The Long History of All-Natural Pregnancy Care

Although the modern idea of an “all-natural” birth began to catch on only in the last century or so, the use of herbal remedies and medicines during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum phases have been an essential part of human existence throughout a wide range of different cultures. 

Whether in the form of herbs, roots, barks, or flowers, all-natural treatments have a long documented history of providing mothers, babies, and to-be-mothers, with homeopathic pregnancy care to help alleviate the potential pains and stresses of pregnancy and motherhood. Today, Birth Song Botanicals takes a look at this history, some of the most used and useful herbs and plants throughout it, and how the knowledge of herbal use in pregnancy care is still very common today.

From the Beginning

Since ancient times, humankind has used plants to cure diseases and relieve physical suffering. Much of the medicinal use of plants was developed through observations of wild animals and by trial and error. As time went on, tribes would add the medicinal power of herbs to their knowledge base. During these eras, many civilizations - spanning across continental and cultural boundaries - came to recognize that various wild flora, when implemented during both months of pregnancy and the months following childbirth, endowed a variety of beneficial health effects upon the mother and the child. 

From ancient European societies such as those in Rome and Greece to various tribes that inhabited the lands of South America and Africa and isolated indigenous populations throughout North America, Asia, and Australia, herbs were key to generating an effective routine of pregnancy health care. Some common herbs used throughout history have been: 

• Ginger
• Raspberry leaf 
• Valerian 
• Garlic 
• Bitter kola 
• Chamomile 
• Peppermint 
• Fenugreek
• Thyme 
• Green tea 
• Sage 
• Anise 

Herbs were often used to treat nausea and vomiting brought on by pregnancy and increase and decrease milk production for breastfeeding, as well as: 

• Shorten and induce labor 
• Reduce the risk of preeclampsia 
• Provide defense against bacteria and fungi 
• Stabilize mood and fight off stress

To This Day

Natural ways to have a healthy pregnancy might have been conceived of in ancient times, but that doesn’t mean they ended there. In fact, since many pharmaceutical drugs are not recommended for use during pregnancy either because of known or suspected problems, contemporary herbal medicines in pregnancy are gaining popularity in developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and relative safety with fewer side effects. 

Along with those listed above, some other herbs and plants still used to this day for wellbeing during and after pregnancy include:

• Cranberry
• Echinacea
• Lemon Balm
• Slippery Elm
• Meadowsweet
• Black Cohosh
• Vervain

Doulas and midwives worldwide are still, to this day, carry ancient herbal secrets and treatments for pregnancy-related ailments and concerns.

Make Your Motherhood Natural With Birth Song Botanicals

Birth Song Botanicals is proud to offer products and guides that are informed by the rich and long history of all-natural and homeopathic pregnancy care. We want you to feel your best during and after your pregnancy. Our natural supplements help with morning sickness, insomnia, aches and pains, milk production, and much more. Nurture your mind while you prepare for birth. Browse our collections, or call (479) 283-7308 today!