Congratulations on your new baby! You thought you were tired when you were pregnant and tried to rest as much as you could, but nothing could prepare you for how tired you are now. Pregnancy itself, the exhaustion after giving birth, the hormonal changes, the sleepless nights, breastfeeding, your body needs to replenish its energy. I remember those days very well and I also remember that you take any help you can get! And I would also like to offer some help… no, I will not babysit, but I am happy to share my Favorite Herbs and Teas for supporting mamas Postpartum:
Cardamom – this is a great spice and I also like using it as a natural sweetener when I cook almond milk with raw cacao nibs for a nutritious hot cocoa. Cardamom is great to boost your energy, keep a healthy appetite and avoid depression.
Goji berries – a nutritional super fruit containing essential amino acids, vitamin C, Iron, Zinc, antioxidants and more. I love munching on it as a snack or brewing in a tea.
Lotus root – I like making chips out of it but there are also many soup recipes you might like. Lotus root is rich in vitamins and minerals, can increase energy levels. It is also good for mental clarity and for improving your mood.
Da zao (Chinese dates) – are rich in vitamins and minerals and help replenish blood level. I use them in teas or to naturally sweeten my hot cocoa or matcha tea.
Chinese yam – helps with digestion, healthy appetite, improves sleep, aids in relaxation.
Black sesame seeds – contain important minerals and add a salty taste to your salads or rice dish.
Huang qi (Astragalus) – tonifies your energy and you can drink it as a tea or add to your soup.
Dang gui (Chinese angelica) – replenishes blood, rich in B12, also some iron. As the flavor is a bit challenging the easiest way to consume would be to add to soup.
Red Raspberry Leaf tea – replenishes “blood”. It also helps tone the uterus so it will get back to its “normal” size.
Nettle Leaf tea – provides nourishing nutrients like calcium and magnesium and since it can also relieve nausea. I like recommending it for mamas during their first trimester. Nettle leaf also boosts the immune system, and can aid in adrenal and thyroid function. Another reason I like recommending it for prenatal and postpartum is for its allergy relieving symptoms.
Chamomile Flowers – calming, stress-relieving, anti-inflammatory, helps the body to heal after giving birth and helps to fight off infections. It’s also great for alleviating headaches and other pain and soreness.
Rose Petals – great source of vitamin C, and they help improve your mood.
Chrysanthemum Flowers –this tea relieves stress, anxiety, and can help calm the nerves.
Ginger Root – warming, soothes digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. This tea can also help with insomnia, depression and fatigue.
Dandelion tea – this tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, good for hormonal balancing and also great tea for constipation both during pregnancy and postpartum.
Fennel Tea – this tea is sometimes used for increasing breastmilk supply, it is also a great way to reduce gas both for mom and for nursing babies.
Moringa Leaf – is considered a superfood rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is great for milk production and for boosting the immune system
If you have any issues concerning milk supply, depression or any other condition, you should consult with your physician on tailoring herbs that are specific for your condition. You are welcome to send me an email regarding any questions you might have: neta@sensorybalancing.com
Diclaimer: Information and statements made here are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. The views and nutritional advice expressed in this blog are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you pregnant or have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.