HERBS: Herbal / Homeopathic Labor Kit (Pregnancy) (REMEDIES, HEALTH)

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Putting Together a Herbal and Homeopathic Labor Kit

 

There is something about pregnancy that makes natural remedies more

appealing. Possibly a protective instinct is a work as we eat healthier

foods, avoid chemicals, and take nutritional supplements and herb teas.

By their due dates, many mothers are interested in using herbs and

homeopathy to help with labour and delivery.

 

Medicinal herbs in the form of teas have been used throughout human

history. One of the most renowned is red raspberry leaf tea which is a

uterine tonic that can be taken thoughout pregnancy and during labour.

The aptly named motherwort and squaw vine are both helpful herbs for

women during labour as well as with hormonal conditions like menstrual

cramps or menopause.

 

Blue cohosh or black cohosh (caulophyllum) are the top herbs for labour;

they are used interchangeably, although the black cohosh is thought to

be stronger. They act to strengthen uterine contractions and can be used

to stimulate a sluggish labour.

 

A Herbal Brew for Labour would include: motherwort, squaw vine,

raspberry leaf, yarrow (for exhaustion), or skullcap (for pain).

 

Note: Be sure to discuss the use of this or any other remedy with your

birth attendants ahead of time.

 

Energizing foods can really help keep your stamina up during labour as

well. I arranged to have a friend at my home birth whose job it was to

keep me fueled with carrot and beet juice, healthy meals, and fortifying

miso soups. A nutritious green drink like Greens + or an Alfalfa Tonic

would also help with recovery in the postpartum days.

 

Another handy trick was recommended to me by Dr. Carolyn DeMarco when I

was preparing for my delivery. She suggested that I take some calcium

and magnesium at the onset of labour to help relax the muscles (it also

helps relax the nervous system).

 

For anxiety or panicky feelings, the Bach Flower combination " Rescue

Remedy " in your drinking water is very helpful for keeping calm. At one

point, my husband, my midwife, and I were all sipping it.

 

Homeopathy is a unique form of natural medicine. Herbs, minerals, or

animal products are diluted in water many times until vibrational

medicines of various potencies are produced. For acute situations such

as labour, a relatively low potency is usually used. Again, consulting a

practitioner or having a birth attendant who is knowledgeable about

using homeopathy is important. Since hospital staff have no formal

training in natural medicines, it is wise to review your intention to

use them prior to the birth to avoid disputes. Homeopathic preparations

are given the latin name of the substance used to make it. One example

is caulophyllum, which is a homeopathic form of cohosh. It is used to

promote smooth muscle contractions.

 

Some helpful homeopathic remedies are:

 

CHAMOMILLA - helps relax muscles and reduces sensitivity to pain.

 

GELSEMIUM - helps with anxiety, fear, trembling legs, diarrhea.

 

PULSATILLA - indicated for false labour or pain with weak, irregular

contractions. Also shyness, weepy, emotional extremes.

 

ARNICA - helps prevent bruising. Treats fatigue and exhaustion.

 

COFFEA - helps cope with sensitivity to pain and noise. Good for

emotional excitement, fear of death.

 

BELLIS PERENUS - treats trauma to abdominal area (e.g. c-section)

 

KALI CARB - aids repair to haemorroids from the birth.

 

Read about the remedy in a book about homeopathy and make sure it

describes your condition; the closer the match, the more likely it is

that the remedy is right for you. It is a good idea to put together a

kit of remedies that you feel you are likely to need. If you think that

natural medicines could help you with stamina and confidence in

childbirth, then do some research and preparation ahead of time and feel

free to bring along a little help from mother nature.

 

Reprinted with additions from

The Changing Times, Fall Vol 18, No. 4

Article Posted Thursday, October 15, 1998

 

 

-=- Disclaimer -=-

 

The information posted here is purely for educational purposes. It is in

no way meant to be taken as a diagnosis or a prescription. Consult a

qualified practitioner if you have need of personal health care advice.

We hope that the information we provide in this site will encourage our

readers to take a broader look at their health care options and become

confident about exploring those options in a sensible way.

 

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