Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a time of chaos for many women: They're experiencing any number of new sensations (and discomforts) — and they're worried about putting anything even potentially dangerous into their bodies.
Stretch marks — small, raised marks that develop on the skin in areas that are experiencing rapid growth — are a concern for many pregnant women. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), an Ayurvedic herb known for its ability to speed healing and reduce scarring, can help, as can ultramois-turizing cocoa (Theobroma cacao) butter and almond (Prunus dulcis) and sesame (Sesamum indicum) oils.
In many ways, pregnant women are the toughest group of people to treat — both conventionally and herbally — because so little is known about the effects of various compounds on the developing fetus.
Nausea, or morning sickness, is a common complaint during pregnancy, especially in the first few months. Other pregnant women suffer from constipation, heartburn, gas, and bloating. Pregnant women are generally advised to skip the usual OTC remedies for nausea and other gastrointestinal problems. The good news is that herbal medicine has a few alternatives:
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) |
Taking extracts (or drinking tea) made from gingerroot has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting. |
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) |
Peppermint tea is another classic remedy for pregnancy-related nausea (and inhaling peppermint oil can relieve headaches). Skip the peppermint if you've got heartburn, however, as it might make your symptoms worse. |
• Psyllium (Plantago ovata, P. Psyllium) |
The seeds of this plant are a safe and effective remedy for constipation and its attendant symptoms. |
Many herbs — including several “women's herbs” — should be avoided during pregnancy. They include: red clover (Trifolium pratense), black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), kava (Piper methysticum), Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), and vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), plus caffeine-containing herbs like mate (Ilex paraguariensis), guarana (Paullinia cupana), coffee (Coffea arabica), and tea (Camellia sinensis).
Pregnancy can bring on headaches, backaches, and other kinds of aches — yet pregnant women are generally told to avoid NSAIDs and other pain-relieving pharmaceuticals. Happily, there are some herbal alternatives:
• Cayenne (Capsicum annuum, C. Frutescens)' |
These peppers contain the chemical capsaicin, which has been shown to reduce muscle pain and headaches when applied topically. |
• Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) |
Pine extracts have been shown to reduce the incidence of lower back pain, hip joint pain, pelvic pain, and pain due to varicose veins or calf cramps. |
• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) |
Witch hazel can reduce the swelling, itching, and discomfort of hemorrhoids. |
