Pregnancy

Herbs have been used in medicine for centuries; and we, who belong to the land of Ayurveda and Charakasamhita, can vouch for it. They have been used by people of this great land for close to a thousand years or more and the tradition, which was first handed down from father to son is now taught in reputed colleges all over the world. It has reached the extent where turmeric, an everyday herb that is known to be a disinfectant and antiseptic as well, was on the verge of being patented by the Western world. Herbs have also been known to induce labour during pregnancy because they increase the contractions. Their role could be both nutritional as well as medicinal. They can be purchased as whole, taken in small amounts as in tinctures, or even consumed as tea. Though they are unpredictable and their results may vary, many practitioners and midwives recommend their usage in small amounts. Here are some herbs that are used to induce labor in pregnant women.

Herbs For Inducing Labor

Though herbs are often recommended for inducing labour naturally, one must never try to use them for the purpose prior to thirty-seven weeks of pregnancy, as it can have adverse effect on the child. Here are some herbs that will help to induce labour:

Black Cohosh

It is often used to relieve irregular contractions and encourage stronger contractions after the thirty eighth week or so of pregnancy. However, if one experiences nausea, weakness, or lightheadedness, it is best to discontinue the usage.

Blue Cohosh

This herb has been known to increase uterine tone but also exhibits the same side effects as black cohosh, which are nausea and light headedness. Pregnant women who experience such symptoms should discontinue its use.

Chamomile

This herb is long known to be a relaxant and is capable of inducing good sleep. Since it is quite well known for its effectiveness as a relaxant, small amounts of chamomile tea is permitted, even recommended after the first trimester. However, since it may promote the onset of menstruation, women who experience bleeding, spotting, or cramps similar to those that come along with menstruation should not opt for it.

Cramp Bark

This herb is known to be a uterine toner that relieves cramping and promotes a feeling of relaxation. This herb may, however, prove to be a bane for women who suffer from hypertension and high blood pressure.

Red Raspberry leaf

This herb is used as a uterine toner and readily available in a tea. Red raspberry leaf has been used by native Americans for thousands of years. It tones the uterus and helps in inducing labor.

Motherwort

This herb is known to encourage relaxation and reduce hypertension. It also helps to stimulate the uterus.

Warnings

The first concern when it comes to use of herbs to induce labour, is that the use of herbs and their safe usage is not known to many medical practitioners. There are very few providers and practitioners and only a handful reputed experts in their field who are familiar with the usage and safety concerns of various herbs and how they may react to the body of a pregnant lady.
Moreover, most herbs have been known to give unpredictable results. Just like one person may take tylenol with no difficulty, others may have problems if they take it. Medicinal herbs can act the same as medications in how they affect people differently.

For both of these reasons, medical practitioners often advise nursing and pregnant women to steer clear of all such herbs for any reason or at any stage of pregnancy, just as they would be vary of any other medication during this delicate period.