8 Common natural remedy mistakes – while breastfeeding

8 Common natural remedy mistakes – while breastfeeding

Do you love using natural remedies?

You only want the best for your children, but it’s hard to learn everything while breastfeeding.

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.

But hang on, you want to know if you or your child is at risk before integrating herbal medicine. Read this post first to learn how to use herbs safely; https://taragregorio.com/how-to-use-herbs-while-breastfeeding-without-fear-4-simple-steps/

So, what goes wrong? Let’s dive in.

#1 Using essential oils in a diffuser

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.

Often, mom is lacking in valuable nutrients and her adrenals are on overload. I vlog about it here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLESYIq_dSgWBSJjc52He4ObvTgcFOBMAn

#4 Not doing anything at all

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

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#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.

Wondering what is a tincture? Read this post: https://taragregorio.com/what-is-a-tincture/

What about teas?

  • You could drink 1-2 cups of herbal tea a day to soothe anxiety and stress.

If herbs are not working for you, you’ll also want to check your thyroid and vitamin levels. Read this post, for my favorite supplements for new moms: https://taragregorio.com/11-postpartum-vitamin-supplements-every-new-mom-should-have/

#7 Drinking too much caffeine

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.

 

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.

xo

Tara

Breastfeeding? 6 Common symptoms and your natural remedies

Breastfeeding? 6 Common symptoms and your natural remedies

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
  • For more tips, read this post:
  • https://taragregorio.com/10-ways-to-reduce-constipation/

 

#2 Seasonal Allergies

The #1 remedy for allergies while nursing, is freeze-dried stinging nettles.

Considered a Level 1 or safe botanical, you can enjoy this herb as a daily tea, but you will need the freeze-dried form to help reduce allergies.

Plus, you’ll want to address your gut health.

Read this post to see how the 4R approach can heal your gut and reduce allergy symptoms. >>https://taragregorio.com/how-the-4r-approach-helped-me-heal-my-gut-allowed-me-to-eat-gluten-again/

Then watch this video to learn about the benefits of stinging nettles.

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#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.

Here are my favorite remedies to stop the pain of a UTI. If you get recurring UTIs, make sure you address your gut health with the 4R approach and always contact your doctor first!

#5 Yeast Infection

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!

Read this post:https://taragregorio.com/yeast-infections/

And watch the video below for natural remedies for a yeast infection.

#6 Cold & Flu While Breastfeeding

  • Echinacea Tincture – for the common cold & flu
  • Marshmallow Root tea – to soothe a sore throat
  • Reishi Tincture – to boost immunity and reduce illnesses
  • Homeopathy is safe. Watch this video for my favorite homeopathic remedies for the flu.li>

79 Herbs to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Some common herbs you may want to avoid are: {see below for the full list}

  • Black Cohosh root (Cimicifuga racemosa)
  • Blue cohosh root (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
  • Borage leaves ( Borao officinalis)
  • Bugleweed leaves ( Lycopus spp.)
  • Cascara sagrada bark (Frangula purshiana)
  • Cat’s claw root (Uncaria tomentosa)
  • Celandine root and leaves (Chelidonium majus…)
  • Chaparral leaves (Larrea tridentata)
  • Chaste tree fruit (Vitex agnus-castus)
  • Cinchona bark (Cinchona spp.)
  • Cocoa seeds (Theobroma cacao)
  • Coffee seeds (Coffea arabica)
  • Cola seeds (Cola acuminata)
  • Colocynth fruit pulp (Citrullus colocynths)
  • Coltsfoot leaves (Tussilago fanfare)
  • Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale) – internally. Safe externally for mastitis and cracked nipples.
  • Copis rhinome (Coptis chinensis)
  • Dulse thallus (Rhodymenia palmetta)
  • Elecampane root (Inula helenium)
  • Ephedra herb (Ephedra sinica)
  • European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
  • Fennel fruit (Foeniculum vlulgare)
  • Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis)
  • Jamaica dogwood root (Piscidia erythrina)
  • Jasmin flowers (Jasminum pubescesn)
  • Joe-Pye weed root (Eupatorium purpurem)
  • Kava root (Piper methysticum)
  • Lemon balm herb (Melissa officinalis) – safe to take, but may change the taste of your milk. Consider taking in small doses for the common cold.
  • Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  • Mate leaves (Ilex paraguayensis)
  • Meadowsweet herb (Filipendula ulmaria)
  • Mother of thyme herb (Thymus serpyllum)
  • Oregon grape root (Mahonia spp.)
  • Poke root (Phytolacca americana)
  • Pulsatilla herb (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
  • Sage leaves (Salvia Officials)
  • Seaweed thallus (Laminaria spp.)
  • Senna leaves (Salvia officinallis)
  • St. John’s wort herb (Hypericum perforatum)- Considered a Level 2/3, you may consider it for postpartum depression
  • Tea leaves (Camellia sinensis)
  • Thuja leaves (Thuja occidentalis)
  • Tobacco leaves (Nicotianoa tabacum)
  • Uva ursi leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
  • Willow bark (Salix spp.)
  • Wintergreen leaves (Gaultheria procumbent)
  • For a complete list, DOWNLOAD this document

Conclusion

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

 

Herbal Medicine Safety While Breastfeeding Books & References