Hello!
I hope everything is going wonderfully at the Wise Woman Center!!
I'm 4 months pregnant, and have a few questions that I was hoping Susun might choose to address on Blogtalk Radio. I have read and relied upon her fantastic book, Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years, but I'm seeking further clarification on a few specifics!
Is it safe to use St. Joan's wort tincture for depression during pregnancy? If so, what dose is appropriate? I want to uplift my spirits! (It is very rainy where I live!)
Is it really safe to use the tincture of Motherwort for anxiety during pregnancy? When I am not pregnant, Motherwort provides me relief from acute anxiety. My midwives and the internet insist that Motherwort is an unsafe herb during pregnancy. I'm not sure they are aware of differences between preparations of Motherwort (tincture vs. infusion and so forth) but I didn't want to risk it without consulting an experienced herbalist.
Another question! Surprisingly, (to me) marijuana seems to be considered a safer remedy for anxiety during pregnancy than does motherwort tincture. Any illumination on this that you can offer would be appreciated! Perhaps it is misinformation? I always thought that marijuana during pregnancy could impact fetal development, but it is legal in my state and the belief that it is perfectly safe for use by pregnant women is widespread.
And finally, can one drink lemon balm infusion safely during pregnancy?
Thank you so very much!!
All the best,
Lily
Hello Lily,
I believe St.Joan's wort to be very safe. I used it throughout three pregnancies and also have given to my young children. In fact when I was in labor I slatthered hypericum oil on my belly several times to help with the pain from contractions. I consider this herb very safe as long as it is used only in the from of infused oil topically and the tincture used internally made from the fresh flowering herb. If you do not make your own a good place to purchase from is http://www.catskillmountainherbals.com/
Drinking Nourishing herbal infusions will help to stabilize your moods and increase your energy as well. If you are not making these on a regular basis, here are some youtubes to check out on how to make them. They are all safe nourishing herbs considered to be foods.
More on Infusions here:
Motherwort is one of my most trusted allies. She is in the mint family, if you feel safe drinking mint tea then you can feel safe taking motherwort tincture while pregnant. Motherwort actually strengthens the capillaries in uterus and the heart. Best if taken in tincture form made from the fresh flowering plant in small frequent doses.
Best if you ask Susun directly about marijuana consumption during pregnancy. My personal thought is whatever works best for you. I do not think it is unsafe unless it is being habitually used/abused, but using it medicinally, no problem.
Please do not make any infusions from aromatic herbs for internal consumption. I'm not sure what you are wanting to use lemon balm for, anxiety? I personally do not like the way lemon balm makes me feel when I drink tea from it or tincture of it. But it is a very useful herb and some people that need it tolerate it just fine.
If you have the opportunity to call tomorrow evening or any Tuesday evening please do so. Susun answers 90 minutes of health questions from 7:30-9:00 pm EST. Call 1-646-929-2463
Thank you for writing in and please let me know if you have anymore questions for me.
blessings,
Kim
Wise Woman Team
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