting. Women with plant allergies must also take extra caution when taking in this herb.

Blessed Thistle Sources:
• In some countries, this herb is subject for legal restrictions.
• Processed products are available in some drug stores
• More information is provided by online herbal markets

Mama’s Organic Milk Tea
Ingredients:
2 parts raspberry leaf cut
½ part blessed thistle cut
2 parts whole fennel seed
1 part fenugreek seed

Add all the herbs in a teapot
Pour water and bring to a boil
Simmer for 10minutes
Strain the herbs and add honey to sweeten

C. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) – Cinnamon is known for enhancing the brain activity. Aside from this, it is also known for its monoterpenoids which is a good antibacterial agent. Cinnamon products also help new mothers secrete more milk.

Cinnamon products are also widely consumed as remedies for colds, flu, digestion problems, vomiting and cramping. As for pregnant women, a doctor’s advice should be asked since excess use may lead to convulsions.

Cinnamon Sources:
• Processed products (candies, tablets) at local drug stores
• Powdered flavoring at general stores
• Package (recipes, cuts)at online herbal markets

Cinnamon Tea
Break a cinnamon stick and place on a cup
Pour in boiling water
Steep for 10 minutes

“Health is wealth”. This wealth can be transferrable – from mother to child. If the mother is not healthy, there is a greater risk of having a malnourished child. It should be a priority of any mother to take care of her health for her family.

To help in realizing a healthy life, natural herbs for new mothers prove to be efficient. Before indulging in any herbal remedy, it is best to ask a doctor, herbalist or naturalist in this matter. For more information, recipes, products, testimonies and helpful advices regarding the early stage of being a mother, please visit http://www.mountainroseherbs.com .