life stages 145
nutmeg seed, yarrow leaf, angelica root, mother wort leaf, pennyroyal leaf,
mistlotoe leaf, cramp bark, male fern, sage leaf, wormwood leaf,
arborvitae leaf, coltsfoot leaf, and comfrey leaf. Echinacea, however, is a
very useful herb to know about should you have an infection or virus
while pregnant. As it is a complicated herb with many different dosages,
seek guidance from a herbalist.
The same rule applies to using essential oils. However, making your
own rose and lavender oils, by soaking rose petals and lavender fl owers in
a base almond oil and wheat germ oil for twenty-four hours in sunshine,
would be safe and a lovely idea, producing a nourishing scented gift for
your skin.
natural healing
Take gentle, rhythmic exercise, but do not overdo it. Extensive running,
swimming, and jogging should be reduced; aerobics could be replaced by
yoga. Listen to what your body is telling you, and work in tune with it.
Breathing is very important, and practicing different breathing
patterns will get you ready to use them to ease pain and steer labor when
the time comes. Deep breathing in the belly during pregnancy provides
extra oxygen for the fetus and is very calming for it.
Devote more time to relaxation, and be creative. Notice colors or
delightful sounds, and cut out shocking or upsetting television programs,
arguments, and stress. If stress does enter your life, talk to your baby in
calming tones so as to form a close relationship. This helps to minimize
trauma inside the womb and, later, outside it.
Consult a practitioner for individual problems like protein in the urine
(this often means that B vitamins are low — particularly choline), high
blood pressure (in this case cayenne pod and hawthorn berry, leaf, and
blossom should be used), or heartburn (this indicates that the liver is
overburdened and needs help).
threatened miscarriage
If you have a history of miscarriage, you would be well advised to carry
out a serious health, nutritional, and lifestyle check before getting
pregnant again.
Vitamin A and folic acid are very important for physically strengthening
the “hammock” of womb muscles designed to hold the baby. Consuming
carrot juice, chlorella, and Engevita yeast for B vitamins before and
during the fi rst trimester will provide these nutrients. Folic acid helps to
form correct genetic blueprints, thus reducing the likelihood of
spontaneous abortion caused by faulty combinations.
145 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition