Pregnancy
During pregnancy there can be many health issues that can effectively be treated with home remedies and natural ways to nourish and care for mother and child.
One of the most important things you can do for your child and your developing body is to feed it well.
Many problems that can occur during pregnancy can be prevented with good nutrition.
For instance morning sickness and mood swings have been connected to low blood sugar; insufficient calcium intake may be responsible for those backaches and even cause more severe labor pains, even symptoms like hemorrhoids, anemia, and varicose veins can be attributed to not having enough of a specific nutrient.
When you are pregnant it is important to eat right, get plenty of rest, drink pure water, get great amounts of fresh air and exercise, and even sunlight is very important to your mood and it will provide needed nutrients.
It is important to keep your mind tuned to happy thoughts as it is believed the baby’s development can be hampered by negativity.
When you are pregnant all the nutrients you take in will help in developing an extra two pounds of uterine muscle; along with the skin, nerves, bones, muscles, organs, and glands for the baby.
There are also several pounds of amniotic fluid, the placenta, and your body greatly increases its blood volume. Besides all of this when you are pregnant you develop extra kidney and liver cells in order to process yours and the baby’s waste.
You need to start at the beginning and keep your body flexible by walking, stretching, bending, taking deep breaths, and generally staying active. If you are a jogger it has been discovered that you may be able to continue this exercise through most of your pregnancy. Just talk to your health care provider about any concerns.
Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Problems:
Red Raspberry:
Red Raspberry leaves have been used for centuries to nourish pregnant women, and to alleviate many of the difficulties during both the pregnancy and birthing process. The red raspberry has many nutrients that include concentrations of vitamins A, C, E, and B, plus generous amounts of easily assimilated minerals including calcium, iron, phosphorous, and potassium salts.
Regular use of raspberry throughout a pregnancy provides not only great nourishment but also astringent and strengthening powers. Raspberry leaves contain tannins and fragrine, which are known to improve muscle tone in the pelvic region, including the uterus.
A strong infusion of dried raspberry leaves will help increase fertility, assist in preventing miscarriage, and will help prepare the body for an easier delivery. Red raspberry can alleviate morning sickness, reduce muscle and leg cramping, as well as minimize backache. It is also a great tonic to offset fatigue.
To make a strong infusion of raspberry leaves:
- Put an ounce of dried raspberry leaves in a quart jar that has a lid.
- Add boiling water to the top and put the lid on tightly.
- Let the mixture steep for at least four hours and then strain the leaves from the infusion.
You can drink the liquid hot or cold, sweeten to taste with honey, and even add a little cream or milk. Drink at least 4 to 6 ounces a day throughout the pregnancy and keep the leftover infusion in the refrigerator. This infusion is more effective than supplement capsules or tablets.
Stinging Nettle:
Make a strong infusion by brewing one ounce of dried nettle leaves in a quart of boiling water for at least four hours. A cup of this infusion provides a great energy boost along with considerable amounts of calcium, magnesium and the vitamins A, D, C, B, and K. Stinging Nettle is effective in the prevention of both folic acid anemia and iron deficiency anemia. It is a great digestive aid, will strengthen the lungs, and assist the overworked kidneys.
Stinging Nettle is a hair and skin restorative, and will help prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is effective when used to ease leg cramps and backache, and to reduce the hemorrhage incidents after birth. Stinging Nettle will also increase the amount and nutrition of breast milk. Capsules, tinctures, and teas of nettle are not as effective as the infusion.
