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Natural Remedies for Labour and Postpartum
by Stacelynn Caughlan
Before the Birth |
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PREPARATION FOR CHILDBIRTH |
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| Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) | prepares uterus |
| Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictriodes)* | prepares uterus (reserve for special circumstances only) |
| Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) Read article | prepares uterus |
| Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) | prepares uterus |
| Evening Primrose/Borage Oil | prepares cervix |
HYPOTENSIVES (reduces blood pressure) |
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| Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) | |
| Valerian (Valeriana off.) | |
| Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) | |
| Hops (Humulus lupus) - do not use in depression | |
| Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) | |
| Lemon Balm (Melissa off.) | |
| Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) | |
| Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) | |
DURING LABOUR |
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| Calcium/Magnesium | improves contractibility, decreases risk of hypertension |
| Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) | aids contractions, reduces hypertension |
| Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) | relaxant |
| Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) | relaxes muscular tension |
| Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) | relaxes muscular tension, may prevent blood loss |
| Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)* | systemic relaxant, allows mom to rest |
| St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforlatum) | helps relieve some discomfort |
| Ginger (Zingiber off.)* | aids nausea, provides some stamina |
| Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) | uterine tonic, nutritious |
| Vervain (Verbena off.) | relaxes nerves, may reduce pain |
| Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)* | direct effect on contractions |
| Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) | direct effect on contractions |
| Homeopathics i.e. Pulsatilla, Traumeel, Calms Forte | for discomfort, progression, etc. |
| Rescue Remedy | for shock, exhaustion, fear, etc. |
| Essential Oils (Jasmine, Rose, Lavender, Clary Sage, Neroli) | soothing, invigorating, etc. |
| Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) | supports uterus |
After the Birth |
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RETAINED PLACENTA |
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| Angelica (Angelica archangelica)* | emmenagogue |
| Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) | |
HAEMORRHAGE |
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| Prevention | |
| Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) | |
| ‘Green Foods’ i.e. alfalfa, nettle | very high in natural vitamin K |
| Acute* | |
| Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) | astringent |
| Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | astringent |
| Cayenne | |
SHOCK/TRAUMA |
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| Rescue Remedy | |
| Homeopathics i.e. Traumeel, Calms Forte | |
| Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) | |
| Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) | |
| Valerian (Valeriana off.) | |
| Nervine Herbs i.e. Passionflower, Vervain, Chamomile, Lemon balm | |
AFTER-PAINS |
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| Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) | |
| Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) | |
| Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) | |
| Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) | |
| Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) | |
| Vervain (Verbena off.) | |
PERINEAL TEARS or CESAREAN INCISIONS |
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| See Postpartum Healing | |
Lactation - Post partum | |
GALACTAGOGUES (improves milk flow and quality) |
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| Goat’s Rue (Galega off.) | |
| Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) | |
| Blue Vervain (Verbena off.) | |
| Blessed Thistle (Carbenia benedicta) | |
| Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) | |
| Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) | |
| Nettle (Urtica dioica) | |
| Hops (Humulus lupulus) | |
| Marshmallow (Althea off.) | |
ANTI-GALACTAGOGUE (slows milk production) |
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| Garden Sage (Salvia off.) | |
ENGORGEMENT |
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| Evening Primrose/borage oil | |
| Cabbage Leaves | |
MASTITIS |
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| Echinacea, yarrow, elderflower, etc internally | |
| Garlic | |
| Vit C | |
| Zinc | |
| Calendula, yarrow, marshmallow, elderflower, externally | |
POST PARTUM ( treated much like PMS) |
|
| St. John’s wort | |
| Essential Fatty Acids | |
| Wild Yam, Motherwort, Black Cohosh, Damiana, Vitex, etc. | |
| B complex | |
Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in Prenatal and Pediatric Health.
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