Natural Cures For Pregnancy

While pregnancy is one of the most important milestones in a woman’s life, the experience is not without its mental, emotional, and physical obstacles. For approximately nine months, the female body will undergo a wave of changes. To prepare for the ups and downs of giving birth, it’s suggested to become familiar with natural cures for pregnancy.

Common Pregnancy Issues

From nagging backaches to cramping legs, hormones and sudden changes to the body cause a woman to endure a range of common pregnancy issues. Other responses to being pregnant include facial acne, morning sickness (nausea), depression, fatigue, skin rashes, and the increased risk of vaginal infections. A pregnant woman also experiences:

• Breast Changes: Female hormones affect the size and shape of breasts during a pregnancy. As they transform into milk-producing machines, they become firmer and tender.

• Constipation: Pressure on the lower bowel hampers circulation and can lead to constipation, which commonly occurs during a pregnancy.

• Heartburn: Increased pressure within the body can cause pain to arise in the center of the chest. Many times, food that stays in the stomach for longer periods of time leads to heartburn. Belching often accompanies a bad case of heartburn.

• Stretch Marks: Because the body swells during pregnancy, a rapid expansion of the skin can cause pink, purple, or light colored marks to appear. The stomach is usually the hardest hit body part regarding stretch marks.

• Edema: Fluid retention and bloating is a common experience during pregnancy, causing the feet, ankles, and calves to retain water and swell.

Taking Herbs During Pregnancy

When it comes to taking herbs during pregnancy, proceed with caution, as some selections are highly dangerous for a pregnant woman to take. Before taking any herb to treat pregnancy issues, consult your physician. Under no circumstances should you take the following herbs when pregnant: pennyroyal, yarrow, blue cohosh, goldenseal, and juniper. When pregnant, it is especially important to research natural cures before using.

Pregnancy Natural Cures

The road towards giving birth is filled with many different bumps along the way. Each woman will experience varying reactions. Whether you need a moment of relaxation or a remedy for morning sickness, the following natural cures for pregnancy can help ease common complaints:

a) Raspberry Leaf Tea:

Drinking raspberry leaf tea can prep the uterine muscles for labor and childbirth. Add one teaspoon of chopped fresh or dried raspberry leaves to one cup of water. Brew the concoction for five to six minutes. During the last 10 weeks of pregnancy, drink one to two cups of tea.

b) German Chamomile:

Treat morning sickness and nausea with an infusion comprised of German chamomile. Sip small amounts throughout the day and make sure not to exceed more than five cups.

c) Cornsilk:

Drink up to five cups per day of an infusion containing cornsilk to ease symptoms of edema (swelling).

d) Raw Beet Juice:

Drinking raw beet juice can help balance out sodium and potassium levels in the body during pregnancy. Aim to consume about four ounces per day.

e) Ginger:

Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of fresh, grated ginger per one cup of hot water to create an infusion to treat nausea and morning sickness. Do not drink an entire cup at one time, but instead, sip throughout the day. Do not exceed three cups.

f) Meadowsweet:

When heartburn takes over, reach for an infusion comprised of meadowsweet – an herb associated with treating gastric problems [1]. One to two cups per day is a suitable amount for a pregnant woman.

g) Fennel:

Add ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds to one cup of water for a drink that treats nausea and morning sickness. Drink up to three cups per day.

h) Aloe Vera:

Rub aloe vera gel on stretch marks to fade unwanted skin blemishes.

i) Olive Oil:

Treat stretch marks to a firm olive oil massage – rubbing into the skin around one to two times daily.

j) Wild Yam Root:

Take ½ to one teaspoon of wild yam root per day to help with symptoms of morning sickness.

k) Lavender Oil:

When you’re in need of relaxation, add a couple of drops of lavender oil to a bathtub and surrender to a good ol’ fashioned soak.

l) Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:

Some fruits and vegetables have the power to curb morning sickness symptoms, including kiwi, pineapple, carrots, and apples. Using a juicer allows you to combine the medicinal properties of several different options into a delicious, versatile drink. Enhance results by adding mint and ginger.

m) Raw Almonds:

For instant energy and fighting morning sickness, toss a couple of raw almonds into your mouth, which offer the body much-needed B vitamins, fat, and a little protein.

n) Cider Vinegar:

If you suffer nausea during a pregnancy, consume one teaspoon of cider vinegar mixed in a cup of warm water.

o) Herbal Teas:

Ease the symptoms of morning sickness by sipping on herbal tea throughout the day. The best results usually come from combinations of different herbs, such as raspberry leaf, lemon balm, peppermint and chamomile.

p) Cucumbers:

Eat cucumbers to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Resources

[1] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg 317.