We will now go into some of the individual herbs and their uses during pregnancy and labor.

Alfalfa: Alfalfa grows in abundance all over the globe. It has a tap root which extends as far down into the soil as 70 or more feet in search of water. The minerals picked up by the plant at this great depth are more numerous than those a plant can obtain at the surface of the ground. In fact, alfalfa contains all the known vitamins and minerals. In addition, it contains most of the essential amino acids. It is a perfect food. If the mother-to-be would make use of this God-given herb, she would rarely suffer the malnutrition that so many of our unenlightened women do today. Alfalfa also contains hormones. These hormones are utilized by the pituitary gland. This is the gland which regulates labor. It is essential to have this gland in top condition. Vitamin K, present in alfalfa, is the substance which has been called "the clotting factor." Many unnecessary hemorrhages can be prevented by the daily ingestion of alfalfa tea or tablets during pregnancy. After delivery, the ingestion of alfalfa tablets will facilitate the healing of the uterus.

Women who do not have a lot of money to spend on fancy vitamins and food supplements (and even those who do) would do well to take no less that 15 alfalfa tablets daily. Alfalfa is also a well-known kidney cleanser.

Squaw Vine (Mitchella Repens) This herb was a favorite of North American Indian women for ages. They made a tea during pregnancy to insure an easy childbirth. We are all familiar with the stories of these extremely healthy ladies who were able to deliver their children and be up and about their normal activities the same day. The herb was usually taken for several weeks before confinement.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) This valuable herb is a nervine. It is often used by midwives to alleviate the afterpains of the uterus after delivery. It can be taken in tea or capsule form.

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum Thalictroides) Blue cohosh is an excellent emmenagogue. It is preferable to the drugs ergot or pitocin in expediting delivery in cases where the delay results from weakness, tiredness, or lack of nervous energy. The remarkable thing about this herb is that "it will not cause premature labor" and only acts upon the uterus when the baby is due.

Lady's Slipper Root (Cypripedium pubescens) This is a great anodyne (pain reliever) and nervine herb. It may safely be used during labor to relieve stress and possible pain. It acts most quickly when taken as a tea. For colic and after pains, the following formula may be helpful:

3 parts lady's slipper
2 parts wild yam
1 part ginger
Make an infusion. Let it steep for 20 minutes.

Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) This herb is one of the most important to midwives. It has been used to stop internal hemorrhages in the body. If hemorrhage occurs after delivery, shepherd's purse is a Godsend to have on hand. It is usually given as a hot tea.

Cayenne: Capsicum has also been known to arrest hemorrhage. Our local midwives use it in a drink also made with apple cider vinegar, distilled water and honey to taste. They give it the women who may need extra strength to go through labor. It has helped people out of shock. Cayenne pepper tincture has been employed also in cases where the baby has had difficulty breathing. A few drops of the tincture on the tongue has started (or startled) some babies into taking their first deep breath. Cayenne taken during pregnancy can only do good. It will keep the calcium level high, provide Vitamin A and stimulate circulation.

Olive oil: A bottle of unopened olive oil should be kept with the birth supplies. It aids the delivery of the baby's head when applied to the perineum. The tearing which is often possible during delivery is usually prevented by the use of olive oil and wheat germ oil (massaged into the perennial area) throughout pregnancy to give the skin elasticity. Both these oils should be taken internally as well.

BF&C Ointment: BF & C ointment will heal any soreness after delivery. Use the fomentation of BF&C for actual tears.

Green Drink: Many of the midwives have recommended that their people use a daily green drink. This may be made in a blender using any of the fresh greens such as comfrey, spinach, chard, etc. The addition of pineapple juice, fresh or canned, may enhance the flavor. Alfalfa, mint, or lamb's quarter may also be added for extra nutriments.

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FTC COMFREY WARNING: External use only. Consuming comfrey can cause serious liver damage. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which MAY cause serious illness or death. Comfrey should not be taken orally, used as a suppository, or applied to broken skin. For further information contact the Food and Drug Administration: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov

IRON SUPPLEMENTS

Iron is essential during pregnancy. If the iron level is low, the following herbs are sure to aid: Yellow Dock, Spirulina, and Grape Juice. Many of the midwives also use a commercial preparation from fruits high in iron and herbs. It is called Floradix.

VITAMIN E

Wheat germ oil is a very good source. In addition, the pre-soaked and low-heated grains will provide additional vitamin E as well as other essential minerals.

HERBS FOR LACTATION

The production of mother's milk can be increased through the use of herbs. The ones with which we have been most successful through our 40 years of practice are Blessed Thistle for increased milk production, red raspberry for the enrichment of milk, and marshmallow root, also for milk production. Years ago, we treated a lady who had adopted a little Indian baby. The lady was a regal-looking Scandinavian woman with blonde hair. She wanted more than anything to nurse that baby. We put her on the mucusless diet, the cleansing program, and copious amounts of blessed thistle tea. She was told to nurse the baby in addition to this formula a little each day. Within a few weeks, milk began to flow from her breasts. Blessed thistle contains hormones which are the scientific reason for lactation. But it seemed like a miracle to her.

Other herbs which can be used to increase milk production are: dill, fennel, carrot, anise, and of course, alfalfa. A tea can be made from the single herbs or a combination.

Mother's milk is like a blood transfusion to the baby. It is a computerized formula made daily to sustain the life outside the womb until the child is able to eat by himself. Let's watch what we put into the precious new life. Only the finest ingredients should go into the production of milk.

The late Dr. Coffin in his 1853 publication Treatise on Midwifery used herbs extensively in his practice. He was able to effortlessly deliver many little ones into the world without the complications encountered by the local doctors of his day who employed the inorganic drugs and disgusting metal implements. Dr. Coffin maintained, as we do, that pregnancy and childbirth are not illnesses, but natural occurrences which can be occasions for great joy. When we keep things simple as the Good Lord intended, we may experience the beauty and sacred responsibility of bringing new lives into the world.