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preterm labor, postpartum hemorrhage, labor analgesia and malrepresenta on. The Chart below, Herbal Treatment of Common Pregnancy Concerns, provides guidelines for commonly used botanical treatments for several pregnancy problems, and provides a brief discussion of the safety of the herbs presented. [Note that an infusion is a strong tea, so if making with tea bags, use 2 per cup; an extract is the same as a ncture. The amount of alcohol in herbal nctures is negligible and is considered safe in pregnancy within recommended typical use of the herbal product.] Herbal Treatment of Common Pregnancy Concerns Herbs have been used for the treatment of discomforts and common problems arising during pregnancy and childbirth da ng at least back to ancient Egypt. Symptom/ Condition Herbal Treatment Application Dose Safety Comments/Concerns Nausea and vomiting (NVP) Ginger root Tea Fresh or dried herb Other: ginger ale, candied ginger Up to 1 gram daily; take in divided doses as need- ed for symptomatic relief Several recent trials demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ginger for the treatment of NVP. This herb was previously contraindicated by the German Commission E and the Botanical Safety Handbook due to concerns over mutagenicity, but these concerns have been resolved and the herb is considered safe for use in recommended doses Colds Echinacea root Ginger root Tincture Capsules Tea 3-5 ml up to 4x/day for 5-7 days 250-1000mg day for 5-7 days See above Safe use demonstrated during pregnancy in a retrospective clinical trial Traditionally used as a tea of fresh root for the treatment of colds, chills, aches, and dyspepsia associated with colds. See safety comments above Vaginal Yeast Infection Tea tree oil Garlic Calendula oil Suppository (as an anti-microbial) Suppository (as an anti-microbial) Suppository (to heal damaged irritated tissue) 3-5 drops per suppository, inserted 1-3 times daily 1 clove inserted 1x per night for 7 days Safety during pregnancy has not been studied for the external application of these herbs but there is no known contraindication. Tea tree oil and garlic can cause contact irritation, therefore, use the former in suppository with other herbs and oils, and dip an un-nicked garlic clover in olive oil prior to insertion Iron Deficiency Anemia Nettles Floradix Iron and Herbs Infusion Extract 7-14 grams daily As directed on package No studies available; widely used by midwives who report beneficial effects Uterine tonic; ease labor and prevent labor complications Red raspsberry leaf Infusion 1-3 cups daily No known contraindications Abby's Magazine - Volume 5 Issue 5 | Page 41