Preparation:
Put 1-2 teaspoons of herb tea blend into a mug or, if you prefer an
easier clean-up, into a muslin drawstring bag. Pour boiling water
over.
Let steep approximately 10-15 min. Pour loose leaf tea through a coffee
filter to strain.
Sweeten with sugar or honey, if desired
For large batches: put 1/2 to 1 cup of mixed herbs into a gallon-size
jar, (or use several muslin drawstring bags for easier clean-up).
Pour boiling water over herbs and steep 15-30 minutes. When cool,
strain the loose tea by pouring through a coffee-type filter. Refrigerate.
Drink cold. Dispose of any excess after 4 days.
To be an effective labor tonic, drink at least 2 cups a day throughout
your entire pregnancy, or drink at least 3-4 cups per day during the
last 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Makes a great iced tea for those warm summer days. Delicious as
sun tea! |
Alfalfa:
It's high vitamin K content has been shown to help correct bleeding disorders
by promoting the blood's ability to clot, thus helping to prevent hemorrhage
in childbirth.
Oatstraw:
Strengthens the capillaries, thereby preventing or aiding varicose
veins and hemorroids.
Fennel:
Aids in the prevention of morning sickness; aids digestion, prevents
heartburn; a natural diuretic.
Spearmint:
Relieves nausea, which is great for morning sickness; lifts spirits and
renews energy.
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Nettle:
Strengthens and nourishes the body. The list of easily absorbable nutrients
include: Vitamins A, C, D, and K, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium,
protein, silica, and sulfur. Taken as a tea, these nutrients nourish the
mother and fetus, prevent leg cramps and muscle spasms, decreases pain
during labor, prevent hemorrhage, reduce hemorrhoids, rejuvenate the mother
after birth, and increase the flow of mother's milk. Nettles also can
be used for reduction of urinary tract infections and fluid retention,
inflammation of the colon and diarrhea, and inflammation of the joints
and skin. In addition, the tea may be cooled and applied as a soothing
compress to the inflamed tissues of the perineum and rectum after childbirth.
Red
Raspberry Leaf:
The best known and quintessential herb for pregnancy. Brewed as a
tea or as an infusion, it contains fragrine, an alkaloid, which gives
tone to the muscles of the pelvis and uterus. The benefits of this toning
action include: prevention of miscarriage and false labor, reduction of
pain during and after birth, production of more effective contractions
during labor and therefore a faster birth, and prevention of postpartum
hemorrhage or bleeding. Red Raspberry is also an rich source of vitamins
A, B complex, C, and E, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium,
phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients make it an excellent prevention
and treatment for anemia and leg cramps, as well as a beneficial remedy
for the reduction of morning sickness. The high mineral content also assists
in the production of breast milk.
Rose Hips: The common red
garden rose has long been a favorite of medicine. It is a good vitamin
C supplement and will ease cramps. The vitamin C content makes it a good
remedy to combat colds and influenza. An infusion of the petals is used
for headaches, dizziness and as a blood purifier.
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