Herbalism is the study of botany and use of plants intended for medicinal purposes or for supplementing a diet. Many can be used to aid Fertility, Pregnancy and Menopause

Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of our history, and such traditional medicine is still widely practised today.

Modern medicine recognises herbalism as a form of alternative medicine, as the practise of herbal medicine is not strictly based on evidence gathered using the scientific method.

Modern medicine makes use of many plant-derived compounds as the basis for evidence based pharmaceutical drugs. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbalism

Here are some herbs that can be most helpful for women either trying to conceive, throughout their pregnancy or perhaps coping with the menopause. Please note that caution should always be taken when considering herbal medicine and advice should be sought from your GP to make sure that there are no adverse effects with an ailment/condition or prescription that you are taking.

FERTILITY

AGNUS-CASTUS/VITEX

  • Fertility problems - Regulates hormones - Increases progesterone (for ovulation) - Regulates cycles - Increases production of breast milk
  • PMT

Contra-indications

  • Stop taking when pregnantand don't take with other fertility drugs.

DONG QUAI

  • Improves fertility
  • Balances hormones

Contra-indications

  • Stop taking when pregnant.

PREGNANCY & NURSING

NETTLE LEAVES

  • A source of minerals/vitamins and iron
  • Provide nourishment to uterine muscles
  • Increases milk flow and quality

RASPBERRY LEAVES

  • Reduces leg cramps
  • Strengthens uterine muscles
  • High in calcium, magnesium and iron
  • Improves morning sickness
  • Use in 3rd trimester to tone the uterus
  • Continue after pregnancy to slow down bleeding and increase breast milk

OAT STRAW

  • Source of calcium and magnesium
  • Relaxes nervous system
  • Use in a bath to soothe an itchy belly

DANDELION ROOT

  • Improves morning sickness
  • Blood cleansing properties
  • Source of vitamin A, calcium, iron and potassium
  • Good for the liver after birth as it breaks down hormones

ALFAFA

  • Use in 3rd trimester to reduce bleeding
  • A source of trace minerals and vitamin K (useful for blood clotting)
  • Increases production of breast milk.

Contra-indication

  • No other medication should be taken.

GERMAN CHAMOMILE & GINGER

  • Improves morning sickness (small quantities)

ALOE VERA

  • Improves appearance of stretch marks

Contra-indication

  • Do not ingest.

HERBS NOT TO BE TAKEN IN PREGNANCY 

  • GOLDENSEAL
  • PENNYROYAL
  • SAGE

MENOPAUSE

BLACK COHOSH

  • Reduces flushes
  • Period pain
  • Improves mood swings
  • Promotes menstrual flow
  • Reduces night sweats/sleeplessness
  • High blood pressure
  • Tinnitus
  • Asthma

Contra-indication:

  • DO NOT take in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

ST JOHN'S WORT

  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Mild depression

Contra-indication:

  • Do not take with other medication

DONG QUAI

  • Balances hormones