Pregnancy teas/infusions?

[JTA Mom]

I'm wondering if there are any good supportive teas/infusions that are really helpful during pregnancy/birth.

I know Red Raspberry leaves are supposed to be good, but I don't know what a good 'protocol' is, much less where I would be able to find the leaves.

Are there any other good teas/infusions out there?

Thanks!

Ami

[Pinoikoi]

I am supposed to start nettle infusion.

[SeattleRain]

I use Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea. I love the flavor with a little sugar. I actually make it into an iced tea so I can make sure I get the right amount every day.

[JTA Mom]

Originally Posted by Pinoikoi

I am supposed to start nettle infusion.

What are the nettles for? Can you take them early in pregnancy or only later on?

Originally Posted by SeattleRain

I use Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea. I love the flavor with a little sugar. I actually make it into an iced tea so I can make sure I get the right amount every day.

What does it taste like? I've seen that one before I think.

I'm thinking of getting a bunch of herbs and mixing my own. Anyone have any good sources for loose herbs?

Ami

[MamaFern]

there is loads of info on the web.

wise woman herbal for the childbearing year by susan weed is a wonderful book as well, i highly recommend it!

http://www.ashtreepublishing.com/boo...ildbearing.php

here is one website i found just quickly which gives some info on nettles, alfalfa, ect

also favorites of mine are red clover, oatstraw, red raspberry leaf..

http://www.motherlove.com/faq_usefulherbs.php

[SeattleRain]

Originally Posted by JTA Mom

What are the nettles for? Can you take them early in pregnancy or only later on?



What does it taste like? I've seen that one before I think.

I'm thinking of getting a bunch of herbs and mixing my own. Anyone have any good sources for loose herbs?

Ami

It has a faint taste of peppermint. Its a solidly nice herbal tea, not too earthy. I'm telling you, with a little sugar its divine. I drink a few cups every night over ice.

[MamaFern]

as well as drinking in tea, nettles can be used in tons of recipes. i sub it for spinach if fresh (think spanikopita) and throw handfuls of dried nettles into soups and stews, pasta sauces and anything you would put other cooked greens into. it doesnt have much flavour but adds such great nutrients!
i do this because my kids are picky eaters and we dont eat much red meat. they never have noticed

ETA: all of these are safe all throughout pregnancy. there is some debate over RRL (red raspberry leaf) because it is a pretty strong uterine tonifier, but i have always taken it from the start, and even before, and have never had a problem (some of these are great for ttc as well). maybe if you have a history of miscarriage you would do some more research on RRL, but IMO its great all the time for woman

[JTA Mom]

Originally Posted by MamaFern

as well as drinking in tea, nettles can be used in tons of recipes. i sub it for spinach if fresh (think spanikopita) and throw handfuls of dried nettles into soups and stews, pasta sauces and anything you would put other cooked greens into. it doesnt have much flavour but adds such great nutrients!
i do this because my kids are picky eaters and we dont eat much red meat. they never have noticed

ETA: all of these are safe all throughout pregnancy. there is some debate over RRL (red raspberry leaf) because it is a pretty strong uterine tonifier, but i have always taken it from the start, and even before, and have never had a problem (some of these are great for ttc as well). maybe if you have a history of miscarriage you would do some more research on RRL, but IMO its great all the time for woman

Mmmm, that sounds lovely! I've been having HUGE cravings for greens the past couple weeks. Where do you get your nettle from? Your RRL?

And the dried nettle, do you 'rehydrate' it before cooking? Does it work only in wet dishes (like stews) or can it be sauteed?

Sorry for all the questions, it's just such a new thing for me.

MamaFern, thanks for the book recommendation. I think I can get it used from Amazon too.

Ami

[Pinoikoi]

In my case, my midwife came up for a plan for my UTI problems.. the plan included nettle infusion, probiotics, and a gallon of water a day.. I am not sure what part of the plan the nettles play exactly.

Anyway, I left them to soak in a qt of water last night.. (followed susun weed's instructions as per the video clip) it is BLACK. I strained it and drank about a cup of it this morning.. it tasted like really strong cold tea (although I could have heated it up).. I have drank worse things.

[poetgirl]

I make a strong pot of nettle and peppermint tea most days. Nettle helps build the blood. I find these loose in bulk at my health food store and it is very cheap compared to teabags. I will add RRL in the 3rd trimester.

[GuavaGirl]

My favorite place for herbs is mountain rose herbs. http://www.mountainroseherbs.com

[artemis33]

I usually just make a blend of nettle, RRL and a little peppermint. Today I made a new batch and added chopped rosehips, alfalfa and oatstraw as well - haven't tried it yet, but I know all are good for you.


I buy my herbs from bulk jars at the local herb store or health food store.

Nettle grows all over our yard but it depends on where you live. They start up in the early spring and you want to harvest the small tops, when they are just a few inches high. Be careful of the stings though! Wear good gloves

[Pinoikoi]

Well, I tried my first one this morning.. It was BLACK. I put one cup of nettles in with 1 qt of water and let it sit overnight.. this morning I used a piece of cloth to strain it.. it tasted like really strong tea. I put the remainder in the fridge to prevent spoilage..

(I found an instruction video from Susun Weed and followed those basic instructions, but I didn't find "nettle" specific instructions).

I can't reuse the nettles right? (tea bags I think one can use a second go around..)