Herbs for Postpartum Healing
The postpartum period, also known as the "fourth trimester," is a time of immense physical and emotional transition for new mothers. After the body has nurtured and delivered a baby, it undergoes a healing process that can be both beautiful and challenging. During this time, many women experience fatigue, hormonal fluctuations, uterine contractions, soreness, and emotional ups and downs - all normal! However, there are some amazing herbal allies we can use during this recovery period to assist in healing and nourishing the body and mind. In this blog, we will explore some of the best herbs for postpartum healing, their benefits, and how they can be used. Toward the end, you’ll also find a herbal tea blend recipe specifically designed for postpartum recovery!
As always, the information in this blog is for information purposes only. It’s always essential to speak with a qualified naturopath or herbalist before beginning any medicinal herbs.
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
Cramp bark is well-known for its antispasmodic properties, making it really beneficial in relieving afterbirth pains or postpartum uterine cramping. After childbirth, the uterus contracts to return to its normal size, which can cause discomfort similar to menstrual cramps. Cramp bark helps soothe the uterine muscles, reducing pain and encouraging faster recovery.
How to Use: Cramp bark can be taken as a tincture, tea, or in capsule form.
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Red raspberry leaf is a popular herb for women’s health, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. It is a uterine tonic that helps tone and restore the uterus after childbirth, encouraging the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, iron, and magnesium, red raspberry leaf also supports overall health and energy levels in new mothers.
How to Use: Red raspberry leaf tea is the most common form. You can brew it alone or in a blend with other herbs.
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
Lady's mantle has a long history of use for women’s health. It has astringent properties, which means it helps tighten tissues and reduce bleeding. After childbirth, this is particularly useful for helping to stop excessive postpartum bleeding (known as lochia). Lady’s mantle also aids in toning the pelvic muscles, which can support pelvic recovery after delivery.
How to Use: Lady's mantle is commonly taken as a tea or tincture. It is especially beneficial when combined with other postpartum herbs like red raspberry leaf.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Witch hazel is another excellent herb for external use during the postpartum period. Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it highly effective for treating perineal swelling, tears, and hemorrhoids. Witch hazel helps reduce pain, itching, and swelling and speeds up the healing process.
How to Use: Apply witch hazel to cotton pads and place them on the affected area, or use in postpartum “padsicles” to soothe perineal discomfort.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is one of the most gentle yet powerful herbs for skin healing. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, making it ideal for perineal tears, episiotomies, or C-section scars. Calendula helps to speed up the wound-healing process while reducing the risk of infection.
How to Use: Calendula can be applied as a cream, salve, or infused oil to affected areas. It’s also a wonderful addition to postpartum herbal baths to soothe and heal the perineum.
Psyllium Husk (Plantago ovata)
Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber that helps with digestion and can be especially helpful for new mothers who experience postpartum constipation, which is quite common due to hormonal changes and pelvic floor pressure. Psyllium husk absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance, making bowel movements easier and reducing the risk of straining, which can further irritate perineal tears or hemorrhoids.
How to Use: Mix psyllium husk with water or juice and drink immediately. Be sure to stay well-hydrated when using psyllium to avoid any potential discomfort.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is a gentle, calming herb that can help support emotional balance in the postpartum period. It’s commonly used to reduce anxiety, ease tension, and improve sleep quality—essential for new mothers who are often dealing with disrupted sleep patterns. Lemon balm is also known for its mild antiviral properties, which can help bolster the immune system during this vulnerable time.
How to Use: Lemon balm tea is a soothing way to incorporate this herb into your postpartum routine. It can also be taken as a tincture or in capsule form.
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
Blessed thistle is a galactagogue, meaning it helps promote and increase breast milk production. New mothers who are breastfeeding often turn to blessed thistle in combination with other galactagogues such as fenugreek to support healthy lactation. Beyond its benefits for milk supply, blessed thistle also supports digestive health and can help with postpartum bloating and gas.
How to Use: Blessed thistle can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. When using it for lactation support, combine it with other milk-promoting herbs for a stronger effect.
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
Nettle leaf is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, making it a highly nutritious herb for postpartum recovery. Nettle is often used to replenish iron levels after blood loss during childbirth, support energy levels, and promote overall vitality. It also acts as a gentle diuretic, helping to reduce any postpartum swelling or fluid retention.
How to Use: Nettle tea is the most common way to consume this herb, but it can also be taken as a tincture or in capsules.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a traditional postpartum herb used for its powerful astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps stop excessive postpartum bleeding, making it particularly valuable during the early days after birth. Yarrow also supports tissue healing and reduces the risk of infection, especially when used in sitz baths or as a compress for perineal tears.
How to Use: Yarrow can be used topically in herbal baths, compresses, or sitz baths. It can also be taken as a tea or tincture for internal support in managing bleeding.
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Shepherd’s purse is another fantastic herb for postpartum bleeding. Like yarrow, it helps stop heavy bleeding and encourages uterine contraction, supporting the uterus in shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size. This herb is particularly useful in cases of postpartum hemorrhage or prolonged lochia (postpartum bleeding).
How to Use: Shepherd’s purse is typically taken as a tincture, especially in acute cases where excessive bleeding is a concern. Always consult a healthcare provider before using shepherd's purse for postpartum care.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel is well-known for its ability to soothe digestive discomfort, including postpartum bloating and gas. It also acts as a galactagogue, helping to support milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Fennel’s gentle, carminative action makes it a perfect herb to include in teas or tinctures for new mothers who might experience sluggish digestion or trapped gas due to postpartum hormonal changes.
How to Use: Fennel can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. Fennel tea is gentle enough to be sipped throughout the day to support both digestion and lactation.
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Arnica is a wonderful herb for external use in postpartum healing. Known for its ability to reduce bruising, swelling, and soreness, it is often applied topically to help ease postpartum perineal pain, especially after a vaginal birth. However, it is essential to note that arnica should only be used externally or in homeopathic form, due to toxicity risks.
How to Use: Apply arnica in the form of a cream, gel, or oil to areas with soreness or bruising. Avoid open wounds or broken skin. Alternatively, internal use in the form of a homeopathic preparation can also be beneficial.
Postpartum Herbal Tea Blend Recipe
This gentle, nourishing tea blend is designed to support postpartum healing by toning the uterus, replenishing nutrients, calming the nervous system, and promoting overall wellness.
Ingredients:
2 parts Red Raspberry Leaf
1 part Nettle Leaf
1 part Lady’s Mantle
1 part Lemon Balm
1 part Blessed Thistle
1/2 part Calendula Flowers
About the Author
Lizzie Stow is a clinical naturopath from Newcastle, Australia.
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