Herbs to Know during Pregnancy
Herbs to Know During Pregnancy: Nourishing Support for You and Baby
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative time, but it’s also a period of immense physical and emotional change. Your body is working around the clock to nourish and grow new life, which means it requires extra support in key areas—such as nourishment and hydration, stress management, and energy levels. Thankfully, nature has provided us with a wealth of gentle, nourishing herbs that can help support both mom and baby through each stage of pregnancy.
Let’s explore some of the most powerful herbal allies for pregnancy for vitality, resilience, and well-being.
1. Reishi : All about those ‘Reishi Babies’
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a beloved adaptogen known for its ability to support the nervous system, immunity, and overall resilience. But during pregnancy, reishi earns a special place—consistent use of reishi during pregnancy is often associated with babies who seem calm, grounded, and resilient. Many parents affectionately refer to them as “Reishi Babies.”
Reishi is often called the “mushroom of immortality” for its deep support of the mind-body connection and helps modulate stress hormones and support healthy progesterone levels, both key for supporting a calm, content baby, both in utero and out!
Reishi also helps modulate the immune system, which is crucial during pregnancy when your body undergoes significant immune shifts to accommodate a growing baby. It also supports the nervous system, helping to reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm, making it an excellent choice for fostering emotional balance.
2. Liver Support Herbs: Hormonal Balance and Morning Sickness Relief
Your liver works overtime during pregnancy, not only to support your own body’s needs but also to process the surge of pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone. If the liver becomes sluggish, it can contribute to morning sickness, fatigue, and skin issues like hormonal acne. Supporting the liver helps maintain energy, reduces nausea, and promotes balanced hormone metabolism.
Herbs to Know:
• Dandelion Root: A gentle yet powerful liver tonic that aids digestion and promotes bile flow to ease nausea.
• Burdock Root: Helps the liver filter waste efficiently while also providing blood-nourishing properties.
• Schisandra Berry: Known as the “beauty berry,” it supports liver detox pathways while offering antioxidant protection to the skin and tissues.
• Milk Thistle: A classic liver-supportive herb that helps regenerate liver cells and prevent the build-up of toxins.
These herbs are often referred to as "detoxifying" herbs, but no need to fear them in pregnancy. They simply support the body's natural detox processes--they don't stir up deep toxins from our fat cells, but rather make sure that our organs are doing what they need to do efficiently to support a healthy pregnancy and vital mama.
3. Mineral-Rich Nutritive Herbs: Building Blocks for Baby
Pregnancy places an increased demand on your body’s mineral stores, which are critical for baby’s development and your own energy levels. Mineral-rich herbs are nature's multivitamins, providing easily absorbable nutrients to help support strong bones, a healthy cardiovascular system, and overall resilience.
Key Herbs to Include:
• Nettle Leaf: A powerhouse of iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins that nourish the blood and help prevent anemia. They also help to tone veins and prevent conditions such as hemmorhoids and varicose veins in pregnancy.
• Oatstraw: Rich in silica and magnesium to support nervous system health, hair, skin, and nail strength. It helps support healthy sleep and bone development in baby!
• Red Raspberry Leaf or Blackberry Leaf: Known for its high calcium content and uterine-toning properties, these two apple family herbs are a staple for pregnancy support to prepare the uterus for labour.
• Dandelion Leaf and/or Root: A natural source of magnesium, potassium, and calcium and can help support natural energy levels.
It's important to note that alcohol based tinctures do not contain a high amount of minerals as minerals are not soluble in alcohol. Infusions (strong teas) or Oxymels (like our mineral nectars) are a great way to get minerals form herbs!
4. Nettle Seed: A Caffeine Free Hack for Natural Energy
Forget synthetic energy boosters—nettle seed is nature’s answer to deep, nourishing energy without the crash. Nettle seed is known for its ability to strengthen the adrenals, support kidney function, and provide a natural, sustainable boost to vitality.
Pregnancy can be exhausting, and supporting adrenal health can help you feel more grounded and less depleted. Nettle seed is particularly beneficial for those experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or feeling “burnt out” during pregnancy.
5. Tremella Mushroom for Skin Hydration and Elasticity
Tremella mushroom is often called “nature’s hyaluronic acid,” and for good reason. This deeply hydrating mushroom supports skin elasticity, moisture retention, and overall hydration—making it an ideal herb for preventing stretch marks and maintaining a pregnancy glow.
Pregnancy demands a lot from your skin as it stretches and grows, and tremella helps keep it plump, supple, and resilient. Beyond skin benefits, tremella also supports cellular hydration, which can help combat pregnancy-related dehydration and fatigue.
Tremella works well used both internally and externally, and can be utilized in many different ways during pregnancy.
6. Milky Oats for Stress Support and Nervous System Nourishment
Pregnancy can come with emotional ups and downs, and milky oats (Avena sativa) are here to lend a calming, supportive hand. This gentle herb is known for its ability to nourish and restore the nervous system, helping to ease feelings of stress, overwhelm, and restlessness.
Milky oats are particularly helpful for those feeling sensitive, weepy, or on edge during pregnancy. They provide deep nourishment without being overly sedating, making them a perfect daily tonic for emotional balance.
While adding dried milky oats to an herbal infusion blend can help increase minerals, the best way to experience the restorative resilience of Milky Oats is in a fresh plant tincture!
Building an Herbal Foundation in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a season of profound change, and having the right herbal allies on your side can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to support your energy levels, nourish your skin, balance hormones, or stay calm and grounded, these herbs provide powerful yet gentle support for you and your growing baby.
And, as a key value here at SubLuna, working with herbs allows you to experience a greater level of body literacy and autonomy during pregnancy by allowing you to listen to your body, honor what it needs, and embrace the journey with the support of nature’s most trusted allies.
Your body is wise, and with the right herbs by your side, you’re not just growing a baby—you’re building a foundation of strength and resilience for the years to come.