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DEBBIE MARKEL, CERTIFIED HERBALIST,

  CERTIFIED    NATURAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

(All of our associates are trained professionals with expertise in herbs, nutrition and natural pet health.  Call for details.) 

PREGNANCY ESSENTIALS

Alvita Red Raspberry Tea: 24 bags for $4.50

Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk Tea: 16 bags for $4.50

Rainbow Light Prenatal One Vitamins: 30 tablets for $14.00

Aura Cacia Cocoa Butter: 4 oz. for $7.50

Nature's Way Red Raspberry Leaf Capsules: 100 caps for $9.00

MAY NEWSLETTER

3430-D Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA  23139

(804) 598-5352; www.herbalconsultant.com

HEALTHY & NATURAL PREGNANCY

      Throughout history, women have used plants and herbs to help them stay healthy and comfortable during pregnancy and to help them prepare for childbirth.

     First, a healthy diet is essential to an easier pregnancy and birth.  A natural, high quality, whole food diet will maintain the mother’s health and provide the best possible conditions for the baby during development.  This diet should be based on whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of fish, organic eggs and hormone-free white meat if desired.  Since Americans already consume more proteins than we need, the mother will get plenty without eating red meats and dairy products, which carry high risks of contamination from the chemicals, hormones and antibiotics given to meat and dairy-producing animals.  Remember, all toxins consumed by the mother are passed to the fetus.  Also, adding Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) like vegetable, nut, fish, and seed oils to the mother’s diet helps the baby develop its nervous and immune systems and also enhances brain development.  70% of all EFA’s go to the brain.

     There are lots of minor ailments experienced by pregnant women, but fortunately there are herbal remedies to help.  Here are a few of the most common:

Constipation –Taking a natural fiber supplement (like psyllium husk powder) on a regular basis can help alleviate this problem, as can eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Yogurt helps maintain intestinal balance, as does a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water first thing in the morning before breakfast.

Nausea – Usually nausea is a temporary condition that starts around week 4 and ends at about weeks 14 – 16.  It can be helped by drinking teas made from lemon balm, lavender, chamomile or raspberry leaves.  Some women find relief by sucking a piece of crystallized ginger, taking ginger tablets or drinking ginger tea.  If one thing doesn’t help, switch to another.

Heartburn – Eating slowly and having several smaller meals during the day might help alleviate heartburn.  Herbal teas, sipped slowly and drunk frequently, of any of the following will help digestion: chamomile, licorice

(avoid if blood pressure is high), peppermint, lemon balm and ginger.

High blood pressure – Hawthorn flowers, leaves and berries taken as teas or non-alcoholic tinctures and eating oats, garlic, onions, carrots and barley will all regulate blood pressure and are completely safe for pregnant women.

Varicose veins – A lotion made from 1 part witch hazel, 1 part vegetable glycerin and 1 part rose water can be rubbed on the legs 2 to 3 times daily.  Taking teas made from hawthorn or peppermint will increase circulation internally and may help, as will eating plenty of garlic.  Keeping the legs elevated at night can make a difference in some women.  [Note: After birth, horsetail is considered the best herb to deal with varicose veins.] Insomnia - Drinking chamomile and/or lemon balm tea before bed and avoiding all caffeine and stimulants will aid sleep. Also, rubbing the temples with lavender oil or adding some to a warm bath will be helpful.

Stretch marks - Rubbing oils of coconut, almond, Vitamin E, wheat germ or olive with a few drops of lavender oil added (10 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 cup of main oil) into the skin several times a day before the marks appear may help avoid them. Aloe vera gel applied to the skin is another good treatment for stretch marks, as is natural cocoa butter and Shea butter. The best overall herb to begin taking regularly during the last weeks of pregnancy and during labor is a tea made from raspberry leaves. It has specific actions for the uterus. It relaxes, tones and soothes the body, and aids digestion. It reduces pain and shortens labor. After delivery, continue drinking 3 cups a day to strengthen the pelvic tissues and increase breast milk production. 

Essential Oil & Massage Tips for Pregnancy

from ShawnMarie, CMT, Massage Therapist, Whole-istic Health, 804-677-0805

 It is very important to only use essential oils under a professional’s guidance during pregnancy; however, there is an aromatherapy staple for the expectant mother.  Sage is used as a birthing aid because it helps induce contractions while relieving pain.  Sage also helps balance hormones and clarifies the mind.  Sage is used as a topical treatment or in a diffusion since any type of internal usage is toxic. There are two precautions when using sage during pregnancy. Sage will produce contractions, so should never be used before labor has begun and sage should not be used on a mother who has a history of epilepsy.

There is no need to stop your regular massages when you become pregnant.  There are techniques designed specifically for the pregnant woman.  Massage therapy helps expectant mothers have an easier pregnancy by keeping hormones balanced and increasing blood flow to all organs and tissues.  Increasing blood flow increases oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, keeping everything working in tip top shape. Pain and spasm relief is an added bonus.