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Ask the Herbalist_questions on Pregnancy/Fertility/Nursing
Aletris, Unicorn Root, Star Grass, Latin Named: Aletris farinosa
Pipsissewa, Latin Named: Chimaphila umbelata
Artichoke, Latin Named: Cynara scolymus
Chaste Tree, Latin Named: Vitex agnus-castus
Stay away from Blue Cohosh, Celery Seed, Wild Ginger and WIld Carrot they are
contraindicated with Endometriosis.
As to herbs for weight loss I do not recommend any, the only way to lose
weight is to reduce caloric intake and increase exercise. Many weight loss
products inappropriately use herbs which can cause speed like reactions in
the body to rev up your system overtaxing your adrenals or laxative herbs
which can cause bowel dependency. Just because a product says it is natural
does not mean it is safe.
Finally, for some women chronic endometriosis is associated with being
overweight or obesity, lose the weight and your endometriosis may clear up on
its own.
Additionally many time endometriosis clears when pregnancy occurs, if you can
get pregnant it may clear up on its own.
SPIKENARD
QUESTION: I want to ask about spikenard I was told Indian women took this herb to ease labor and for a swift
delivery. I am pregnant and I want to know if it is advisable to take this. Thank you for your time.
ANSWER: Spikenard, Latin Named: Aralia californica or Aralia species has been used in the past to restart a labor
that stopped at 4-5 centimeter dilation, it may not be effective to start labor but can help stimulate it and keep it going.
As to easing labor my wife used a formula called Mother's Cordial for the last 2-4 weeks of her pregnancy to prep her
body for labor. I don't know what the cause was but she only had 2 and 1/2 hours of labor before delivering our baby
girl, Angelica last year. I say it was the cordial. The other herb she used throughout the pregnancy was Red Raspberry
Leaf a uterine tonic which is appropriately used pre, during and post pregnancy and labor to help the uterus return to it
normal size and prep the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg during conception.
Please read my other answers online involving herbs and pregnancy.
TRYING FOR TWINS
QUESTION: My husband and I are starting the family planning process. We are hoping there is a way to increase the
odds of twins. Neither of us have family history of multiples. Is there an herbal way?
ANSWER: None that I know of, if you find one please inform me for future reference.
FALSE UNICORN FOR INFERTILITY
QUESTION: I have been recommended to try false unicorn as treatment for infertility.
I have been using Clomid but am now looking for natural alternatives. I am wondering what dosage is appropriate and
should I take it at a specific time of my cycle. I have bought 100 capsules that each contain 450mg of root powder.
ANSWER: I am assuming you are talking about Helonia Root, False Unicorn, Latin Named: Chamaelirium leuteum, if
so I would follow the directions provided on the bottle you bought. If none given I would start with 1 capsule 3 times a
day, you don't need much of this herb. You may want to read my other answer to a similar question on getting
pregnant and infertility
EMBRYO TRANSFER
QUESTION: I am about to have a transfer of embryos and want to know what herbs, teas, etc. would be helpful at this
phase of the development. I also would like to know if there are any harmful herbs I should stay away from and if
drinking Raja Cup, which containsclearing nut, kasmard, licorice and winter cherry is okay to drink.
ANSWER: The only herb I would suggest at this point is Raspberry leaf, which is a uterine tonic and strengthens and
prepares it for implantation of a fertilized egg. Delete the rest. See my other answers for getting pregnant for additional
thoughts. Folic acid supplement would also be called for.
PALPITATIONS DURING PREGNANCY
QUESTION: Is there something safe to take for heart palpitations during pregnancy?
I had them before I was pregnant and was on Verapamil, a calcium blocker, but am now off of that medication because
of the pregnancy. Is Hawthorne safe and would it be effective for this during pregnancy? What about Gingko? Any
suggestions are greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: What trimester are you in? if you are not in the first you can try:
Hawthorn, Latin Name: Crataegus oxycanthoides or C. monogyna, is a good choice
Many formulas for palpitations combine Hawthorn with Motherwort but Motherwort is contraindicated during pregnancy
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