HERBAL TREATMENT DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
Breast Feeding
For insufficient milk, the following herbs can be used:
Anise seed
Fennel seed
Marshmallow root
Vervain leaves
Infusion of any of the above, alone or in combination: 1/2 сир as
required, up to 3 cups per day
Anise and Fennel are well known for their ability to stimulate milk
flow and have been used by nursing mothers for centuries.
Both herbs also relieve colic and, when taken by a nursing mother,
this action extends to the baby too.
Vervain, as well as being a galactagogue, is also useful for
post-natal depression.
To dry up milk flow:
Sage leaves
Infusion: 3 cups per day, starting with a mild infusion and
increasing the strength each day until normal dosage is reached
(results are usually obtained within a week or so)
For cracked nipples:
2 parts Marigold flowers
1 part Marshmallow root
Poultice, compress or ointment: apply several times each day
Colic in Babies
For colic in young babies:
Anise seed
Fennel seed
Caraway (Carum carvi) seed
Dill (Anethum graveolens) seed
Infusion of any of the above, alone or in combination: give 1 or 2
teaspoonfuls from time to time (e.g. every hour or so) until the
colic subsides
Dill seed forms the basis of many gripe waters available
commercially, and any of the other carminative seeds listed above
works equally well.
An infusion of Catnip, Chamomile, Lemon Balm or Vervain, given in
doses of 1 or 2 teaspoons, is a mild but effective remedy for most
digestive problems in young babies. For acute or persistent
conditions, seek professional advice.
Note that herbal remedies can be sweetened with honey as desired,
this sometimes being of particular benefit with babies and children.
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HERBAL
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