Description
Brewing Instructions
What is infusion? Why are the bags of herbs so big? How do I prepare it? Infusion is a ‘brew’ made from dried herbs and boiling water, like tea, only much stronger. To prepare infusion, place 1 cup of dried herbs in a glass quart- sized jar, pour boiling water over herbs, cover and let stand 4-10 hours. Strain, reheat or chill as you wish, and drink! The recommended daily amount is about 1 quart, though there is no toxic upper-limit. The result of this brewing method is a product much more like food than a beverage- containing loads of minerals, vitamins, and other nutritional and medicinal qualities, which your body can easily assimilate without further work from your digestive system.
About This Infusion
Try drinking one quart a day of Motherlode during pregnancy to circumvent or diminish many common prenatal problems and discomforts, from conception to the time of birth. Here is a little information about each herb in the blend, explored through the lens of their benefits specifically during pregnancy.
Red Raspberry Leaf ~ Rubeus idaeus
The primary “go-to” herb in pregnancy, which contrary to many ‘herban’ myths circulating in cyberspace, does NOT cause labor contractions. It contains an alkaloid called fragrine, which tones the muscles of the uterus, making it strong during pregnancy,. Consistent use can help to shorten the three stages of labor by helping to ensure effective contractions when the baby’s birth day comes around. It has rich concentrations of iron, calcium and many other nutrients. The tannic acid in the plant can also help to alleviate hemorrhoids. Many midwives say that mothers who drink Raspberry Leaf during pregnancy seem to bleed less at birth.
Stinging Nettle ~ Urtica dioica
During pregnancy, the kidneys are under a lot of strain, commonly leading to issues such as exhaustion, swelling (edema), frequent urinary/bladder or even kidney infections, and sometimes (more rarely) pre-eclampsia. Consistent use of Nettle can help to prevent these situations from developing or advancing. Rich in Vitamin K, a blood-clotting factor, and plentiful amounts of iron, it can also help minimize bleeding at birth. It’s loaded with nutrients, including calcium-so important for pregnant mothers and developing babies, and can prevent issues that come with pregnancy tapping a mother’s nutrient stores-such as hair loss, increased tooth decay and more brittle bones throughout life. It helps tired mammas have more energy, and adapt to stress better, resulting in a steadier mood.
Oatstraw ~ Avena sativa
Oatstraw is a cardio-vascular tonic herb which can lessen strain on circulation, and promote stronger veins. This means less propensity to developing varicosities or hemorrhoids/relief from existing ones. Oatstraw offers relief from depression and anxiety. Rich in nutrients, especially magnesium, its great for keeping blood pressure in check, bones strong, and preventing or treating crampy muscles/ irritated muscles. It brings peaceful, restorative sleep, though it doesn’t cause drowsiness. If “Charlie Horses,” restless legs, difficulty sleeping or a spasmodic uterus that wants to contract all the time are bothering you, drink Oatstraw! It keeps tissues, especially mucosal tissues, hydrated, stretchy, and reduces irritation.
Alfalfa ~ Medicago sativa
Alfalfa can help with keeping the amniotic sac strong during pregnancy, with the hopes that the pregnancy can continue all the way to term without the water breaking early. When pregnant, the liver is working overtime to process extra metabolic wastes and hormones, sometimes leading to troubles with digestion, skin problems, disorders such as PUPPPS, choleostasis, and even pre- eclampsia. Alfalfa helps keep liver function strong and healthy. It aids digestion in general, and specifically with metabolizing fats. It relieves water retention and bloating, and regulates a healthy appetite. It is another herb rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K.
Download a printable handout about The Motherlode
Quality Standards
All of the herbs used in Village Herbals’ products are certified organic and/or ethically wild-crafted. Carefully extracted and blended in small batches with careful quality control, your remedies come to you filled with love and thoughtfulness.
