Pregnancy Nourishment Tea

Did you know that herbs are aromatic and medicinal plants that you can steep in hot water as an alternative to supplementing with capsuled vitamins and minerals. Doing so draws out the minerals and nutrients and makes a very nourishing cocktail that is loaded with health-boosting properties and doesn't burden your digestive system.

For example, nettle is a rich source of zinc, alfalfa is high in iron and goji berry is loaded with vitamin C. Take a tablespoon of the loose herb, place in a tea ball, add water, wait, sip, smile :) You can make all sorts of different combinations according to your own specific health goals.

The following herbal pregnancy nourishment tea combination was my favourite beverage during pregnancy. Even now, 6 months postpartum, I am still enjoying it to replenish my nutrient levels and pass on the benefits to my nursing baby. Not only is it an overall “partus preparator” or birth preparation brew, but also a nutrient supplement (iron, calcium, and many vitamins and trace minerals).

The dried herbs can be mixed in a large batch to have on hand. The tea is delicious both hot and cold, and it can be enjoyed by your whole family. You can vary the quantities of the ingredients, or add and omit herbs from time to time. It is safe to drink this brew throughout pregnancy, during labor and when nursing. In fact, it is very beneficial for postpartum health and nursing as well, as it helps with breast milk production, relaxation, energy, and boosting overall nutrition in both mommy and your nursing baby.

*The top herbal choice for pregnancy is raspberry leaf tea, which is known to tone up the uterus. Herbal folklore claims that a cup of raspberry leaf tea drunk daily during pregnancy will assure a strong uterus and healthy labor.

Ingredients:

2 parts red raspberry leaf

2 parts nettle

1 part oatstraw

½ part alfalfa

½ part goji berries (or dried rose hips)

½ part chamomile

¼ part red clover

¼ part spearmint leaf

Note: You can also add the herbs lemon balm and lavender to promote gentle relaxation and quality sleep, reduce anxiety, lift depression, calm heart palpitations, relieve gas, ease digestion and stimulate appetite. Chamomile, lemon balm and lavender make a fantastic relaxation and digestion tea.

Directions:

Mix all of the dried herbs together and store in an airtight container away from heat and light. To prepare your infusion, place a heaping ¼ cup of mixture in a quart-sized jar (or 1 tbsp. herbs + 8 ozs water in a cup) and add hot water to fill the jar, cover, and let steep for a minimum of 30 minutes, a maximum of 2 hours. Strain, naturally sweeten (optional), and drink 1 to 4 cups daily.

Recipe inspired by Aviva Romm's Natural Pregnancy Book.