How to Use Folk Medicine During Childbirth

Embrace historical tradition by using herbs and other natural medicines during childbirth. While many of these herbs and medicines haven't been scientifically tested by Western clinicians, folk remedies have been advocated for millennia on many continents. It's believed they can help at various points during the birth process, from pacing contractions to easing physical pain. Many, like cotton root bark tea, can be taken orally. Most are inexpensive. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Herbs
• Computer with Internet access

Consider Herbal Remedies for Pain

1. Drink herbal tea as an affordable remedy for childbirth-oriented pain and stress. Herbal tea is very inexpensive.
2. Try a remedy popular with Native Americans for hundreds of years. Squawvine is an herb used to help with pacing of contractions. It has also been used to help fortify the uterus for the stresses of birthing.
3. Consume Squawvine as a preventative for miscarriage.
4. Apply Squawvine as a topical treatment to the nipples, post-childbirth, to relieve the pain of lactation.
5. Find Squawvine and other herbal supplements at a trusted health food retailer or at an herbal specialist.

Use Folk Medicine to Induce Labor

6. Bring some ease to the difficult process of labor. Used in some areas of Mexico, including Sonora, some types of chile peppers can aid in creating momentum in birthing.
7. Purchase a known remedy inexpensively in many grocery stores, especially at markets that specialize in Mexican cuisine. You can use chiltepin in a powdered form.
8. Grind a chiltepin pepper or purchase it powdered. Some apply the powder to the birthing mother's nostrils to induce sneezing and thus help bring about labor. This sneezing is said to increase necessary bodily movement during birth.

Follow Through

9. Take cotton root bark or Gossypium Herbaceum with water as a tea. Both have long been used to promote labor contractions. After labor has taken place, the herb has demonstrated other helpful benefits.
10. Use cotton root bark tea post-labor for help in expelling afterbirth.
11. Prepare for breast-feeding. Consumed in tea form, cotton root bark is believed to promote milk secretion after childbirth. Historically and presently, the herb is actively used throughout the southern United States and China.
12. Learn more about folk medicine for childbirth online at Web sites like "Ilocano Folk Beliefs" (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Some folk remedies contain natural ingredients proven harmful to unborn children. Always consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
• When a pregnant woman's water breaks or when contractions are strong and regular, head for the hospital or call the midwife immediately.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try folk medicine, consult your primary health care provider. Keep your doctor informed about the folk medical technique you undertake.