Herbs for our Mothers - Sundara Lifestyle

Happy Mother’s Day!

Everyday is Mother’s day, literally every day 385,000 babies are born a day (and that is just the ones we can statistically account for)

Mothers are a blessing from God. Our lives would not be as sweet without the loving kindness of mothers. Often times in society, the importance of mothers are forgotten, this is why we are thankful for such days as “mother’s day”. A day where we can honour our mothers and give them a respect and love they all deserve.

The word “mother” is a very important word. It refers to all women who have had a child. Once you have had a child (in many cases, pregnant) you are now a mother. A mother’s body works quite differently from a woman who has not had a child yet.

It is important in herbal medicine to differentiate between the two. There are herbs that are suitable for non-mothers, that may be harmful to mothers.

For example, women not looking to get pregnant may use herbs such as chaste berry and angelica (dong quai) to promote menses and hasten periods, meanwhile such herbs pose a risk for women looking to get pregnant, as well as those who are already pregnant.

Pregnant Women

Now many people do not classify pregnant women as mothers, we think this is very wrong. Once pregnant, it become the woman’s job to protect the child, directly through her actions toward her own body. From the moment a pregnancy is confirmed, a woman begins her journey as a mother- caring for her child. There are special herbs well known to have positive effects on pregnant women, such as herbs to increase milk

Herbs For Pregnant Women: Also herbs that safe for ALL women*

Red Raspberry Leaf– Raspberry leaves have a long tradition of use in pregnancy to strengthen and tone the tissue of the womb, assisting contractions and checking any haemorrhage during labour. This action will occur if the herb is drunk regularly throughout pregnancy and as a drink during labour. As an astringent it may be used in a wide range of cases, including diarrhoea, leucorrhoea and other loose conditions, It is valuable in the easing of mouth problems such as mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and inflammations. As a gargle it will help sore throats.

Echinacea– Echinacea has been shown to reduce the duration of colds and lower the chances of them coming back. As such, this herb can be safely used in pregnancy before the onset of a cold or during a bout of illness.

Alfalfa– Alfalfa is especially helpful for many pregnancy symptoms. Alfalfa contains a variety of minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium and vitamin E, C, and K. Vitamin K is an important component to aid in blood clotting.

Ginger– Ginger root is an great treatment for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (i.e. morning sickness).

Oat Straw– Oat straw is extremely high in calcium and magnesium – important minerals needed during pregnancy. It can help reduce tension and promote calmness. You can incorporate it into your schedule by taking oat straw baths and soaking in it to absorb its’ nourishing properties. Oat straw is also amazing at promoting healthy milk production for lactating mothers.

Lemon Balm– Lemon balm can ease insomnia that may occur as you feel more uncomfortable throughout your pregnancy. It can calm nerves and relieve stress and help boost your mood. Lemon balm is also naturally antiviral and antimicrobial.

Chamomile– Chamomile tea’s pleasant aroma can help relieve nausea morning sickness and elevate mood. It’s also helpful in improving digestion and liver function. Since Chamomile can stimulate contractions, It should be avoided after the first tri-mester

Herbs for Breast-feeding Mothers:

Fenugreek– This herbal plant has been said to help increase breast milk supply since even biblical times. Fenugreek encompasses phytoestrogens, plant chemicals that resemble female estrogen hormones. ***Fenugreek is available in most grocery stores, but if you would like we can supply it as well, just send us an email at hello@sundaralifestyle.com***

Moringa– The leaves of moringa are natural galactagogues and scientific studies have shown women who incorporated moringa into their diet saw an increase in breast milk supply. Moringa is safe for breastfeeding and pregnant women to consume, but is not recommended for women trying to conceive as the properties in Moringa may make conceiving more difficult. Moringa is loaded with essential vitamins and amino acids, and is especially high in iron.

Blessed thistle (a bitter herb known to help liver and digestive problems as well)-

Alfalfa– Alfalfa enhances breast milk. It is is a very nutritious herb, it is fed to cows because of its nutrient density. It contains almost all of the vitamins the body needs to function, as well as many minerals. It also has estrogenic effects meaning it is good for regulating low estrogen levels which result in fibroids, cyst, etc. It is also great for treating menstrual issues, and menopause.

Fennel– contains estrogen-like properties making it a great herb for increasing milk production. Fennel is most commonly known for its use in Mediterranean foods and can be eaten as a vegetable, consumed in its seed form (which is known for its flavor resembling licorice), or in teas or capsules. In addition to stimulating a mother’s breast milk supply, fennel can be passed through the breast milk to your infant.***Fennel is available in most grocery stores, but if you would like we can supply it as well, just send us an email at hello@sundaralifestyle.com***

Milk Thistle– Similar to alfalfa, cows that feed on milk thistle have been known to have an increased production of milk. Although both the milk thistle and the blessed thistle (mentioned earlier in this post) are of the same family, if you are choosing to incorporate one or the other, blessed thistle is said to have more of an impact than milk thistle does on increased lactation.

Nettle Leaf– Stinging Nettles are very high in nutrients. Nettles are one of the most widely applicable plants we have. They strengthen and support the whole body.

Menopausal & Elderly Mothers

Hot Flashes & Night Sweats:

Black Cohosh– At least 10 clinical trials have found that black cohosh helps to relieve menopausal symptoms. A 1995 German study using black cohosh and St. John’s wort found that the combination was 78% effective in such cases.
St. John’s Wort– especially regarded as a herb to use where there are menopausal changes triggering irritability and anxiety
Red Clover– Red clover’s significant phytoestrogenic activity has led to increasing use of the herb to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Ashwagandha– Ashwagandha has been proven to reduce anxiety and tension in at least 6 clinical trials. A 2012 Indian clinical trial noted that those taking ashwagandha had lower stress levels and an increased sense of well-being, as well as lower cortisol and blood pressure levels.

Insomnia, Anxiety & Mood Changes

St. John’s Wort
Chamomile– eases insomnia, anxiety and indigestion
Lavender– A 2014 clinical trial found lavender oil taken internally to be more effective than both a placebo and a conventional tranquilizer in relieving generalized anxiety. It also showed antidepressant activity.
Valerian– Many symptoms of anxiety, including tremors, panic, palpitations, and sweating, can be relieved with valerian. It is a useful remedy for insomnia, whether caused by anxiety or overexcitement.