Postpartum Herbal Remedies

Nettle

One of the best nutritive herbs, it is also included in the pregnancy tea blend. This herb can be used daily. This is a great herb to use to revive if you are feeling overall drained. Kiva talks about using the seeds for as well for adrenal exhaustion, something a lot of mom’s may experience postpartum when they have too many things on their plate and don’t take the time to take care of themselves. Packed with trace minerals and vitamins, it is one of the most useful herbs.

Postpartum Massage Oil

To 1 tablespoon massage oil. Favor unscented oils during the postpartum period because your natural smells are familiar to your baby. For feet and legs or back you may add 3 drops each of lavender, rosemary, and geranium. Use gentle movements wherever it feels best. In general massage towards the heart. Avoid the abdomen. Feet and legs are especially effective, but varicose veins should be avoided. Be relaxed and do not rush. If there is little time it is better to do a small area well then to rush through a full body massage. As a simple guide allow 10 minutes for a foot and leg massage, 10 minutes for a back massage, and 5 minutes for the face and head.

Chamomile

Another great herb for both momma and baby, it is not only relaxing it is a natural antiinflammatory, and good for nervous tummies. So when your baby begins teething (before you know it!) chamomile is and excellent herb to have on hand to both relax you & your baby, and help with local inflammation of the gums of your baby. I like chamomile combined with lavender as a tea for relaxation for me (more than a few cups of lavender can be drying to some people however).

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is an herbal supplement commonly used in treating mild to moderate symptoms of depression. This herb comes from a yellow flowering plant containing the compounds hypericin and hyperforin, which is thought to increase serotonin levels in the brain. The herb is sold as capsules and tablets or is made into a tea from the dried leaves. Holistic Online says that doses up to 900mg a day are safe for reducing postpartum symptoms. Although this herb is highly used for treating depression, the March of Dimes says that dose and strength are variable among brands, which makes taking St. John’s wort questionable when treating postpartum depression. Other herbs found useful in managing symptoms of depression include licorice root tea and ginkgo biloba. Consult your physician before using herbal remedies for treating depression.

Cannabis

Within the first two days post delivery, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body sharply decline. The medical community believes that the effects of hormonal fluctuations, are in large part responsible for causing postpartum depression.  Symptoms of postpartum depression are oftentimes compounded with other extenuating factors such as a previous history of depression, a non-supportive partner or weak support system and high levels of stress.

What Does Research Say about CBD and CBD Vape?

Research has suggested that cannabis may be a promising treatment option for a number of different physical and mental health conditions, from post-traumatic stressdisorder to chronic pain.

It should be noted that research is still emerging for Postpartum Depression and Cannabis use. Many feel that it can help with anxiety and loss of appetite that is often seen with PPD.

Morover many opting to utlize the dangerous “VAPE” craze from websites like  and people oftening utilizing safe cbd vape juice.

The relationship between marijuana and depression is complex so if you wish to try this method of management, consult a physician. Some research has suggested that regular and heavy marijuana smokers are at a  higher risk for depression, although a causal link between cannabis use and depression has not been established hence a huge market fro CBD oils. More studies are needed in order to determine whether, and how, marijuana might be used in patients with depression.

Essential Oils

There are certain essential oils that can help to boost mood and reduce stress and anxiety during the postpartum period. These include sandalwood, lavender, bergamot and other citrus oils, and ylang ylang.

One easy way to incorporate these essential oils into your day is to make up a room spray with water and several drops of essential oils in a little spray bottle and spray it around your house as often as you like, or you can even purchase a pre-made spray with a mix of helpful essential oils like the Happy Mama Spray from Earth Mama Angel Baby.

My favorite way to use essential oils is to mix a few drops with a carrier oil, like almond, jojoba, or even olive oil, and rub it into my skin, especially my wrists, and upper chest and neck.