This is the fourth post in my Herbs for Mama series. I’ve also covered Red Raspberry Leaf, Lady’s Mantle and Milk Thistle.

Two herbs that my midwife insisted I consume during pregnancy were alfalfa and nettle. Thankfully, both tend to grow in abundance (our old house was built in what used to be an alfalfa field and I could not get rid of the stuff) making them pretty cheap to buy.

By themselves, they make a pretty bitter tea, so I often mixed them with red raspberry leaf, milk thistle and peppermint. This also made a nutrient-rich tea that was perfect for my growing baby and me.

Alfalfa is a slightly bitter herb making it one often used for detoxifying in children and pregnant women. It does this by cleaning out the liver. Alfalfa also helps to change the body from acid to alkaline, promoting healing and increasing the ability to cleanse.

Nettle is well known as a uterine tonic. It also strengthens kidneys and adrenals. Nettle is said to have the highest chlorophyll content of any plant, making it an excellent food. Nettle is rich in vitamins A, C, D and K, as well as calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and sulfur.

The calcium content makes it an excellent herb to take for easing leg cramps and muscle spasms. I know I’m not the only one who got those insane Charlie Horse cramps when I was pregnant. I still can’t stretch my legs with my toes pointed for fear of getting another one.

Nettle’s calcium content also affects the uterus, helping to diminish pain during and after birth.

Nettle is also a good home remedy for hemorrhoids. Its astringency will help tighten and strengthen blood vessels and reduce this problem. Thank you pregnancy.

Both alfalfa and nettle are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They are known to increase available vitamin K and hemoglobin in the body, helping to prevent hemorrhage.

A uterus with poor muscle tone, that remains large and flabby, can cause hemorrhage. This prevents it from doing its job of clamping down to slow the flow of blood. It can also be caused by insufficient amounts of vitamin K, the clotting vitamin.

The high mineral and vitamin content also promotes a rich, abundant milk supply. That nourishing pregnancy tea will be highly beneficial to nursing moms as well. Just make another batch without peppermint, which is known to decrease breast milk production.

How to use

Alfalfa and nettle can be consumed as teas. Another really great idea is to incorporate them into your diet. Seeds are available to make alfalfa sprouts and young nettle leaves are also good to eat. Hmmm, makes a salad even healthier.

Precautions

Large doses of nettle may cause digestive uneasiness.

Now, you all know that I’m not a doctor, herbalist or other healthcare provider. Please seek out one knowledgable in herbal medicine before you go taking a bunch of herbs. Especially if you’re pregnant.

And if you want more info, I got mine from Herbal Medicine by Dian Dincin Buchman and Herbs for the Childbearing Year by Susun Weed, along with various Google searches.