Category: Maternity

“One of the most cherished of the fertility-increasing plants is red clover (Trifolium pratense). Common in fields and along roadsides, it has bright pink (not really red) blossoms from mid-summer into the chilly days of fall. A favorite flower of the honeybees, the tops (blossoms and appending leaves) are harvested on bright sunny days and eaten as is, or dried for medicinal use. The raw blossoms are delicious in salads and nutritious when cooked with grains such as rice or millet.

To make a fertility-enhancing infusion, I take one ounce by weight of the dried blossoms (fresh won’t work for this application) and put them in a quart size canning jar. I fill the jar with boiling water, screw on a tight lid, and let it steep at room temperature overnight (or for at least four hours). Dozens of women have told me that they had successful pregnancies after drinking a cup or more (up to four cups) a day of red clover infusion.

It is especially helpful if there is scarring of the fallopian tubes, irregular menses, abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or “unexplained” infertility. It may take several months for the full effect of this herb to come on and pregnancy may not occurs until you have used it for a year or two. You can improve the taste by including some dried peppermint (a spoonful or two) along with the dried clover blossoms when making your infusion. Treat the father of the child-to-be to some red clover infusion, too!”

Excerpt: @susunsweed nourishinginfusions.com/RedClover.html
Image: @unsplash / Timothy Dykes

Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)is a herb that strengthens the Kidneys and Adrenal Glands giving deep long lasting energy not found in caffinated beverages and greatly reducing Anxiety. It detoxifies the body and and helps to improve the nutrient uptake efficiency of your gut.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In pregnancy, Nettle Tea (Infusion) is often recommended for women undergoing a particularly painful birth, it helps protect against excessive bleeding (due to it’s high Vitamin K content) and can act as a coagulant. It also helps stimulate the production of milk and makes the lactation process easier.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Stinging Nettle relieves cramping and bloating associated with Menstruation and can reduce quantity of blood flow due to it’s astringent properties, and helps reduce water retention. For women undergoing Menopause, Stinging Nettle helps acts as a restorative and helps smooth the transition so the hormonal fluctuations aren’t as pronounced.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The combination of high vitamin C and Iron content make it ideal for dealing with Anemia by stimulating red blood cell production. Stinging Nettle has also been successfully shown to be used in Inflammatory Conditions such as Rheumatic Arthritis, Chronic Muscle Pain and Gout (but also think Endometriosis)
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Stinging Nettle can also be used as a preventative for Prostate Health, but due to the path this treatment takes it cannot cure an already existing condition. Also, used with Palmetto – it can reduce the urge of frequent urination.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Stinging Nettle is also widely used in treatment of hayfever and other allergies.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There are no contraindications to the use of Nettle Leaf infusion. Nettle Root tea does have known side affects and drug interactions.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you drink 4-5 quarts of nettle infusion weekly, you can expect to see results within 3-6 weeks.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sources: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/stinging-nettle.htmlhttp://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/Nettle.html Book: Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar

Red Raspberry Leaf, sometimes referred to as a “woman’s herb” is an especially popular herb due to it’s possible benefits for pregnant women. There is also anecdotal evidence that suggests Red Raspberry Leaf helps relieve PMS symptoms such as cramping, nausea, and diarrhea.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Red Raspberry Leaf increases Fertility in both men and women, and is an excellent Fertility Herb when mixed with Red Clover.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
While Red Raspberry Leaf is generally a herb recommended for 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy to tone the uterus, it is also used by many women in the 1st trimester to help ward off nausea.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Other known benefits of Red Rasberry Leaf:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– very high in vitamins & minerals, supplying much needed nourishment to the partaker⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– helps to prevent Loss of Pregnancy and hemorrhage⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– reduces pain during labour and after birth⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– assists in breast milk production⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– provides a safe and speedy birth all the while not increasing the intensity of the contractions but rather the efficiency of the uterus⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– boosts immune system⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– protects the heart⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– decreases inflammation⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– supports a faster metabolism⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
While Red Raspberry Leaf appears to be safe for everyone, there are some side effects to note:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– laxative properties could cause increased bowel movements and bladder voiding in some people⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– increased Braxton Hicks contractions⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sources: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htmhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-raspberry-leaf-tea#pregnancyhttps://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/raspberry-leaf-tea.html