Herbs and natural remedies to use in pregnancy: 

Ginger: Helps relieve the symptoms of nausea and morning sickness-

Chamomile: Calming and soothing to the nerves. Helps relieve morning sickness and taken before bed promotes relaxation and aid digestion. 

Witch Hazel: A cool and astringent herb that benefits veins. Soak a pad of cotton wool in distilled witch hazel and apply to aching legs, varicose veins or haemorrhoid  Lavender: A calming and anti-inflammatory essential oil that promotes healing after childbirth- Add 4-5 drops of lavender oil to a hot bath to relieve mastitis. Add 3-4 drops of essential oil to warm water and apply using a clean face cloth as a compress. 

Linseed: Acts as a gentle laxative and bowel lubricant, and it is also rich in omega 3 fatty acids needed in pregnancy. Add a tablespoon to breakfast cereal- 

Calendula: Highly nourishing and healing to the skin. Combine the tincture with St John’s wort and dilute to use as a lotion to bathe any tearing or stitches after childbirth. Massage the macerated oil into the skin during pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks. 

St John’s wort: Has effective antiseptic and pain relieving properties. Also used to bathe cracked nipples, although rinse with clear water before breastfeeding. 

Raspberry leaf: A uterine tonic that helps to prepare the body for childbirth. Drink the infusion daily during the last trimester of pregnancy – continue drinking it for two or three weeks after the birth to help contract the muscle and promote breast milk.  

Dill: The seeds make an excellent infusion to drink during breast- feeding, as dill helps to promote the breast milk and also relieve colic or wind in the baby. May be combined with fennel seeds. 

Jasmine: helps feeling of calmness and confidence traditionally used during labour- To dilute in a base oil and massage in the lower back.
Sage: Fresh herbs infused and taken one month before giving birth help reduce labour pain.