How to Make Nourishing "Pregnancy Tea"
What is one thing a pregnant mama can do that nourishes her uterus, her baby, and her immune system all at the same time? Many of us midwives suggest that at the top of your list would be drinking red raspberry tea infusion throughout pregnancy, and especially during the third trimester and after birth!
Historically, pregnancy tea has been safely used by herbalists and midwives for nourishing all aspects of pregnancy, birth & postpartum for generations. And, contrary to internet dogma, red raspberry is most recommended to help PREVENT miscarriage, not cause it. (See my previous blog on red raspberry for more information and references.) This infusion is tasty, and nourishing for the whole family!
The basic recipe for pregnancy tea typically consists of 2 parts red raspberry leaf, 1 part nettle, and 1 alfalfa.
For additional benefits, any of the other herbs detailed below can be added to the mix as desired. General ratios are:
1/2 - 3/4 cup of the raspberry/nettle/alfalfa base
1/2 - 1/4 cup combination of the following herbs
To soak in a half-gallon of boiling hot water.
There are several good sources of organic bulk herbs, one of my favorites is Starwest Botanicals*. Note that the amounts are NOT an exact science! It's ok to mix the amounts or herbs according to personal taste and preference- just the way you would vary ingredients in a stir fry.
A tea is made by seeping your chosen herbs in nearly or just boiled water for at least 4 hours or even overnight, this is also called an ‘infusion.’ There are several benefits to using loose bulk herbs instead of tea bags:
Fresher herbs - teabags tend to be filled with smaller herb pieces that age faster.
No contamination from the bag material - dust & mildew may accumulate from sitting in open pallets, or the material may be contaminated in manufacturing.
It’s usually also prudent in this case to avoid the open jars of herbs at general groceries to get a more flavorful & benefit-packed brew, as they’ve been exposed to air and people, and tend to have been open for a while and be older herbs.
“Brewing Directions: In general, 1-cup total of loose herb will make a half-gallon of nutritive tea (herbal infusion). Simply place lose herbs in a 2-quart glass jar and fill to the top with almost boiling water. Cap the jar and let the infusion steep for at least four hours, or even better, overnight. I’m a little bit lazier, I just add the herbs to the boiled water in my saucepan; stir, cover, and leave to sit. Strain & squeeze out the herbs by hand after 4-12 hours to extract the deep minerals. For an additional nutritional boost, sweetened with raw honey or real maple syrup, and then refrigerate. Herbal infusion typically lasts at least three to four days, reheat gently on the stove if warm is desired (no microwaves), or drink as an ice tea.”
You may want to add in other herbs here and there, either for taste or for the unique healthy support they could offer your unique body. Here's a variety of herbs that are often added to family tea blends. They are all considered safe by experienced herbalists for pregnancy and lactation; your choices may change throughout your childbearing year as you respond to your body's needs:
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Mild nutritive herb used to promote general well-being & immune support, rich in vitamins A, C, & B complex, and the minerals calcium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, and iron. High in the mineral manganese, this mineral encourages healthy bonding, which is especially nice for expectant mothers. Used during pregnancy to support proper nutrition, and a timely & effective labor. This commonly-used species of raspberry is used to help stabilize pregnancy, prevent miscarriage, ease morning sickness and prevent hemorrhage. Red raspberry leaf helps ease cold & fever symptoms, colic, diarrhea, & dysentery (lovely for infants). It's known to cleanse the blood, which can help support healthy liver function.
Nettle (Urtica Dioica)
Rich in virtually every vitamin and mineral needed for growth and human health. High in Vitamins A, C, D, and K: minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur. Helps raise oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood through its high absorbable iron content. Promote breast milk production in lactating females. Eases muscle spasms & legs cramps. Helps relieve seasonal allergies & hay fever, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, & reduce an enlarged prostate (BPH). Have anti-inflammatory properties, which are useful for treating arthritis & rheumatism. Midwives have long appreciated it’s anemia-preventing role in pregnancy.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Known as the "King of Herbs," Alfalfa helps the body assimilate protein, calcium, and various other nutrients. It’s high in vitamins A, D, & K, and high in minerals iron, phosphorous & potassium. It’s the richest land source of trace minerals, also containing eight essential enzymes. Combine alfalfa and mint for a soothing digestive aid.
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
An excellent liver tonic, burdock root has been used traditionally in pregnancy teas (infusions) to prevent newborn jaundice and is a superior blood cleanser. Stimulating to the digestive and immune system, it also helps reduce cell mutation, and aids in the healing of skin blemishes such as acne, eczema, boils, and carbuncles.
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis-Roman)
Reduces stress and anxiety, calming shattered nerves. Relieves indigestion & flatulence. Aids sleep. Helpful for colitis, diverticulitis, fevers, & headaches. Useful for reducing inflammation and easing menstrual cramps.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
This liver and blood cleanser alleviates edema, reduces uric acid levels, lowers blood pressure, helps treat jaundice, and relieve red and swollen eyes. Is used to treat urinary tract infections.
Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus oxycantha)
Regular use has been found to strengthen the heart muscle and in some cases restore normal cardiac function. An effective herb for reliving insomnia and nervousness. High in vitamins C & B complex, a moderate source of the minerals sodium, silica and phosphorus.
Hibiscus
Adds a pleasant berry-lemon flavor and color to teas. High in chromium, manganese, and selenium. Used traditionally to help calm muscle spasms, and added to bulk laxative formulas as an antispasmodic.
Oatstraw (Avena Sativa)
High in the minerals magnesium and silica, both strong participants in the utilization of calcium. Silica is used in the proper growth and development of the hair, skin, and nails. Excellent herb for helping the body cope with stress & ease depression. Used for ovarian, uterine, and general glandular disorders.
Red Clover
High in the minerals chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, & potassium. Soothes nerves, acting as a mild sedative for nervous exhaustion. Historically used to treat whooping cough, rickets & spasmodic afflictions. Excellent for purification of the blood & inflammatory skin conditions.
Rosehips
Excellent source of vitamin C, and rich in the vitamins A, E, B complex and D. High in food-source sodium (very useful to the body, & very different from table or even sea salt). Used during cold & flu season to boost immune function. Anti-inflammatory properties make use ideal for arthritic conditions.
Shavegrass, also known as Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
High in silica: a mineral essential for the proper growth, and function of the hair, skin, nails, connective tissues, and nervous system. (Think skin integrity & moderating stretch marks!) Helps dissolve tumors, and is used to treat and prevent arthritis, good for glandular disorders.
Spearmint
Aids digestion, excellent for soothing an upset stomach, an effective remedy for colic. Blends well with most teas, and adds a pleasant flavor to the somewhat grassy-tasting Alfalfa tea. Is said to be a good alternative to peppermint while breastfeeding, as there is some discussion about whether peppermint negatively affects (in a mild way) the milk supply of breastfeeding mothers.
For over a decade Indigo Forest has used Starwest Botanicals for our organic bulk herbs. This affiliate link is a way for you to ‘shop with me’ and have direct shipping/same prices. And thanks, providing free content is not a free endeavor!
A reminder: Please consult your favorite herbal expert or natural health professional with questions or concerns. And as always at Indigo Forest, we charge you with using your common sense and listening to your intuition as part of your health care approach!