Herbs have helped people on their journey from trying to conceive through postpartum (and beyond) for centuries. These plant allies can be wonderfully supportive, especially when enjoyed through the ritual of tea. The physiological and emotional stress of an ever-changing pregnant body requires special care and support, and it can be hard to get all the nutrients we need from food or a prenatal supplement. That’s where herbs can help.
Flooding the body with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants can support egg quality, ovulation, uterine health, overall hormone balance and postpartum recovery. Nutritive herbs can provide a valuable nutrient boost when integrated into a daily routine. As a clinical herbalist, there are certain herbs I rely on regularly to support clients through these periods. Here are my top five nutrient-rich herbs that provide energy, replenish lost nutrients, and gently promote milk flow for new mums and mums-to-be.
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberries are one of the most popular fruits in the world but it’s the leaves of the raspberry plant that are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are richly nutritious for both mum and baby. Raspberry leaf contains calcium, potassium, iron, manganese and magnesium, as well as vitamins B, C, and E.
A fortifying and strengthening herb, raspberry leaf is a classic uterine tonic, used for centuries to help tone the uterus and pelvic muscles before and after birth (Sinadinos, 2020). Toning the uterine muscles in the lead up to labour can lead to a smoother birth process and delivery by helping contractions be more coordinated and effective. Raspberry leaf also aids in recovery by reducing bleeding and assisting the uterus to contract in size following birth. As a galactagogue, it also increases the flow of milk (Berger, 1998).
Oatstraw (Avena sativa)
The oat plant, especially the green milky parts, are rich in minerals and trace nutrients including silica, magnesium, phosphorus, chromium, iron, calcium, protein, B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.
Energetically, oatstraw is a moist, relaxing, and warming herb. It strengthens, and repairs hair, skin, teeth and bones, making it a nourishing herb postpartum (Holmes, 1997). The rich vitamin B, calcium, and magnesium content in oat straw also help soothe and strengthen nerves. Oatstraw is considered one of the best herbs for “feeding” and restoring the nervous system, particularly in times of stress and in the case of nervous system weakness or exhaustion following childbirth (Hoffmann, 2003).
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
A lesser known herb, alfalfa has been grown and used as livestock feed for hundreds of years, but its superior profile of vitamins, minerals and protein make it a prized medicinal herb for humans too. Alfalfa contains bioflavonoids (powerful antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables), vitamins C and K as well as copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, folate and calcium. Vitamin K is especially helpful in managing blood clots and postpartum bleeding, whilst other minerals help encourage a rich supply of breast milk (Humphery, 2003).
Nettle leaf nourishes, supports, and energizes the whole body, and is richly nourishing to the blood. Its nutritive qualities are due to its high vitamin, mineral, amino acid, and chlorophyll content. It contains abundant calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as B1, B3, B5, and beta-carotene (Bennett, 2014).