Boost Postpartum Nutrition with Herbal Teas

Postpartum nutrition is just as important as healthy eating during pregnancy.  After nine solid months of seeking out nutrient-dense food sources for the well-being of the child, nutrition should still be a top priority.  The pregnancy is over, the moment of birth has passed, now it is time to focus on recovery.

A new mother needs an abundance of vitamins and minerals, perhaps more than any other time in her life, so her body can restore itself, so healing can take place, and so she can be strong and healthy both physically and mentally to enjoy her new child.  Many women continue to take a pre-natal vitamin at this point, but a good herbal tea can offer an additional source of easily absorbable postpartum nutrition.  These herbs, stinging nettles, oatstraw, and chamomile, are safe for postpartum care, during lactation, and during pregnancy.  They are not a substitute for postpartum nutrition from food and supplements, but they will enhance well-being and ensure a more positive recovery.

Stinging Nettle Tea

Stinging nettle tea is an incredibly good herbal tea for postpartum nutrition.  This herb, bright green and earthy when fresh,  dark jade and bitter when dried, provides a range of vitamins and minerals for the new mother.  Stinging nettle tea is an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and chlorophyll.  It is a good source of iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, the B-complex vitamins, carotenes, vitamins C, D, and K.  Drinking one to three cups a day of stinging nettle tea will not only provide nutrition, but combat fatigue, balance blood sugar levels, and enhance the quality and quantity of breast milk.

Oatstraw Tea

Oatstraw tea is also a nutrient-rich drink, as well as a good herbal tea to tone and relax the nervous system, a much-needed solution for the sleep-deprived mother.  Oatstraw tea is an excellent source of silica, the beauty mineral.  Silica restores the connective tissue in the body, nourishing skin, hair, nails, as well as the bones and teeth.  Oatstraw tea is also a well-balanced source of postpartum nutrition, with calcium, iron, potassium, carotenes, the B-complex vitamins, vitamins C, E, and K, as well as a number of amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan.  Unlike stinging nettle tea, oatstraw is mild and slightly sweet.  It can also be enjoyed one to three times a day.

Chamomile Herbal Tea

Another good herbal tea for postpartum nutrition is chamomile herbal tea.  With the sweet taste of apple blossoms, this soothing drink is perfect as an after-dinner drink or postpartum nightcap.  Chamomile herbal tea is as well a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and folate.

Take care of yourself after your pregnancy; try any one of these herbal teas for optimal postpartum nutrition.

Sources:

Weed, Susan S. “Healing Wise.” (Ash Tree Publishing, 1989).

photo credit: Wokintime

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