Herbal Tea for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when your health is of utmost importance. You are taking prenatal vitamins, but some say that prenatal vitamins are not absorbed as readily as nutrients from natural food sources. One way to get those essential nutrients into your body is by drinking nutritious herbal tea. In this article we'll explore the best ingredients for your pregnancy tea and then I'll tell you how to brew your own tea for a healthy pregnancy. This tea will keep you feeling great and help prepare your body for a normal labor as you look forward to meeting your new baby. Keep drinking it after your child's birth so that you can continue receiving the health benefits that this tea provides.

Alfalfa
Alfalfa is an excellent herb to take during pregnancy because it is rich in, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin K and protein. It also helps increase milk supply.

Nettles
Nettles provide Vitamin A, C, D, and K. It is also rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and sulphur.

Red Raspberry Leaf
Red Raspberry Leaf is the most popular of all herbal teas used in pregancy. It tones the uterus and is rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin A, B, and E as well as calcium and iron are also abundant. It can relieve morning sickness, help ease the pain during and after labor, and prevent miscarriage.

Oat Straw
Oat Straw provides vitamin A, calcium, chromium and magnesium, which are all necessary nutrients during pregnancy.

Now that you know why to use these herbs during pregnancy, here's how you use them. First you'll need to purchase these herbs in bulk. I like to purchase 2 lbs each of nettles and alfalfa, and 1 lb each of oat straw and red raspberry leaf. Once my herbs arrive, I mix it all together and keep the tea in a dark colored plastic container. Allowing light to reach the herbs can make them less potent. Stored this way, you can keep your tea for up to two years, which will last your pregnancy and then the months afterward when you are nursing your baby.

Here is your tea recipe-

Ingredients:
1 part alfalfa
1 part nettles
1/2 part red raspberry leaf
1/2 part oat straw
or
a handful of the tea if you purchase and mix as I explain above

1 quart of water

Instructions for preparation:
Bring water to a rolling boil on the stove and pour into a large glass pitcher. Put your tea in the water and allow it to steep overnight. In the morning, pour the tea through the strainer, removing the herbs. Keep this quart of tea in your refrigerator and drink the entire quart through the day for maximum health benefits.

Feel free to add other herbs you like for flavor or health benefits. You may also mix with a little juice, add a bit of sweetener such as stevia balance or agave nectar.

Sources:
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Oatstraw-Cut
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm