It's funny how we run into people, isn't it? In my community lately, I've met two fabulous women; new moms. They both shared that they are having a tough time and asked for help. I made them up some of this Postpartum tea blend.
Are you a new mom? Are you having difficulty coping and feeling 'down'? Do you have a friend who could benefit? Please share this info with them.
My new clients have similar but differing stories of anxiety and deep sadness. I know that this can be a devastating issue for new moms and so want to help.
I have created specific plans to nourish them ~ lifestyle changes and herbal medicine together can really make such a difference.
It's a process, for sure. It takes time. I hope that, if you or anyone you know is coping with this, that step-by-step, peace-filled sunny days soon become more the 'norm'. I have several ideas to help. Here's a good one to get started.
It's an easy tea but don't let the gentle appearance fool you. It's packed with supportive, nourishing, magical healing plant power! Excellent for nursing moms!!
Here's an effective tea blend to uplift and support:
1 oz Raspberry leaf, dried
1 oz Rosemary leaves, finely chopped
1 oz Skullcap herb, dried
½ oz Licorice root, dried
½ oz Oatseed (milky oat tops),dried
Mix the herbs together in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a dark cupboard. Use 2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water.
This tea blend is an adaptation of one I learned from herbalist Susun Weed in an herbal class, high in the Adirondacks of New York state over 20 years ago! The same herbs work well now, as they did then. There are many herbal combinations but I find this blend to be easy for women to make, as the ingredients are dried herbs.
Grow your own or find them locally if possible from a herb grower or practising herbalist. Otherwise, good quality dried herbs can be ordered from your local health food store or online*
Raspberry leaf ~ tones and strengthens uterus, increases available calcium
Rosemary (leaf) ~ eases depression, tones liver, encourages milk flow
Skullcap herb ~ strengthens and soothes nerves, encourages emotional calm, helps with feelings of impatience and irritation, source of calcium
Licorice Root ~ offers a positive affect on the hormonal balance. Uplifts the Spirit
Oatseed (or milky Oat tops)~ tremendous nervous system healer, nourishing and uplifting
Just another note for a possible ingredient.
Stinging Nettles is an herb that I often suggest ~ either brewed alone as a 'simple' or added to a tea blend. It is very high in minerals and is extremely supportive for all women!
There are many possible ways to help to ease this distress and get back to feeling like "our old selves". I am not a 'birthing expert', but I love and respect the herbal world and find solutions here for many of life's challenges.
If you are feeling low and anxious and want to check in with an expert, you can read more about symptoms and clarification here.
Also, my friend Amanda Rose, who has written much on the subject, has an entire site devoted to helping women move to a better mood!
Just go here for more info.
The tea blend above, is nourishing and supportive.
It can help anyone to feel a little more grounded with it's nervous system support. I will put some more ideas together ~ there are some effective blends in my head that need to be written down!
Wishing you peace-filled days and nights xo Carol
Theresa Rodgers-Ruiz
Is this safe for nursing mothers?
Carol Little
Hello Theresa. Yes it's a good blend for nursing moms!
jennifer
Hello Carol,
Thank you for sharing this with such detail and love. I was wondering how many cups a day would be okay to have, specially since so many moms are breastfeeding and there is some hesitation with doing too much licorice. THANK YOU!
Carol Little
Hello Jennifer! Two or Three cups daily is normally the 'therapeutic' dose. Watch for any elevating blood pressure, or if concerned, incorporate less licorice or leave out altogether.. I have not had issues with people with negative feedback - but as with anything, these are guidelines and we need to pay attention to our own body and reactions can be very specific. Thanks for stopping by!!
Raia
What a wonderful recipe! I'm definitely sharing it in my moms' group. Thank you so much for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays!
Carol Little
Thanks Raia! It is my passion to help. Love to share.
Megan Stevens
Carol, what do you think about this tea for pre-menopause, since all of the herbs seems gentle and balancing? Or do you have a blend you would recommend more for that? Thanks for all you do!
Carol Little
This blend is uplifting, nourishing, gentle. It would be fine for pre (peri?) menopause.
Are there any symptoms or imbalances obvious ? There may be a more specific tea blend in my mind, if you share more
details. PM me if you like and we'll organize a tea for you!
Megan Stevens
Oh, what a lovely combination of herbs!! I need to make this! Thanks, Carol.
Carol Little
Thanks Megan. Hope you enjoy it.Let me know what you think!
Chloe @ How We Flourish
Great resource. I'm sure this tea will help many women.
Carol Little
Thanks Chloe!
Andrea Fabry
I sure could have used that after my pregnancies! I always had a let down after giving birth. I'll be sure to share with other new moms!
Carol Little
Thanks Andrea. I appreciate you spreading the word about this helpful healing tea.
Dina-Marie @ Cultured Palate
Thanks for sharing - postpartum can be tough and this sounds like a great natural remedy!
Carol Little
Thanks Dina-Marie.
Linda Spiker
Post partum depression is just awful. It's nice to know there are natural alternatives!
Carol Little
This is but one idea. Happily there are many more! Thanks, Linda.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Such a beautiful tea Carol. This would make a lovely gift for new moms.
Carol Little
Thanks Em. I agree. This is a tasty and very effective blend!
Sarah McLain, RN
This is a great resource! Postpartum can be so tough! Pinning this for later :) Thanks
Carol Little
Thanks! Glad. Please share!
green blessings ~ Carol
Carol Little
Thanks Sarah!