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Ask the Herbalist_questions on Pregnancy/Fertility/Nursing
herb has demonstrated few side effects produced with longterm use. One side effect which it has been known to
cause, is upset stomach, so take with food if this concerns you. Some say it can take 4-6 weeks for Black Cohosh to
show its full benefits so take it for that long before determining its effect on you. I would suggest a fresh or freshly dry
root alcohol based extract.
St John’s Wort, Latin Named: Hypericum perforatum has been well known recently as the antidepressant
herb. Today's scientific testing proves its abilities to fight mild to moderate depression and seasonal affected disorder
(SAD) and what used to be called melancholy. It mixes well with Lemon Balm. Full effects are seen in 4-6 weeks,
give it this long to work. A fresh or freshly dried flowering tops herb extract is best, I would avoid a standardized
extract and use a whole plant alcohol based extract.
Lemon Balm, Latin Named: Melissa officinalis is a gentle herb found in most gardens or in the wild. This herb is a
mood elevator used for mild depression caused by SAD or to get one out of the blues. It is excellent in combination
with St John's Wort. This herb can be taken as a tea or a alcohol based extract from the fresh or fresh dried herb.
Lemon Balm tea is easy to make and good tasting. Oral usage of Melissa is on the FDA's GRAS (generally
recognized as safe) list. There are no known drug interactions.
Rosemary, Latin Named: Rosemarinus officinalis is another great herb for depression and mood lifting, it helps pickup
the mind and is also good for memory, foggy thinking. It is also a great antioxidant and good carminative calming
digestive issues. Rosemary can be taken fresh or dry as a tea or an alcohol based extract.
You may want to start with Lemon Balm or a combo of Lemon Balm and St John's Wort.
See my other answers online about depression.
Kava Kava or Awa Awa, Latin Named: Piper methysticum is used as an antianxiety agent and mixes well with
Motherwort and or Blue Vervain. Kava is a little more volatile and prone to some interaction with other meds, it is
normally considered safe when used appropriately. One warning comes from The German Commission E monograph
warns against the use of kava during pregnancy and nursing, unfortunately this document is not well cited and no
source for this warning is given.
Blue Vervain, Latin Named: Verbena hastata is another great women's herb, it is appropriately used for irritation and
irritabillilty and anxiety associated with female reproductive issues, such as pregnancy, menses, PMS, or menopause.
It is a good muscle relaxant, antispasmodic and muscle aches. It is great in combination with Kava Kava and or
Motherwort.
Motherwort, Latin Name: Leonurus cardiaca This herb is good for hormonal changes, anxiety, irritability and
moodiness or mood swings, use in combination with Blue Vervain. It is also used for problems of the heart either
physical or emotional, it relieves what the Chinese refer to as disturbed shen and helps relieve those who are stressed
out.
I would probably start with Blue Vervain or a combo of Blue Vervain, Motherwort and/or Kava.
I would also try to find someone to talk to about your issues, some times just talking with someone helps out, find a
friend or talk to your clergyman. Take some time for yourself, when you feel anxious or stressed out. Take a moment
and do some deep breathing exercises, you will be amazed how they can calm you down, concentrate on your breath,
take a long 20 second if you can breath in, then hold it as long as you can upwards to 20 seconds then exhale for 20
seconds. Five breaths of 20 in, 20 hold and 20 out will calm you down and reset all you body functions so your ready
to go again. Do this exercise 3 times a day or whenever you feel out of control to get a grip, hope this helps.
INDUCING LABOR
QUESTION: I am past my due date and have heard that taking goldenseal can induce
labor, is this true? If so how much are you suppose to take? Will it hurt
the baby? I do not have a midwife I have a private doctor and am planned
to deliver in a hospital setting, he wants to induce with pitocin and I had
a c-section with my last baby one year ago and I have heard that pitocin
can cause uterus abruption?? So I don't want to chance going that way, if I
can go a natural way I would much rather prefer to do that. Any knowledge
that you have on this situation would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: I would not use Goldenseal for this use. Try Evening Primrose Oil, internally and intravaginally with the
assistance/agreement of your DR it is a natural prostaglandins, which are normally the first course of treatment when
the doctors want to induce, depending on your due date and other factors. I would also try to find a local midwife to
consult with if you have time.
Please read my other answers to this same question online
DRYING UP MILK
QUESTION: Is there a herb that will help dry up breast milk after delivering a
baby. Please let me know if there is.
ANSWER: Sage and White Sage are the best.
EASY DELIVERY
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