Using essential oils in diffusers and just taking one herb; like Valerian for sleep, are just some of the mistakes I see new moms make when starting to use natural remedies.
Here’s the thing, herbal medicine is amazing for the nursing years; when used correctly.
Essential oils are amazing, but when you use the wrong ones; like Tea Tree oil, in a diffuser, this can affect your breathing.
And, if you’re using it in a child’s room; you could be making a cough worse. Stick to safe breathing essential oils, like Lavender, if you like to use the diffuser. And, the humidifier is not the same:)
#2 Using essential oils neat – topically
Essential oils are very strong. When used topically on the skin, or in a bath, you could burn your child’s orifices.
For a bath? mix 1 drop of essential oil {just 1 drop!} with milk before adding this to the tub.
Topically on their skin? Dilute ALL essential oils with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and always start with just one drop. It’s more effective than you think!
#3 Using just one herb for insomnia
Insomnia after kids is common. We’ll try anything to get back to sleep! Most often, insomnia runs deeper than just interrupted sleep.
Many moms are so worried about using herbs, they wait. This is concerning when you struggle with depression and anxiety postpartum. Waiting and not doing anything at all is worse than reaching out to your doctor for medication.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, insomnia, or depression – ask for help! It could take years to overcome and you don’t want to wait.
Are you wondering which botanicals are safe for you? Swipe my favorite remedies here
#5 Using homeopathy incorrectly
The safest medicine, during the nursing years, is homeopathy, but it’s hard to know how to use it correctly. In this video, I teach you how to use homeopathy for your children and the mistakes we typically make when we start using those little white tablets.
#6 Not taking enough botanicals
“What dose do I take?” is the #1 question I get all of the time. Specifically when it comes to tinctures.
Typically, you would take 20-60 drops, 2-3x day for one botanical.
When you combine herbs, it’s a TOTAL of 20-60 drops, 2-3x day.
Technically not an herbal remedy, but drinking too much coffee when nursing can create insomnia for years to come.
If you’re craving that second cup of coffee; especially at 3 pm – you may have adrenal exhaustion.
Skip the coffee, and grab an herbal tea. Better yet, take a nap if you can! I know, it’s not easy, but your sleep is so important right now. Begin self-soothing your body, so when the sleepless nights continue, you’re able to go back to sleep more easily.
#8 Taking the wrong botanicals internally
If you love natural remedies, you’ll want to learn how to use them safely. That means, avoiding the herbs that are not safe, and consuming the ones that are.
And, the herbs to avoid in this handout; download now
Give yourself a chance to learn how to use herbs during the nursing years, then your whole family will learn how to care for themselves for years to come.
I’ve accidentally done all of these! Which one will you change today? Let me know down below.
Are you wondering if stinging nettles are safe for you?
Imagine a daily tea that would nourish your body, soothe anxiety and stress, and help you sleep better.
It sounds so simple and it is!
Here’s a quick warning, always check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or have any health concerns; especially taking diuretics.
Want to get started?
In this post, I’ll share how you can use stinging nettles during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond.
But first, grab this freebie to feel more confident using herbs while breastfeeding
What are Stinging Nettles?
Stinging nettles or Urtica dioica is a common weed found in North America and is most commonly known for the sting you get when you walk by. It can be cooked and eaten in popular recipes like nettle soup or nettle cheese, but its sting disappears when you cook it.
If you happen to get the kiss of the nettles, you can always search for Plantago major nearby – chew it up and place it on the sting to soothe the burn.
Personally, I love the sting as it signifies the start of Spring and “wakes up” my immune system.
Stinging Nettle Treatment
If you’ve received the kiss from Stinging nettles, don’t worry.
Find Plantago major, otherwise known as plantain, chew in your mouth, and apply to the red, sting area
Within moments your sting will subside
13 Stinging Nettles Benefits
There are so many benefits of stinging nettles during pregnancy and postpartum.
Stinging nettles…
are filled with vitamins A, C, K, and B
has minerals of CA, Iron {helps fight fatigue}, and Mg {helps soothe the nervous system}
may increase milk production
decreases allergies when using the freeze-dried nettles
decreases inflammation
decreases blood pressure
it controls blood sugar- have a cup with chocolate cake
fights fatigue
decreases the risk of iron-deficient anemia
reduces pelvic congestion
reduce caffeine and sugar cravings
prevents osteoporosis
prevents varicosities
So, Are nettles safe while nursing?
Stinging Nettles are considered a Level 1 herb by the German Commission E. and is safe while breastfeeding and during pregnancy
My favorite tea for breastfeeding moms is Earth Mama Milkmaid Tea which includes Stinging Nettles
I prefer to drink Stinging Nettles for all the vitamins & minerals, but you may want to use it as a tincture as well.
How to use stinging nettles for postpartum depression
Conclusion
Stinging nettles is one of the most beneficial botanicals to nourish our body with vitamins and minerals and ease the everyday stress of motherhood. Taken as a tea, you’ll notice the soothing effects immediately.
I hope you grow to love nettles as much as I do.
Have you tried Stinging Nettles? Let us know
xo
Tara
P.S. Are you a mom who loves natural remedies? Grab this freebie to feel confident using herbs while nursing 👇
Are you wondering how you can use natural remedies while nursing without worry?
It all boils down to four things.
In this post, I’ll cover the four simple steps you can take to use herbal medicine without fear during the nursing years.
But don’t forget, always check with your doctor before taking herbal medicine.
So, what’s the secret? Follow these four simple steps.
#1 Do you have any allergies?
If you or your child’s father has a known allergy, stay away from these botanicals.
For example… Chamomile is the safest herb to take while breastfeeding, BUT if you have an allergy to the daisy or Asteraceae family avoid this botanical and the other herbs in its family altogether.
#2 Are you taking medications?
If you’re taking medication, you always want to check with your doctor before adding in botanicals.
For example, if you’re taking SSRIs, the biggest herb/drug interaction may be St. John’s Wort.
You would never want to take a botanical for which you are already taking conventional medication.
#3 Botanicals to avoid while nursing
There are botanicals you may want to avoid while nursing. Keep in mind, this is not a complete list but it will help you feel a bit more comfortable.
Some of the herbs on the list are not safe to take internally, but you may see they are suggested externally; like comfrey root for cracked nipples.
And, some of the herbs like Lemon Balm – will not hurt your child, but will affect the taste of the milk.
And lastly, some women have taken St. John’s Wort for postpartum depression; even though it is a Level 2/3 botanical.
The safest thing to do is try one herb at a time and wait and see.
You’re looking for adverse reactions in your child.
What are adverse reactions?
any changes in your child’s skin color
any allergic reactions
if they fall asleep – when it’s not nap time. This has happened with valerian root.
if they’re fussy, colicky, or unusually uncomfortable
Stop taking the botanical and wait.
Typically, when you’re child is three months or older their liver is able to process all medications and it’s a safe time to introduce Level 1 botanicals.
In a nutshell, you’ll want to know which herbs are safe to take internally versus externally and the lactation risk categories determined by studies. {pubmed is a good source}
Then decide if you want to take the herb as a tea, tincture, or externally for mastitis or cracked nipples.
xo
Tara
P.S. Are you a mom who loves natural remedies? Grab this freebie to feel confident using herbs while nursing 👇
Are you wondering which botanicals are safe to take while nursing?
In this post, I’ll describe the six most common symptoms you experience and the EXACT natural remedies for your body – that are safe while breastfeeding.
Here’s the thing.. always consult your physician before taking any botanicals while breastfeeding.
Ready? Let’s get started.
#1 Constipation While Breastfeeding
Constipation is a challenge after childbirth.
Some easy remedies include:
Take dairy out of your diet! This is the #1 choice to reduce postpartum constipation
Adding a daily probiotic into your diet
Adding in Mg Citrate at night
Consider taking gluten out of your diet; especially if you have digestive issues
Add 1 tbs. of ground flaxseed to your diet with oatmeal in the morning
Then watch this video to learn about the benefits of stinging nettles.
Are you a mom who loves natural remedies? Grab this freebie to feel confident using herbs while nursing.
#3 Postpartum Cramping
I’ll never forget the time I was on the ground with pelvic pain, after the birth of my twins. Lying on the kitchen floor, clutching my waist. I crawled to get Crampbark to help with the pain.
As your body adjusts after childbirth, you may want to have Crampbark handy to help with pelvic pain.
This remedy also helps with your monthly cramps. Watch this video to learn more.
#4 UTI – Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infections are painful. And, if you’re breastfeeding you may want an alternative to antibiotics for the pain.
Yeast infections are common after childbirth; especially if you have poor gut health or happen to have a C-section. The funny part is, the yeast can cause bloating, digestive issues, and intense cravings for sugar and wine!
Consuming herbs while breastfeeding is safe and natural. You’ll want to learn which herbs are safe for you and your child and always consult your doctor before taking anything new.
xo
Tara
P.S. Feel confident using herbs while breastfeeding. Grab this freebie
Herbal Medicine Safety While Breastfeeding Books & References
Are you considering St. John’s Wort {SJW} for postpartum depression?
Even though It’s become the most popular alternative to pharmaceuticals for depression in Europe and the US, it’s so much more than the “depression herb”.
Let’s dive in.
Here’s my promise to you, by the end of this post you’ll understand the risk/benefit ratio and determine if SJW is right for you and the ONE person who should not take St. john’s wort.
St. John’s Wort can be useful for some types of depression, but it also has great benefits for anxiety, grief, melancholia, estrogen clearance, and numbness due to nerve pains and/or damage.
But, Is St. John’s Wort Safe While Breastfeeding?
Here are three References
#1 St. John’s Wort is considered a Level 2/3 by the German Commission E. in Dr. Aviva Romms Book; Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health¹.
What does that mean?
L2: Safer; Limited studies demonstrated, but no increased risk
L3: Moderately Safe; No controlled studies in breastfeeding women or controlled studies demonstrate minimal adverse effects
There are limited studies that show no increased risk in the child’s health.Many studies have been flawed due to the poor use of extracts or questionable preparation of the product.
:: In one study, women ingested 300 mg of St. John’s Wort a day and low levels of hyperforin were detected in breastmilk, however, no constitutes of the herbs was detectable in the babies plasma and no adverse effects were observed in either. Source
#2 Lactation and medication expert Thomas Hale & Hilary Rowe authors of Medications and Mothers milk suggest transfer to milk are minimal and it appears to be safe during lactation. ¹
However, 1 intact in each group was reported to be colicky, but there was no change in milk production and weight of the infants ¹
#3 The essential guide to herbal safety by Mills & Bones considers St. John’s Wort a Lactation Category CC. Compatible with breastfeeding, but use caution. ²
It appears the most common side effects would be colic, drowsiness, and lethargy giving the mother a signal to stop taking the botanical
And, keep in mind.. a small percentage of women have an increase in depression when they take St. John’s Wort.
So, if you notice any adverse effects, stop taking the supplement or tincture.
Are you struggling with Postpartum Depression? Join this FREE challenge to recover faster:
St. John’s Wort Dosing
Personally, I prefer to take SJW as a tincture.
I like to test one herb at a time. Then, when I feel comfortable, I like to use a combined tincture of SJW and nervines to soothe the nervous system.
Tincture Dosing: 40-60 drops; 3-4x day
Capsules: 300- 350mg of standardized extract 3x day {0-3% total hypericin}
St. John’s Wort Postpartum Benefits
Internally, you can take St. John’s Wort as a tincture or supplement for:
sciatica
as an antiviral to reduce cold symptoms
seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
menopause
Monthly PMS blues
mild/moderate depression
** My favorite reason to take SJW is for detoxification to reduce excessive estrogen levels and to reduce PMS & PMDD
Externally, it has many benefits as well.
When you place the flowers St. John’s Wort in oil, it turns red. Use this oil externally/topically for:
spinal/ nerve injuries due to childbirth
vulvodynia (vaginal pain)
also for first-degree burns, bruises, bites, and puncture wounds
Can you take St. John’s Wort for Postpartum depression?
Who should avoid St. John’s Wort?
SJW is well-known for enhancing liver detoxification, which reduces the blood flow of many medications.
Anyone taking the following medications should skip SJW for now
Avoid St. John’s Wort if you’re taking warfarin, digoxin, protease inhibitors, organ transplant antirejection drugs, or chemotherapy
Use caution with oral contraception
Use under a physicians supervision if you’re taking antidepressants
In large doses, you may notice photosensitivity to sunlight and want to avoid this
It’s also contraindicated during pregnancy, however, safety studies are lacking
In short…
St. john’s wort can be used during breastfeeding when you purchase a standardized product from a reputable company. Standardization of the herb is to guarantee that the consumer is getting a product in which the chemistry is consistent from batch to batch.
Look for 300 mg 3x day to decrease postpartum depression and watch for adverse effects like colic, lethargy, and an increase in depression in mom.
Keep in mind, it takes a comprehensive approach to overcome postpartum depression and this is just one part of the puzzle.
Nervines are also needed to soothe the nervous system after childbirth.
Ashwagandha vs St. John’s Wort
Can’t decide where to begin? Watch this video.
P.S. Wondering which herbs are safe while breastfeeding? Grab this template for just $11 to get the best herbal remedies for mastitis, the common cold, thrush, and more!
References:
References
¹ Romm, Aviva; Botanicals Medicine for Women’s Health pg 887 ²Mills & Bones: The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety Hale & Rowe; Medications & Mother’s Milk https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16566628/#:~:text=The%20only%20existing%20report%20on,John’s%20wort. https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/lactation_risk_cat/https://www.infantrisk.com/content/drug-entry-human-milk
Wondering how to use Ashwagandha while breastfeeding?
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and part of Africa; has become very popular in the past year; possibly due to Covid and all the stress we’ve endured.
It’s the ONE botanical, that helped me shift out of postpartum depression as it is an adaptogen; helps us adapt to stress.
So, How do you take Ashwagandha? It’s simple, let me show you how.
In this post, I’ll share the benefits of using Ashwagandha, dosing, and safety concerns.
Let’s get started. But first, If you’re breastfeeding – grab this freebie to learn about the safe herbs for you and your baby.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Women
Bitter, warm, and dry, Ashwagandha is best known for its calming effects without sedating you. That means, you can take it in the morning and you won’t feel groggy all day.
But, you can also take it at night if you wake and cannot go back to sleep.
Known to give you the strength and stamina of a stallion, it will enhance your sleep so that you wake up feeling more rested than before.
In Ayurveda, it’s considered a Rasayana; “one of the herbs that reportedly promotes youth and longevity and alleviates suffering”.¹
David Winston adds: “It’s known to prolong your life, stimulate your mind and enhance vigor and sexual prowess”. ²
Ashwagandha While Breastfeeding
It’s considered safe for breastfeeding. Lactation Category C or compatible with breastfeeding by Mills & Bones ³
It can re-regulate the thyroid & adrenal glands {a common concern postpartum} Better for hypothyroidism.
It’s effective in helping if you have anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, and insomnia
It’s rich in iron and can be used to treat iron deficiency when taken as a powder * see below
Powder: Take 1 tsp. in warm milk with ghee at night for a good night’s rest
Is Ashwagandha Safe?
Mills & Bones suggest no warnings or precautions with Withania, but at high doses, you may get gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, or vomiting.
David Winston suggests:
avoid using the herb if you’re sensitive to plants in the nightshade family – but this could be a case-by-case situation
Do not use the powder internally if you have excess iron
He also suggests avoiding the use if you have hyperthyroidism, as Ashwagandha can increase T4 and maybe T3
David Winston also suggests avoiding it during pregnancy. Still, Mills & Bones consider it a Category B1: Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increase in the occurrence of fetal damage. So, it’s a bit confusing if you’re pregnant and want to try Withania.
Also, caution may be needed if you have auto-immune conditions as it increases T1 activity.
How do you know an herb is safe while breastfeeding? Read this post:
Ashwagandha is commonly available as a churna, a finely sieved powder that can be mixed with water, ghee (clarified butter), or honey. ⁴
In India, the Ashwagandha powder was traditionally used in milk and taken at night to help you sleep better.
The popular company Apothekary, has made this easier for us to integrate once again.
Is Ashwagandha Safe While Breastfeeding?
The popular researchers; Simon Mills & Kerry Bones list Ashwagandha as a Lactation category C; Yes, compatible with breastfeeding.
Withania is used to promote lactation in Ayurvedic medicine and the traditional medicine of south-east Asia. – Mills & Bones
* Powder Dosing: 1 tsp. of Withania powder may be given 2x day with milk for insufficient lactation. ³
Dr. Aviva Romm also suggests it’s a Level 1; the safest herb to be used during lactation in her book Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. ⁵
When to take Ashwagandha
For my moms who are breastfeeding, I always suggest trying one herb at a time to see how you and your baby respond. If it’s safe, you can take it as a blended tincture with motherwort to ease stress.
I prefer taking tinctures, but have just explored the powdered version and enjoy it in my hot cocoa or coffee!
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is considered a Level 1 or safe while breastfeeding, unless you have hyperthyroidism you may want to choose another adaptogen. It’s calming, but not sedating so you can take it any time of day. Traditionally, it was used as a powder, but I enjoy using it as a tincture 2-3x day. It’s considered an adaptogen, so it can help take you out of the “fight or flight” response and help ease tension and stress. As always, check with your doctor before adding any new botanicals to your diet.
I’d love to know your thoughts.
Have you tried Ashwagandha? Let us know below in the comment area💕
