Morning sickness is a common occurrence in many pregnant women. Although the exact cause remain unknown, it may result from hormonal changes or a lowered blood sugar level, according to MedlinePlus. Morning sickness usually occurs during the first month of pregnancy and continues until the third or fourth month. Consuming certain herbs may help to prevent and reduce the frequency of morning sickness. Due to the nature of herbs, you should always consult your physician prior to partaking in any herbal regimen.
Ginger Root
Ginger root is available in many forms, including fresh, dried, pickeled, powdered and as a tea, according to Allison Sarubin-Fragakis and CynthiaThomson in the book "The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements." Sarubin-Fragaki and Thomson say that ginger root can help reduce vomiting from morning sickness if taken in doses of 250 mg, four times a day. The most effective means to procure the settling of morning sickness is grating fresh ginger and using the juice as a tea.
Peppermint
The menthol in peppermint is responsible for quelling morning sickness in afflicted mothers, according to Michael Castleman in his book "The New Healing Herbs." As an antisposmodic, peppermint helps to soothe the muscle lining of the digestive tract as well as smooth muscles, like the uterus. Pregnant women should consume peppermint diluted in a beverage like tea as more potent infusions may cause undesirable effects on the fetus, Castleman warns. Women with a history of miscarriage should also refrain from using peppermint.
Chamomille
Chamomile is not only helpful for those with upset stomach, but it is also an effective means of treating morning sickness, according to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Herbal Healing." Chamomile has anti-anxiety, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties making it effective in treating additional pregnancy issues other than morning sickness. Balch recommends pregnant women drink chamomile tea with freshly grated ginger for enhanced antispasmodic effect.
References
- MedlinePlus: Morning Sickness
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements"; Allison Sarubin-Fragakis and CynthiaThomson; 2007
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2001
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2002
