Herbs and pregnancy.

Let's just say this is a topic with all kinds of perspectives depending on who you talk to. Or what link you click after your google search. 

So, how do you know what's safe, what's not, and who to trust when it comes to herbs, like for instance red raspberry leaf, in pregnancy?

Well, it's a multi-layered response really, which is why I recorded an entire episode on it. 

But the short answer is:  there's evidence in the literature saying that red raspberry leaf has potential to stimulate contractions of the uterus, but there's also evidence showing that it supports uterine relaxation too. (mostly in rats, btw)

That said, Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus ideaus) tea has been used traditionally in pregnancy for at least hundreds of years as an herbal ally to nourish and support the womb in pregnancy and labor, and is probably one of the most common herbs taken in pregnancy. 

And there's published surveys showing that those who used red raspberry leaf in pregnancy had slightly shorter active labors with less augmentation (meaning less inductions and other interventions). 

So... what's the deal? How do you decide what's right for you?

I go into some of the nuances that I think are most important to consider, plus offer some ideas around herbs you might blend red raspberry leaf with to make a really nourishing pregnancy tea blend, in this week's episode.

Listen to learn:

• why people work with red raspberry leaf in pregnancy
• a nuanced perspective on using herbs in first trimester
• the best way to take red raspberry leaf in pregnancy and beyond
• a glimpse into some of the published research on RRL and pregnancy
• how to use red raspberry leaf tea during labor
• why it's essential to listen to your own body

Resources:

• Today's shownotes: Go check out the research studies on RRL + pregnancy
• Episode 11: Dandelion herbal spotlight
• Episode 22: Nettles herbal spotlight
• Episode 85: Acupressure for pregnancy, birth + pp w Sarah Tewhey

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