Herbal infusions through pregnancy

Peppermint acts as an antispasmodic, it relaxes the stomach muscles and reduces the tendency of vomiting, nausea or morning sickness during pregnancy. It has a high proportion of menthol, which is a natural coolant and is quite effective in treating heated stomach disorders. Researchers have linked ginger’s effectiveness in treating NVP to its ability to either prevent or to help expel gas. It also eases and orchestrates the rhythmical passage of food down the digestive tract, thereby minimising NVP. Ginger has heating qualities and may exacerbate NVP with it associated with heartburn. Other herbs that are safe to try and may assist to soothe stomach tension and nausea and vomiting include: lemon balm, chamomile flower and spearmint. 

Herbal infusions for the 3rd trimester 

Rest and relaxation 

As women move into the 3rd trimester, sleeplessness, stress and anxiety, as the body changes and emotions fluctuate, are quite normal.

Herbal infusions can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep during these later stages.

Such herbs include:  

Rose petals – they have been used in Chinese medicine for more than 4000 years. Rose is especially useful in alleviating insomnia typical in the 3rd trimester, as well as tension and anxiety around childbirth and preventing postnatal depression. Rose Petals increase the elasticity and strengthen the integrity of vasculature therefore preventing and treating varicosities and fluid retention. It also soothes the digestive tract in both mother and child and is an effective treatment for urinary tract infections associated with pregnancy

Lavender – it can be used as an infusion or added to a bath to promote sleep, reduce anxiety, and lift depression.  

Chamomile – it is a safe and gentle herb for pregnancy. It is used to quell nausea, ease digestion and relieve heartburn. It is naturally high in calcium and magnesium and also helps with sleeplessness by promoting gentle relaxation and a peaceful sleep. Women who have had a miscarriage or spotting during their pregnancy should drink no more than a cup of the tea per day because chamomile is a mild emmenagogue. 

Lemon balm – it can help decrease irritability, anxiety, and enable you to remain calm during this important time.  

Try the Organic Merchant Restful tea, containing chamomile, lavender and lemon balm.  

Preparing for birth 

Partus preparators are herbs sometimes used during the last weeks of pregnancy to tone and prepare the uterus for labour. They have historically been used to facilitate a rapid and easy delivery.    

Raspberry leaf has been used traditionally for thousands of years, as a uterine tonic during pregnancy and to facilitate childbirth.

It is both a parturient and astringent, toning the uterine membranes, strengthening both the pelvic floor and uterine muscles to assist childbirth. This toning action increasing the contractility of the uterine walls and makes for more effectual contractions during labor. 

Raspberry leaf is also nutritive to both mother and child, containing a rich assortment of vitamins including vitamin B complex and minerals including calcium, iron and magnesium. 

Raspberry leaf also boosts the immune system and helps fight infection.  

Studies have shown that women who take raspberry leaf have a reduced incidence of birth interventions.  

Research has also found that women who drank red raspberry leaf tea regularly towards the end of their pregnancies had a shorten labour with no identified side effects for the women or their babies. The findings also suggest that women who ingest raspberry leaf tea might decrease the likelihood of pre- and post-term gestation and may be less likely to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than women who do not consume raspberry leaf.  

Continuing to consume tea after labour helps the uterus return back to its normal size, shape and elasticity afterwards.   

Raspberry leaf is also a galactagogue assisting to increase and enrich milk supply after birth.  

Check out the Organic Merchant Mother Nature tea, a certified organic raspberry leaf tea blended specifically for birth and beyond. 

Using herbs wisely 

Although herbs are “natural”, not all herbs are safe to take during pregnancy. Many contain constituents that can cause miscarriage or premature birth, or jeopardise the foetus or mother’s health. Therefore, using herbs requires a cautious approach. Even when using the “tried and true” herbs discussed, it’s best to begin with a small quantity, gradually increasing dosage if appropriate and if no adverse effects occur. Chamomile, for example, a member of the aster family, is ordinarily considered one of the safest of herbs, but an individual allergic to ragweed (a member of the same family) may also have a reaction to chamomile. It is important to follow dosage guidelines for each herb.

Digestion slows during pregnancy so substances tend to remain in the digestive tract longer, and their effects may be heightened and longer-lasting.

The idea that more of a medication, including herbs, is better can be a dangerous fallacy, especially during pregnancy. The lowest effective dose is usually the best.  

Using herbs holistically   

Herbal infusions can provide substantial relief for common symptoms and concerns that arise during pregnancy and childbirth. I highly recommend using herbs during pregnancy to nourish and gently soothe the body. Herbal infusions can offer simple, safe, gentle, and effective solutions for many common pregnancy problems ranging from indigestion to sleeplessness. The power of herbs should be respected during pregnancy, and therefore, they should be used with caution or under the guidance of your naturopath or herbalist. I recommend that you talk with your health-care provider before taking any herb to make sure that your discomfort isn’t a sign of a serious problem. If you are ill and wish to use herbs therapeutically, it is essential to consult your health-care provider, who can tailor treatment to your needs. It is important that herbs are used holistically, in conjunction with a wholesome diet, moderate exercise, healthy lifestyle and supportive environment. Together these are essential aspects for a positive childbearing experience. 


To learn more about Organic Merchant and to check out their full range of organic teas and products, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  

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