Hi all, this is not a thread I ever hoped to start. But after months of trying my husband and I conceived, only for me to miscarry at 4 1/2 weeks. The docs say there's nothing wrong and we can try again whenever we feel up to it, but it's still horrible to go through.
What herbs might be useful at this time? I'd like something that's gently cleansing, and to help get everything back on track. I don't want to take anything too harsh. I thought red raspberry leaf might be useful, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
On a related note, what herbs and essential oils would be good for relaxing while trying to conceive? I read so much conflicting information that it's hard to know what's up. Some say chamomile tea is good, others say to avoid it while trying to get pregnant. I suffered from quite a bit of anxiety while trying the last time, and after I found out I was pregnant that doubled. (I have what the Victorians liked to call a nervous disposition, lol) I don't know if that contributed to my problems but it can't have helped. I've read that limeflower is good and I like that. Thanks!
Hi Tapestry - this is a difficult time for you - I well remember the excitement when a pregnancy is confirmed and the sadness when it miscarried (only once for me) - my thoughts are with you.
Yes raspberry leaf is though to be helpful. I would also recommend both you and your husband taking a quality multivitamin-multimineral from a healthfood shop (Biocare, Higher Nature, Nutri, etc) plus extra zinc and vitamin C. Zinc is vital to chromosomal and reproductive function (and some 300 enzyme functions in the body) and is often short in our diets - unless you eat lots of oysters! Zinc works in conjunction with a full range of nutrients as they all work as a team. Remember to eat lots of fruit and veg, oily fish (for the baby's brain growth and your own cell function), an adequate but not too much protein intake, and wholegrain carbohydrates. Cut down on caffeine and sugar, both of wwhich are detrimental.
And it doesn't need me to tell you that relaxation is an important part of conception.
Wishing you all the best, Love and Light
Hi there,
I'm very sorry to hear that you've miscarried and yes, there are certainly many herbs that can help.
Raspberry leaf tea is often helpful following miscarriage for it's toning and strengthening nature and has been traditionally used to prevent further miscarriages later on.
Can I ask, do you know if the miscarriage is complete? i.e. have you been to the hospital had a scan etc? The only reason I ask is that that would dictate the types of herbs that would be appropriate at this time.You'd mentioned something gently cleansing?
With regard to herbs to help with relaxation as you're trying for a baby - there are many that are perfectly safe to take. Such as Skullcap, Passionflower, Chamomile, Lime Blossom, Rose etc.
If I was advising a patient I would suggest that following a miscarriage it would be helpful to allow some time to strendthen the overall system again before trying to conceive.
Best wishes,
Jodie BSc Hons MNIMH
Hi Tapestry
I am so sorry you miscarried - it's miserable and you have my sympathy. Once for me, too.
Rasberry leaf tea is the tonifying one for the womb. Fab before, during and after pregnancy.
To help you recover and to support you when you feel up to trying again - don't rush it - you might find Reiki and EFT very helpful. [url]UK Reiki Federation[/url] and [DLMURL="http://www.aamet.org/search/search-aamet-members.html"]AAMET[/DLMURL] respectively for practitioners near you.
Good luck, Tapestry
Fx
Thank you all for your replies. I'm sorry to hear that you've gone through the same thing, Caroline and Coerdelion. One thing about this is you realise how common miscarriage actually is. I wouldn't exactly call it comforting, but it's good to know you're not alone.
I will get some more raspberry leaf, and get some supplements like Caroline suggested. We both take multiples but a bit of a C and zinc boost won't hurt. I'd also like to look into some therapies.
Foremanjones--the hospital sent me home and said I don't need to come back again unless the bleeding persists. I suppose that because it was very early they figure it will just run its course. They didn't mention any other scans. I'm not sure when we'll try again; I'd like to wait a month or so anyway. Thanks for the tips for herbs, too.
Tapesty
gentle hugs during this difficult time ((((((0)))))))
be very gentle with yourself and hubby to :)x
Dont take raspberry leaf at early stages of pregnancy could cause a miscarriage.
Amethystfairy:)
Tapesty
gentle hugs during this difficult time ((((((0)))))))
be very gentle with yourself and hubby to :)x
Thank you so much! I appreciate the thought. We're both doing well enough, considering. Just resting.
Dont take raspberry leaf at early stages of pregnancy could cause a miscarriage.
Amethystfairy:)
I have heard that you're not supposed to use it during the first trimester. I skipped it as well during the last phase of my cycles just to be on the safe side. 🙂
I've been in practise for 8 years as a Medical Herbalist and have never considered Raspberry Leaf to be a problem in early pregnancy. Infact many herbalist prescribe Raspberry Leaf to prevent early miscarriage if it is due to lack of Uterine Tone. During pregnancy it's always a good idea to consult a Medical Herbalist and seek individual advice.
I also meant to mention 'tapestry' that adrenal tonic herbs may be useful as some patients with over active nervous systems can get quite worn out! Adrenal herbs also help to modulate your stress response so that your stress hormones are more in balance. If there's a high level of stress hormones circulating in the body then this can affect the reproductive hormone balance.
With regards to gently cleansing herbs I generally advise patients to let the body do it's job and usually the bleeding subsides on it's own and settles down. It obviously always depends on how far along the pregnancy was.
Best wishes,
Jodie Foreman BSC (Hons) MNIMH
(((((((((((hugs))))))))) xxxxx
The first things that came to mind when reading your post was Chamomile herbal tea and Pulsatilla homoeopathic remedy.
xxxxx
Hi there, the homeopathic remedy Pulsatilla might be a good remedy for you- but on the other hand, it might not. Each remedy is prescribed very individually and yes, homeopathy could really help you after the miscarriage and for future fertility but you'd need a professional consultation. HTH Hom.
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