Safe Use of Herbs for Moms & Kids
By
Dr. Mary Bove, N.D.
Many
moms come to my practice asking which herbs are safe for pregnancy,
childbirth and breastfeeding, and if herbal medicine is safe to use
for their kids. With the media focusing primarily on the dangers of
using herbs, it’s no wonder that women question the safety of
botanical medicine for their families. Although fear makes for a
better news story, the truth is that many plants have been used
safely (longer than most pharmaceutical drugs, in fact) to support
the various health stages of a woman’s life and that of her
child’s.
A
few of my favorite herbs to support moms and kids with some of the
more common health issues that arise are:
Raspberry
Leaf (Rubus
ideaus)
Supports:
pregnancy and labor
Raspberry
leaf is by far the most common herb I am asked about when talking
about herbs and pregnancy. This plant has a long history of use
during pregnancy for supporting the uterus and improving birth
outcomes. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that it does
support labor with less intervention needed and more efficient second
stages.
Fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum)
Supports:
lactation
Fenugreek
seed supports the production and secretion of breast milk in nursing
mothers. A dose of 2 grams of powder taken three times a day has been
found to be effective for increasing breast-pump volume within one
week of supplementation. Most often I see a shift in milk production
from the use of fenugreek seeds within 24 to 72 hours.
Chamomile (Matricaria
recutita)
Supports: calmness
Supports: calmness
This
herb has always been thought of as a child’s herb, used to calm a
restless child, settle an upset stomach, or itchy skin. This gentle
herb works to modulate a healthy inflammatory response throughout the
body, provide a sense of calm to the nervous system, and support a
healthy digestive process. Topically as a lotion it supports baby’s
skin.
Echinacea (Echinacea
purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia)
Supports: immune health
Supports: immune health
Echinacea
has become very popular in recent years, and many women ask about its
safety during pregnancy. One large observational study found that
women taking Echinacea supplements during their pregnancy had no
statistical differences between the groups in terms of pregnancy
outcome, delivery method, maternal weight, birth weight, or fetal
distress. Both the purpurea and angustifoliavarieties have
medicinal properties, combining them provides one of the strongest
immune supporting formulas for kids and adults alike, particularly if
taken at the onset of symptoms.
Ginger (Zingiber
officianale)
Supports:
digestion
This
popular culinary spice is well known for its warming, calming effect
in the digestive system. Many women deal with digestive upsets in
early pregnancy and find the use of Ginger tea to be helpful. There
have been several clinical trials with Ginger for the complaint of
early pregnancy nausea and vomiting which have found it to be
effective within 4 days of use at a dose of 250mg, four times a day.
Lemon
Balm (Melissa
officinalis)
Supports: concentration and focus
Supports: concentration and focus
Lemon
balm, a member of the mint family, is known for its role in
supporting the nervous system, providing a sense of balance, and
allowing for deeper focus and concentration. Several clinical studies
have looked at the positive effects this plant has on mood, cognitive
function, alertness, calmness, and sleep. I find this plant to be
useful for babies and children, as well as for adults.
Black
Elderberry (Sambucus
nigra)
Supports: respiratory system, immune system, and antioxidant
Supports: respiratory system, immune system, and antioxidant
The
Elder shrub has two medicinal parts: the well-known berry and the
delicate flower, which is a traditional children’s herb to support
the respiratory system. The berry is best for its immune supportive
properties and supports the body’s natural defenses. Research
studies show Black Elderberry to have immune modulating and
antioxidant properties due to the its high flavonoid-rich compounds.
Plus the berries taste great and kids love the syrup from them.
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