Gals, need some advice please

[CarolynRenee]

Looking for some ideas on herbal teas.

I'm having really bad womanly cramps & am still breastfeeding, so can't take any of the "usual" store stuff.

Anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

[txquilter]

I've never tried it but someone told me that peppermint tea worked well for cramps and stomach aches.

[Marilyn]

Poor thing, I was lucky enough for periods to stop during breastfeeding. I just assumed that it was always that way.

[PulpFaction]

Raspberry tea is the one that's supposed to help cramps. I've never had much luck with it, but I think any warm beverage and a quiet meditation session/nap is a good fix. The problem arises when you can't afford the luxury to get quiet and "zone out" the pain. Heating pads help too.

[copperpennykids]

Calcium/magnesium is very good for this.

Arnica is also very helpful.

[CaliannG]

Black Haw or Cramp Bark. You can get cramp bark in a bottle as a tincture. 1/2 a dropper full relieves menstrual cramps within 15-20 minutes. Warning though, it tastes AWFUL.

Black Haw can be found dried at most herbal stores and can be made into a tea. You need to make it as a decoction rather than an infusion, though. The good thing about it is that you can add other stuff to the tea to cover the taste (Black Haw doesn't taste AS BAD as Cramp Bark, but it doesn't taste good either); however, it is not as effective as Cramp Bark.

Hope this helps. Oh, and either of them are safe to take while breast feeding.

[greenhorn]

There is a yoga stretch I used to do that really helped. Just sit cross-legged or in Lotus if you can do it and put a pillow behind your fanny. Then lie back over the pillow so you have an arch low down on your back. No pillow for shoulders or head. Position until you feel a good gentle stretch in your pelvic area. Stay there as long as you want/can. This really helped me when I'd wake up at 3am from cramps and was out of Advil (I was always out of something in college)

Make sure you read up on any herbs too. Sometimes you'll see a counterindication for specific circumstances, like raspberry leaf tea is good for cramps and inducing labor, but can cause miscarriages in early pregnancy, etc.

[meanwhile]

Yes - try the stretching and also a tummy massage. When I was still nursing my boys I would have the cramps when they nursed. I would use a heating pad on tummy area which helped and also I tried to take a short walk before or after. Exercise will help.

Good luck and hang in there.

[CarolynRenee]

I have raspberry bushes in the garden, so I'll try some of that tea this morning. Won't be able to get to the health food store for a few days though. Maybe between that & some stretching I'll get some relief!

As for not getting your period while breastfeeding.....that's what I had thought! I had my period just a little over a month after giving birth. Guess my uterus didn't get the memo!

[rileyjo]

Cramp tea...boil water and add a few sprigs of parsley. Take the water off the heat and let it steep. Make a pot of green tea and add a few red raspberry and pear leaves.
Parsley makes the blood flow, red rasp and pear are diuretics and will shed water. Green tea is just a base for the flavours. Strain the green tea mixture and add the water from the parsley steep. Sweeten it if you like. Throw the leftover leaves and sprigs out on the compost heap.

Pregnant women should avoid parsley but this is a good tea to ease cramps and finish things up quickly.

[CaliannG]

Originally Posted by greenhorn

Make sure you read up on any herbs too. Sometimes you'll see a counterindication for specific circumstances, like raspberry leaf tea is good for cramps and inducing labor, but can cause miscarriages in early pregnancy, etc.

Raspberry leaves contain fragrine, which according to studies aids in toning the pelvic muscles (including uterine muscles). It does not bring on labor, it simply aids in having strong muscles in that region, which makes second stage labor shorter.

It is the toning of the uterine muscles which relieves, to some extent, cramps. It does not, however, relax smooth muscles (such as the uterus) as some other herbs do.

Blue cohosh is used to bring on labor, as it contains caulosaponin, a substance as effective as pitocin for causing uterine contractions.

[Danaus29]

Calendula flower tea helps with cramps. Tastes awful, no matter what you put in it.

[Prismseed]

A gal I know with one of the worst cases of womanly cramps uses a sock full of dry rice. Heats it up in the microwave then lays it acrossed her stomach, the heat helps relax the muscles.

[Michele of MI]

This is what I do when nothing else works. Put a towel in the dryer for 5 minutes, and then wrap it around your middle. When it cools off, repeat. It doesn't make it go away, but it does make it tolerable.

[txquilter]

Another thing that helps me quite a bit is to apply pressure on my stomach. When my kids were little I used to get one of them to sit on my stomach for a few minutes. Now when my cramps get unbearable I have my DH push on my tummy or I do it myself.

The heating pad is great but it seems like the minute I turn it off the pain simply comes right back.

I hope you find something that works well for you.

[Jenn]

Discuss with your doc but ibuprofen (motrin) is safe for babies and god for cramps- you'll be advised to give it to your baby for fever if over a few weeks old so any that goes through should not trouble, and an ill Mom is plenty trouble for baby.

[MissQueenie]

I'm sorry to hear your cramps are so bad! Mine seemed to get about 10x worse after I had my first baby last summer.

I have heard really good things about raspberry leaf tea, also, but I would caution you to ask your midwife or doctor about herbal teas and supplements while you are nursing, just to be safe! I don't know if it is safe to consume while breastfeeding. It might be harmless, but it never ever hurts to call and ask to make sure you are keeping your baby healthy.

Two things that have helped me are exercising (I know this is hard or almost impossible sometimes with a little one) -- I pop the baby in his stroller or sling and head out for a walk, even if it is just a short walk to town. It makes my periods lighter and less painful. The other thing that has been helpful is a hot water bottle and a really good, distracting book. Preferably a funny one!

[culpeper]

Do not be mis-led into thinking that herbal treatments are better or safer than conventional treatments. Putting it simply, drugs are drugs! They should all be used with the same provisos, cautions and expectations.

One difference is that the dosage of conventional drugs is more controlled than that of herbal drugs, and if buying them in bottles, conventional drugs are far less likely to be contaminated with other substances (there is little or no control over what goes into herbal preparations).

And whatever you take, you'll be feeding your baby.

OK, you have your warnings: now for treatments. Avoid those included in the list underneath the treatments, which are contraindicated while breast-feeding.

Add 1-2 teaspoons powdered Raspberry leaves and 1 teaspoon powdered Meadowsweet leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 10-20 minutes and strain. Add honey or Lemon juice to taste. Take up to 3 cups per day.

Drink Calendula, Chamomile or Peppermint tea regularly for two weeks before menstruation to avoid tension building up. (1-2 cups per day maximum of one or the other.)

Drink 2-3 cups of Lemon Balm tea during the day, or put a few Lemon Balm leaves into a cup of ordinary tea.

Soak 30g crushed Caraway seeds in 600ml cold water and leave overnight. Take 2 tablespoons of the strained water as required.

Boil 2 teaspoons dried Cramp Bark in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Add a little grated or powdered Ginger if desired. Drink 1-2 cups per day. A few Angelica leaves and/or Chamomile flowers may also be added.

Eat a Banana as soon as you feel cramping begin.

Put a few slices of fresh Ginger root into a saucepan with some brown sugar. Cook over low heat, cool, and drink the liquid.

Eat some Rice the day before your period is due, to help reduce pain and bloating.

Drink a cup or two of Chickweed leaf tea a day to ease pain and cramping.

Eat Blueberries.

Eat 1/4 cup Pumpkin seeds in the few days before your period is due.

Drink a tea made from any of the following: Meadowsweet leaf, Motherwort leaf, Oregano leaf, Pineapple leaf, Rasperry leaf, Sage leaf, Sweet Joe Pye root, Valerian root, Vervain leaf or Wild Yam root.

Avoid these herbs while breastfeeding:

Balm of Gilead (Cedronella canariensis):
Taken internally, may dry up breast milk.

Chilli (Capsicum spp):
Flavours breast milk. Moderate culinary use OK.

Coffee (Coffea arabica, C. robusta):
Reduces the level of iron within the milk, increases the risk of mastitis and acts as a nerve stimulant on the infant.

Garlic (Allium sativum):
May flavour breast milk.

Gentian (Gentiana lutea, G. andrewsii, G. sceptrum):
Makes milk bitter.

Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus, C. Cordunculus):
May curdle breast milk.

Kava Kava ((Piper methysticum):
May transfer toxic constituents to the baby.

Mistletoe (Viscum album):
Toxic to infants.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca):

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris):
Transfer of its toxic constituents transfers through the mothers milk to the baby.

Parsley (Petroselinum spp):
Avoid large or medicinal amounts.

Pasque Flower (Anemone pulsatilla):
Has gastro-intestinal irritant effects.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata, P. edulis:
Contains cyanogenic glycosides.

Sage (Salvia officinalis):
Helps ease excessive milk flow but may 'dry up' milk altogether.

Sweet Joe Pye, Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum):
Toxic to the liver.

Walnut (Juglans regia)
Will dry up milk supply. Useful after weaning.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum):
Toxic in large amounts. Best avoided.

NB: this list is NOT comprehensive.

Other warnings about herbs mentioned above:
Meadowsweet: Avoid when pregnant. Do not administer to children unless under expert medical supervision. Avoid if allergic to aspirin.

Chamomile: Sufferers of allergies to daisies, ragweed, asters or chrysanthemums should avoid using chamomile. Allergic reactions include difficulty with breathing, throat constriction, swelling of lips, tongue or face, or hives. In cases of fragile pregnancy, chamomile should be avoided as it will promote a delayed menses. May cause stomach upsets, including vomiting, in some people. Do not use chamomile if taking blood-thinning or other sedative medications.

Calendula: Best not used by pregnant women. Avoid if suffering from hayfever or are allergic to ragweed or daisies. May cause dermatitis.

Lemon Balm: Avoid medicinal doses when pregnant or if suffering from night sweats. People with either Grave's disease or thyroid-related illness should not use this herb except under medical supervision. Prolonged contact with balm plants or leaves may cause contact dermatitis (itching, sting, burning, reddened or blistered skin) or it may sensitise you to other allergens.

Cramp Bark: Uncooked berries are poisonous, causing severe gastrointestinal disturbances. Do not use if pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ginger: If suffering from gallstones, or if pregnant or nursing, consult a health care professional before taking large amounts of ginger. Daily consumption of ginger root may interfere with the absorption of dietary iron and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as tetracycline derivatives, oral anticholinergics, phenothiazines, digoxin, isoniazid, pheytoin, warfarin, lincomycin, digitalis, nalidixic acid, sulfonamides, and phenothiozines or other psychoactive agents which are poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Ginger may mask the toxicity caused by aminoglycoside antibiotics such as neomycin. It may inhibit urinary excretion of alkaline drugs, such as amphetamines or quinidine.

Angelica: Wild angelica can be confused with wild hemlock, and several other very poisonous plants. Also large doses first stimulate and then paralyse the central nervous system, so do not exceed recommended dosages, and use it sparingly. Overuse can cause diarrhea. Should not be used by diabetics, or during pregnancy, or if taking blood thinners, or in large amounts. Do not use when breast-feeding. Do not used by those with a history of breast cancer. May cause fair-haired persons to become more sensitive to light. It is contraindicated in diabetes because of its sugar content. Avoid fresh juice contact with eyes. The root should never be eaten raw.

Valerian: Unpleasant side-effects (headaches, muscular spasms and palpitations) can occur with long-term use or with excessive doses. In extreme cases, it has been known to cause coma or even death. Poisoning may result if large amounts of the tea are taken for more than 2-3 weeks. Do not boil the root. Consuming large amounts of valerian may cause headache, giddiness, blurred vision, restlessness, nausea. It can act as a narcotic in large doses and can become addictive. Seek expert advice before using and use ONLY under expert supervision.

Vervain: Do not use during pregnancy. Do not use with conventional medications used for depression. Large doses can cause vomiting. Avoid use if history of asthma or heart disease.

Wild Yam: Do not use during pregnancy except under medical supervision. Do not use in conjunction with other hormone treatments. The fresh plant may cause vomiting. Do not confuse this plant with oriental tonic wild yams. Best avoided if there is an excess of mucus or congestion in the body.

As a rule of thumb, I tend to advise avoiding any herb while lactating which is contraindicated during pregnancy. That is a LONG list!

Sorry this reply is so long, but best for you to be informed about what you might be taking! Babies are SO vulnerable! If in doubt - don't, but meantime you can do your own research to learn about any that I haven't covered here.

[rscheiderer]

My sister uses tansy for cramps, but I'd look into it before using it while lactating.

[Maura]

Fennel seeds. You can find them in the spice section of the grocery store. Heat up water, add a teaspoon of seeds. you can also add them to regular tea. Tastes like licorice. You should also consider getting psyllum husk and taking one teaspoon with a glass of water every morning.