Tonic Herbs for Pregnancy
By Susan Perri, Clinical Herbalist
The following herbs are for use throughout
the whole pregnancy, well suited to all of
its different phases, with emphasis on their
long-term nutritive effects. These plants
act as tonics, deeply nourishing to strengthen,
restore, and enrich. These herbs are not only
renowned for their beneficial action as uterine
and reproductive system tonics, but also have
direct action on major organ systems in the
body, which can be stressed and burdened by
pregnancy.
The regular use of one or all of these botanicals
is an important aspect of prenatal nutrition,
as the physiological actions of these herbs
help to encourage a normal, healthy pregnancy
and can safeguard against common complications
due to lacking nourishment. These herbs are
safe for extensive use, and in fact work better
with long-term use by slowly building strength.
Recommended use is an infusion form, which
is a water based extract.
Infusions of any and all of these herbs,
save yellow dock root, which must be prepared
as a decoction, can be taken freely over a
course of several months. Drink up to a quart
(3 glasses) of infusion daily.
Red raspberry
leaf (Rubus idaeus): due to its uterine
tonic qualities and nutritive benefits, raspberry
leaf is an excellent long-term pregnancy tonic.
Regular use of the infusion can greatly improve
uterine muscle tone and the efficiency of
labor contractions. Many women with significant
menstrual cramps report notable improvement
with regular use of raspberry leaf infusion,
and for the same reasons it can help ease
the labor process if used throughout pregnancy.
The fragarine alkaloid present in red raspberry
leaves is the active constituent responsible
for and improving uterine tone. It is abundant
in calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins
B, C, and E.
Stinging
nettle (Uritca dioica): a well-established
member of the tonic group of plants, nettle
has a definite affinity for women and the
deep support of our transitions. A high vitamin
and trace mineral content makes nettle a superb
ally for helping to meet the intense physical
demands of pregnancy. It is especially nourishing
to the adrenals, and as such is invaluable
where stress, physical and/or emotional, is
a factor. Stinging nettle is rich in calcium
and vitamins A, C, D, and K.
Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa): a wonderful nervous system
tonic, alfalfa acts as a cellular de-stressor
with its high potassium content. Potassium
is a mineral that allows nerve cells to relax;
without this vital nutrient, the nervous system
would be in a constant state of excitation.
Potassium helps to regulate a cycle of work
and rest in the nervous system, helping the
body to cope with a variety of stresses at
any given time. Alfalfa also contains healthy
amounts of calcium and magnesium, specific
for bone formation. These two nutrients have
a special symbiotic relationship, where one
helps with the absorption and assimilation
of the other. Calcium sold in supplement form
is often paired with magnesium for this reason.
Yellow
dock root (Rumex crispus): like the
above herbs, yellow dock root is an amazing
tonic plant, boasting a high iron content.
This is a good option when faced with iron
deficiency and various forms of anemia common
in pregnancy. In addition, this high iron
root can help with fatigue and low energy
also connected to anemia. Yellow dock has
the added benefit of being an alterative,
or blood-cleansing herb. It has this effect
in the body primarily by supporting and enhancing
liver function, which has the natural capacity
as a blood filter in the body. Building strong
livers for both mother and child can help
prevent postpartum jaundice. Yellow dock,
being a root, should be prepared as a decoction.
This root combines well with any of the other
plants listed here, and they can be prepared
separately and then combined for use. The
tincture dose of yellow dock as a tonic is
20-30 drops twice a day.
This text intends to provide information
on the traditional uses of native plants,
not to prescribe. If you are not well, please
seek the assistance of a competent health
care provider.
Susan Perri is a Clinical Herbalist, author,
and mother. The article is excerpted from
her book The Complete Herbal for Pregnancy
and Childbirth. For more on books and herbal
medicine instruction, visit www.bcbotanica.com.
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the information provided on this site as an
educational resource for determining your
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It is not intended as medical advice or to
diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific
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