4) Psyllium
Seeds from the plantago plant genus are a fiber powerhouse. Its soluble fiber adds bulk in the intestinal track, making bowel movements easier (no more constipation). Easier movements mean less pushing, reducing or preventing the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
Psyllium pills are rare, but it is easily found in Metamucil powder and many all-natural breakfast cereals (my favorite: Nature’s Path Optimum Strawberry & Yogurt). Be sure to consume psyllium with a good amount of water as its density can cause choking.
5) Nettle Leaf
Also known as stinging nettle, nettle leaf is a multivitamin straight from nature. Vitamin K, C, D, A, calcium, iron, and potassium are just a few of the beneficial vitamins and minerals this herbal contains. Its list of benefits are just as impressive: relieves low-iron related fatigue, exhaustion, digestive discomfort, increases milk production, lessens hemorrhoids, and reduces labor pains.
Nettle leaf is best consumed in boxed team form, though the dried leaves (not the root!) can be boiled at home to create your own.
6) Chamomile
Often used as a throat-soother, chamomile is another pregnancy helper. Its calming properties can help diminish general stress, treat insomnia, and relieve constipation. The use of chamomile by pregnant women is a bit controversial – some swear by it while others deem it as a no-go due to the possible (though unstudied) risk of miscarriage. If you choose to consume it, limit yourself to 1-2 cups of chamomile tea a day.
7) Red Raspberry Leaf
Along with nettle leaf, you’ll often find red raspberry leaf in many “pregnancy” teas. Due to its high vitamin and mineral content (vitamins C, E, A, B, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium), red raspberry leaf has an extensive list of benefits too: helps tone the uterus, reduces hemorrhaging, increases milk production, and eases labor pains.
Red raspberry leaf tea is easy to find – my favorites are by Traditional Medicinals and Earth Mama Angel Baby. Avoid red raspberry leaf during the first trimester due to its uterus-stimulating properties.
[Photo Credits: lavandarfields ("herbs'), FotoosVanRobin (ginger), wonderferret (peppermint), MDL.hu (magnesium), Divina Pe (psyllium), arpent nourricier (nettle leaf), matsuyuki (chamomile), Ricketts Glen State Park (red raspberry leaf)]
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