When I found out I was pregnant, I started to make a lot of researches to find what I could do to ease the pregnancy, labor and birth. One of the things I did was to make myself a blend of tea using different herbs to drink (almost) daily after the first trimester.

We all know we have to be careful with caffeine and herbs during pregnancy, but these herbs are known to be beneficial for the pregnant woman. If you are not sure, I invite you to make your own researches or talk with your health care provider.

This tea is made of red raspberry leaf, nettle leaf, oat straw, chamomile and lemon balm. Hibiscus flower or rooibos tea can also be added for a little fruity and naturally sweet taste. I drank this tea during the second and last trimester of my pregnancy and had a relatively easy natural delivery at 40 weeks.

If you dislike the taste, make sure to add hibiscus or rooibos to the blend. And try adding a little lemon juice and/or local honey. I have to say it’s not the best tasting tea. You will get use to it though. Start by not infusing it too long. You can drink a cup a day. It will also help the body staying hydrated.

I made this tea using herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs as they are very high quality. Always use best quality herbs and ingredients when pregnant and breastfeeding.

I have also consumed store-bought pregnancy teas in which you can find in health food stores or online.

Red raspberry leaf increases fertility, prevent miscarriage, ease morning sickness, reduce pain during labor and after birth, improve labor outcome, prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth and assist in the production of breast milk. It also strengthens the uterus. It’s the herb of choice for pregnancy and women’s health and has been used by midwives throughout history.

Nettle leaf nourishes the mother, fetus and placenta, reduce pain and promotes milk production. It also aids in kidney function and boost immunity. It contains vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. It’s a very nutritive herb.

Oat straw is a known nervine, meaning that it soothes and nourishes the central nervous system. It may be helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia and nervousness. It’s high in calcium and B-vitamins. It’s incredibly nourishing.

Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. It’s very calming and helps to relieve stress and tension.

Lemon balm is used for digestive problems, pain, headaches and mental disorders such as hysteria and melancholia. It also has calming effects and can be useful to ease anxiety and sleep problems.

HOMEMADE PREGNANCY TEA

This very nourishing tea is made with red raspberry leaf, nettle leaf, oat straw, chamomile, lemon balm and hibiscus.

INGREDIENTS

2 parts red raspberry leaf
2 parts nettle leaf
2 parts oat straw
2 parts chamomile
2 parts lemon balm
1 part hibiscus or rooibos tea (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all herbs together and store in a glass container away from heat and light. Brew for 10-15 min, longer being better. Drink warm. Add a little lemon juice and/or local honey if desired.