athryn Higgins knows herbs. After spending years creating herbal bath and skin care products for personal use, she founded Motherlove, a company that produces products to aid pregnancy and beyond.

Here she shares ways that women can incorporate herbs into their life, whether they’re trying to conceive, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

Note: Keep in mind that herbs can play a positive role, whether you’re trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Yet remember, herbs play only a small part in the whole picture of pregnancy and beyond. Don’t put all your “eggs” in the herb basket, as there are many other options available when addressing fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Also, be sure to do your research and pick a high quality company. 

For more information, visit Motherlove.

Dealing with...

INFERTILITY

An optimum functioning liver is important in reproductive health. The liver is the main organ that filters toxins and removes them from your body.

• Dandelion root and milk thistle seed are two excellent herbs for the liver.

• Use nutritional tonic herbs that assist in building the reproductive system, such as raspberry leaf and red clover (two herbs that in combination have been used in folklore to promote fertility). 

• Drink teas with nettle and alfalfa (two herbs that are very high in nutrition, including folic acid and trace minerals needed by the hormonal system). 

• Try herbs that help to regulate your menstrual cycle so you know exactly which days you are fertile. Herbs that are considered hormone balancers include:
   
  Dong Quai
  Sarsparilla
  Red Clover

PREGNANCY

These herbs can be recommended while pregnant...

Raspberry Leaf Tea

• Best known for strengthening the uterine muscles so they will work more efficiently during labor.

• Soothes an upset stomach and will help alleviate mild morning sickness.

• Taken after birth, it slows bleeding and helps the uterus regain tone.

Nettle Leaves 

• A storehouse of nutrition, with high iron and calcium content. Note: Nettle leaf tea has a strong ‘green’ flavor.

• An excellent source of folic acid, an essential nutrient during pregnancy.

Oats

• High in calcium and magnesium.

• Builds healthy bones and nourishes the nervous system.

• A warm oatmeal bath is relaxing and it softens skin and relieves the itch of a growing belly.

• Eat oatmeal and oat bread.

Dandelion Root Tea

• Increases digestion and promotes bile to relieve constipation.

• One of the best herbs for cleansing and strengthening the liver (the liver breaks down hormones no longer needed by the body after birth, and any drugs that may have been given at birth).

• Roasted dandelion root tea is a great coffee substitute (it tastes a bit like java).

Alfalfa

• Contains many essential nutrients including trace minerals, chlorophyll, and vitamin K, a nutrient necessary for blood clotting. 

• Many midwives advise drinking mild tasting alfalfa tea or taking alfalfa tablets during the last trimester of pregnancy to decrease postpartum bleeding or chance of hemorrhaging. 

• Alfalfa also increases breast milk. 

MORNING SICKNESS

• Drink ginger tea or "ginger beer," or take ginger capsules (ginger tea with milk and honey will also help raise blood sugar.)

• Drink raspberry and mint tea.

• Slippery elm, made into a nutritious gruel, is easily digested. You can also buy slippery elm lozenges to suck on.

LOW MILK SUPPLY

These are the best herbs to help increase milk supply:

• Fenugreek
• Blessed Thistle
• Milk Thistle
• Anise
• Dill
• Fennel Seed
• Goat's Rue
• Nettle
• Alfalfa

Fenugreek is the herb most often recommended by lactation consultants and has been used for generations around the world to increase milk supply. 

Blessed thistle and milk thistle are not only given to increase milk, but they are excellent liver support herbs. 

Anise, dill, and fennel seed increase milk supply and are great digestive herbs. 

Nettle and alfalfa are both high in nutrition, including many trace minerals. Dairy animals are fed alfalfa hay. 

Goat’s Rue helps develop mammary tissue for women who have low milk supply due to PCOS or breast reduction surgery. Note: Women adopting a child have also been able to breastfeed with the help of goat’s rue. 

WHERE TO START 

• Start with common herbs made into tea - herbs that are mild, nutritional, or relaxing, and taste good such as raspberry leaf, mints (spearmint, lemon balm), and chamomile.

• For those taking a stronger, concentrated herb in a capsule or liquid extract, start by researching information on the herb. You may want to start with a low dose and watch for any possible side effects. 

• Buy herb products from a reputable company who uses high quality herbs and has suggested use instructions on their products. 

• Consult your healthcare practitioner if you are taking other medication along with herbs.