HELLO & WELCOME TO MY CURRENT TOPIC
Spring 2006
DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY –
A Herbalist's Perspective
Herbal medicine has much to offer in treating most of the discomforts of pregnancy. Every woman is wary of taking medicine during this time, but herbs have been used successfully since time began. Let's look at some of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy.
Morning Sickness – this usually occurs during the first three months and can be really uncomfortable. It is only serious if it stops you from eating for long periods, or frequent vomiting causes dehydration – then seek professional help. Some of the causes of morning sickness can be hormonal, dietary, or low blood sugar levels, as more blood is directed towards the uterus. ‘Baby comes first' is the body's main aim, so mum suffers!
Some tips - Take small meals often. Ginger is the main herb used to counteract this. Peel some fresh ginger root. Slice up a teaspoonful and make a tea with boiling water, add a squeeze of lemon or orange and add honey if liked. Even a ginger biscuit will help. Herb teas of chamomile, lemon balm, lavender or peppermint are helpful. If your digestion is upset, then take the bitters – meadowsweet, dandelion root/leaf and gentian, taken as teas throughout the day will balance your system. You will discover which is best for you. Try one called Tranquility (calming), or Vitality Plus (rejuvenating). These are all very safe in pregnancy.
Eat lots of fresh fruit, raw vegetables and wholegrain cereals. Avoid saturated fats in meat and dairy foods and take a good multi-vitamin specially designed for pregnancy. Evening Primrose oil is good if your blood pressure is not higher than normal. Have plenty of recreational exercise (not just housework and shopping!), walking is good, and don't forget your healing sleep. Avoid stress if possible. Talking to friends and family can help enormously.
Heartburn and acid indigestion - This is also common and is aggravated by slumping in a chair or lying flat after a meal. Sleep with lots of pillows in an upright position. Eat meals slowly and chew food really well to allow your saliva to work on the food. Avoid pickles, curry, fats, sugar, coffee, tea and alcohol. Sugar also turns to acid so avoid sweet things. Slippery elm formula, in powder or tablets will line the stomach and is very nutritious if you are off your food.
Constipation - Take prunes, stewed apples, figs or rhubarb at breakfast on an empty stomach. Natural live yoghurt will help. Also, porridge and wholemeal toast with lots of fruit and vegetables will provide natural roughage.
Finally , do not self-medicate as not all herbs are suitable for pregnancy. Stick to the ones given above and, of course, always seek a qualified practitioner to work alongside your GP if you have any serious problems. Fee free to call me if you have any queries.
Previous Topics:
- Herbal Potions
Avoiding Hospital Bugs (or MRSA and all that!)
Detox
Berries- IBS
IRIDOLOGY- Supplements
- IBS
Email:- bett.les@virgin.net