15 Natural Remedies for Pregnant and Nursing Mamas
Cold season is heading out the door but I'm sure a lot of us are starting to struggle with some seasonal allergies, myself included! Here are some things that are pregnancy-friendly you can do to boost your immunity and alleviate allergies.
For Allergies
Netty pots, or a DIY: 1 cup distilled (it is very important not to use tap water to avoid entry of bacteria) water + 1 teaspoon salt
Local honey: my favorite way is added to a smoothie daily)
For nasal congestion: both eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils may be inhaled, but it is not recommended to ingest during pregnancy. Cayenne capsules can also help with shrinking nasal passageways!
Essential oil “allergy bomb”: 1 drop each of: organic lavender, lemon and peppermint essential oil + a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and rubbed on chest or diffused (diffuse just the essential oils in water, carrier oil not necessary). This one is my personal favorite and I carry it around with me in my pocket at work. I make a DIY roller ball from these ones on Amazon. Add 20 drops lavender, 20 drops peppermint, 20 drops lemon and fill the rest with a carrier oil.
Nettle leaf tea. This may be best avoided if you are allergic to ragweed, talk to your care provider or midwife!
Low histamine foods: allergies can be worsened when eating high histamine foods so it may be helpful to cut back on them during an allergy flare up, or seasonally when you’re struggling. See below for both high and low histamine foods!
*NOTE: Peppermint EO is not safe for babies to inhale. I recommend using this roller ball with caution or avoid before/after nursing. Always avoid placing baby directly on chest where oils are being absorbed.
For Cold Season
Vitamin D: (5,000-10,000iU daily). I have recently used this brand, because 1.) It is sublingual so it melts under the tongue and doesn't have much of a flavor, and 2.) It is super tiny!
Vitamin C: (1,000mg-2,000mg daily). I have always used Garden of Life's Raw Vitamin C, but I know there is a big question on quality now that Nestle bought them.
Elderberry Syrup: (homemade recipe, store bought; I like the Gaia brand at health food stores, or my fellow holistic mom and pediatric RN, Elizabeth, sells small-batch elderberry kits here.) This has loads of Vitamin C, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and MORE in it!
Garlic: (capsules or fresh). This is a natural antiviral and may alleviate respiratory symptoms. This one is great: odorless and tasteless. I choose the "cardiovascular" blend because it has ONLY garlic in the ingredients, whereas the "immunity" blend by this brand has some mushroom extracts-unsure of the safety during pregnancy. Do be cautious with the cardiovascular blend, because it has a tendency to lower blood pressure in some people.
Diffusing essential oils: (avoid ingesting them while pregnant or nursing). A thieve's type blend is my go-to for illness.
Colloidal silver: Can spray in the nose for an antibacterial effect.
Bone broth: 1-3 cups daily (I like to add a frozen slice of lemon to mine...Mmm. Also, GUT HEALTH, baby! It's where all our immunity starts. Download my bone broth recipe here!
Read more about why I give my babies bone broth as a first food.
Zinc
Probiotics: In the form of ferments like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi. Another option is a bottled probiotic. Whole foods like kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi tend to have more probiotics in a couple ounces than an entire bottle of probiotics! But for bottled probiotics, I recommend switching it up if you have been taking one same strain consistently to offer the body variety.
Most importantly, hydrate with water, warm liquids, eat nutrient-dense real foods and R E S T :)
*Always consult your doctor or midwife about any new supplements or herbals*
For more of my favorite pregnancy and postpartum must have’s, click here.
Updated 3/29/21