Plant medicine is a wonderful tool for supporting a mother through her postpartum. There are many wonderful plants and herbs that can be used postpartum but these are my top five plants for nourishing postpartum for their diversity and healing magic.
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry leaf is wonderful for supporting mama through both pregnancy and postpartum.
It helps tone the uterus and pelvic muscles, help with postpartum bleeding, wound healing and used as a galactagogue (supports breastmilk production).
Raspberry Leaf is a wonderful source of bio available calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, vitamin C, iron, and B vitamins.
It is perfect for drinking as a delicious tea and for herbal infusions in postpartum soaks, sitz baths, peri bottle or vaginal steam.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettle is a beautiful nourishing plant for postpartum and rich in nutrients including calcium, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, vitamin K and selenium. The nettle leaf also has high levels of both iron and vitamin C which helps iron absorption for mamas who have low iron or experienced extra blood loss during birth. Nettle can help support inflammation, nourish the kidney, liver and adrenals. It can be used to support a healthy milk supply and infusions can help reduce postpartum bleeding. Nettle can relax blood vessels and increase heart contractions pumping blood throughout the body promoting healing.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is wonderful for wound healing, supporting the immune system, and lifting spirits. It has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties and helps prevent infection and heal body tissues. Calendula is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components. It can be used externally in a soak or steam, in a herbal infusion for a peri bottle or balm and can be enjoyed in a nurturing tea blend.
Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Moringa Leaf is a wonderful kitchen herb and a postpartum superfood. It has anti inflammatory properties, is a galactagogue and is extremely rich in essential nutrients, which can help with postpartum depletion. Moringa is a great source of calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, protein and Vitamins A, B and C. You can enjoy moringa leaf as a tea or use the powder in lattes, soups, dips or smoothies.
Rose (Rosaceae)
Rose is not only a symbol of love and beauty but can help lift the mood of a new mama. Rose hips are rich in vitamin C for supporting the immune system and are beneficial for uterine health. They are perfect for adding into a new mama’s bath or steam, steeped in tea or sprinkled on sweet nourishing goodies.
