Previously, we covered on which beverages are safe for you to consume after childbirth and which should be avoided. Now, it is time to explore for medicinal herbs!
Can I eat medicinal herbs after giving birth?
Well, some medicinal herbs are great for your postpartum body. They can help you to improve your blood circulation and supply many beneficial nutrients to you. But, not all medicinal herbs are great for your health. Some of them might worsen your healing process.
So let’s discover which herbs you should consume and avoid after giving birth.
Safe Medicinal Herbs To Consume After Childbirth
Ulam raja (Cosmos caudatus)
New mums can eat ulam raja after giving birth. This king of herbs is rich in health benefits which are great for you. Ulam raja has antioxidants that help to improve your blood circulation and strengthen your bones. This herb can also cure diabetes.
Bitter gourd
You can consume bitter gourd during your postpartum period. Bitter gourd has anti-inflammatory properties which help to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This herb can also help you improve your immunity. Bitter gourd is rich in vitamin C, fibre, and calcium.
Pegaga (Gotu Kola)
Postpartum mums can eat pegaga or gotu kola. This herb has many health benefits for your postpartum health. Pegaga can help to improve blood circulation and boost your energy. This herb can also boost your immunity and replenish the collagen in your skin. This will make your skin look smooth as silk! Additionally, this herb can improve gut health. You can try to eat them raw or blend them into juice or tea.
Banana blossom
Banana blossom is a popular herb in Southeast Asian and Indian dishes in Malaysia. It is also an important ingredient in kerabu salads. Banana blossoms have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This herb also has magnesium, fibre and potassium, all of which are great for your recovery process.
Dog fruit (Archidendron pauciflorum)
Dog fruit or archidendron pauciflorum can be eaten raw with sambal. It has a strong pungent smell but with essential nutrients! This herb can help you to purify your blood after giving birth.
Petai (Parkia speciose)
You can eat petai or bitter beans after your childbirth. You can consume this herb raw or cooked with sambal. Bitter beans are high in potassium, protein, magnesium, calcium, and iron. In addition, it has antioxidant, anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which are great for your recovery.
Fenugreek
New mums can consume fenugreek during their confinement period. This herb is rich in iron which can accelerate your healing process and replenish your blood. This herb is also great if you are breastfeeding your newborn as it has breast milk boosting properties. You can try adding this herb into your curries!
Wolfberry
During the postpartum period, you can have some wolfberries. They can help to quicken your recovery and improve your immunity. They also have antioxidants which are great for postpartum mummies. In addition, they are great for your eye health and can replenish your energy.
Cranberry
Furthermore, you can also eat cranberries after giving birth. They are great for your eyes and skin. They can also help to boost your immunity. You should eat them fresh rather than the preserved versions.
Red date (Jujube)
Jujubes are safe for new mummies! You should consume the fresh ones as they are rich in vitamin A, B1, B2, C, iron, calcium and magnesium. All of these are great for your postpartum health. You can also have the dried ones which is usually identified in congee or soup. This herb is commonly mixed with other herbs such as herbal tea which helps to supply nutrients and nourish your blood after childbirth. Next, this herb is great for postpartum, post-menstruation, and even post-surgery mummies as this herb can help you to discharge lochia after childbirth.
Longan
New mums can have longans during their postpartum period. They can help to prevent physical weakness, dizziness, and insomnia.
Lotus root
You can eat lotus roots after giving birth. They are high in fibre which help to improve your bowel movement!
Consume in Moderation
Ginger
You can consume ginger in moderation during your confinement period. Ginger has many beneficial nutrients. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help to treat inflammatory conditions. This herb can promote healthy gastrointestinal movement and blood circulation. Just remember to eat this herb in moderation as it might lead to lochia.
Star anise
Postpartum mums need to consume star anise in moderate quantities. This herb can be potent for sweats, shakes, and chills.
Motherwort
New mums should eat motherwort in moderate amounts after their childbirth. This herb can help to promote blood circulation and your healing process. Motherwort is also good for your cardiovascular health and can help to regulate your menstruation. Additionally, this herb can help to reduce discomfort or cramps and promote blood circulation.
Avoid These Medicinal Herbs After Childbirth
Aloe vera
You cannot have aloe vera during your postpartum period. This herb is a strong laxative that might lead to digestive problems.
Sea buckthorn
Postpartum mummies should avoid consuming sea buckthorns. They can help to lower your blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This herb also has cancer-fighting properties. But, there are not enough reliable studies on its safety for health. So, best to avoid it as you have to be extra careful with your postpartum body.
Ginseng
Ginseng is unsafe for postpartum mums. This herb can cause you to have headaches, insomnia, diarrhoea, and palpitations. These unpleasant side effects will surely hinder your recovery. So, you must avoid it.
Safflower (Chinese bellflower)
Moreover, new mums cannot have some safflower. Initially, this herb is great to accelerate your recovery and promote blood flows. But, this herb might affect your baby, if you are breastfeeding him. So, it is better to avoid it.
Dong Quai
You should minimise your consumption of Dong Quai. However, this herb might help you with your constipation, migraines, and hot flashes.
You need to consume healthy medicinal herbs after giving birth!
New mums should now know which herbs are safe and unsafe for their postpartum body. Hence, please consume them accordingly. You need to maintain a healthy postpartum diet to ensure your recovery. So, remember to always eat healthily!
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nutrition-guide-new-moms
- https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/breast-feeding-diet
Here are some confinement tea recipes that you may give a try.
Check out a list of breastmilk boosters here.
For more insightful stories and healthy recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!