From Roots to Rattles: Ancient Wisdom of Herbs for Birth & Postpartum

The pregnancy and postpartum journey can be as emotionally overwhelming as it is precious and rewarding. Fortunately, for those seeking natural support, herbs have been trusted for centuries, helping mothers and parents navigate this remarkable rollercoaster. From nurturing emotional wellbeing to offering hormonal, nursing, and immune support, these time-honored herbs continue to provide effective and trustworthy ways to help mothers thrive.

Let’s explore some herbs that have stood the test of time and are pregnancy-safe and/or supportive during the postpartum phase.

Herbs for Birth & Postpartum

Nettle (Urtica dioica): A Nutritional Boost 

Nettle is packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium—essential nutrients for pregnancy, nursing, vitality, and nervous system support. Its deeply nutritive properties make it a go-to herb for building strength and resiliency, especially when the body is nourishing a baby or producing nutrient-dense breast milk. 

Modern Uses: Nettle is prized in herbal blends for pregnancy and postpartum, due to its ability to gently support overall wellness, bolster energy levels, and provide vital nutrients. It’s often found in formulations designed to nurture those who have recently given birth.

Fun Fact: In traditional European medicine, nettle was often used as a spring tonic to re-energize the body after winter, making it a fitting ally for regaining strength after birth.

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium): Support for Afterbirth Contractions 

Black haw is a traditional herb used to ease the discomfort of afterbirth contractions, helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state. Its antispasmodic properties make it especially valuable for reducing postpartum cramping and providing much-needed soothing to those who have just given birth.

Modern Uses: Black haw is commonly used postpartum to soothe uterine contractions and ease the body’s transition after childbirth. It’s often included in postpartum formulas aimed at promoting uterine recovery.

Fun Fact: Black haw has a long history of use amongst Indigenous people of North America, particularly during childbirth and postpartum recovery.

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa): Gentle Alterative and Immune Support

Burdock root is well known for its alterative properties. Helping to cleanse the body, it supports healthy liver and kidney function, and a healthy immune response during pregnancy without overstimulating the immune system. During postpartum recovery, it’s a gentle ally for supporting the liver in processing excess hormones out of the body. 

Modern Uses: Burdock root is often included in pregnancy and postpartum blends to promote gentle detoxification and immune system support. Its ability to aid digestion and skin health also makes it a versatile herb for new mothers.

Fun Fact: In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root has been used for centuries to help clear toxins and promote skin health.

Milky Oat Tops (Avena sativa): Nervous System and Sleep Support During Pregnancy 

Pregnancy can be an emotionally intense time, with hormone surges often leaving moms-to-be feeling restless and unable to sink into deep, restorative sleep. That’s where milky oat tops come in—a gentle, nutrient-dense herb that calms frazzled nerves and promotes relaxation. Rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, it’s an ideal botanical ally not only for pregnancy but also for postpartum and even for children.

Modern Uses: Milky oat tops are often used during pregnancy to nurture the nervous system and support emotional balance. It’s especially beneficial for those experiencing overwhelm or heightened anxiety, a common occurrence for new parents.  

Fun Fact: Milky oat tops are harvested when the unripe seed heads are in their milky stage, producing a white exudate. 

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus): Postpartum Hormonal Rebalance 

Vitex, or chaste tree berry, is a powerful herb used for balancing hormones after childbirth. It gently supports the pituitary gland, helping to restore hormonal equilibrium, and can be helpful when dealing with postpartum hormonal fluctuations.

Modern Uses: Vitex is often used postpartum to help regulate menstrual cycles, balance mood swings, and support reproductive health. Its hormone-balancing effects make it a go-to for individuals  looking to restore balance naturally.

Fun Fact: In ancient Greece, women used vitex to promote chastity and calm sexual desires—hence its common name, chaste tree berry.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): Emotional Support for Postpartum

Postpartum emotions can feel like a whirlwind, and passionflower is a well-loved herb for soothing excessive mind chatter and supporting emotional stability. Its calming properties make it a wonderful choice for mothers who need a little extra emotional support.

Modern Uses: Passionflower is used to promote emotional calm and ease feelings of anxiousness or overwhelm. It’s often included in postpartum blends aimed at nurturing emotional wellbeing during nascent years of parenthood.

Fun Fact: Passionflower was named by Spanish missionaries who believed its intricate blooms symbolized the Passion of Christ, but its calming effects have been cherished long before that.

Herbal Support for Every Mama’s Journey

Whether you’re nurturing your body during pregnancy, easing into a healthy postpartum recovery, or seeking emotional balance, herbs provide safe, natural support at every stage.

Looking to find these herbs in an easy-to-take tincture? WishGarden Herbs has harnessed the power of these time-honored herbs in our formulas:

• Find Nettle in Milk Rich: Supports healthy breast milk production while providing essential nutrients for both mom and baby.
• Find Burdock Root in Immune Boost for Pregnancy: Offers gentle immune support in pregnancy without overstimulation, helping maintain resilience during pregnancy.
• Find Vitex in ReBalance: Helps restore hormonal balance after childbirth, supporting mood stability and regulating postpartum cycles.
• Find Milky Oat Tops in Sleepy Nights and Stress Release for Pregnancy: Calms frazzled nerves, promotes relaxation, and helps moms-to-be find inner calm during times of stress or overwhelm.

At WishGarden Herbs, we have deep roots in supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum health. Our story began in the 1970s as a midwifery company, founded by midwife and herbalist Catherine Hunziker. Catherine was an activist during a time when plant medicine was being pushed to the margins, and she helped bring it back to the forefront—empowering women to take ownership of their health with plants. Our mission has always been to uplift women by offering natural, effective solutions for their wellbeing. While we started with a focus on pregnancy and postpartum care, we’ve since expanded to create herbal formulas for the entire family, continuing our legacy of trusted plant medicine that nurtures, supports, and strengthens through every life stage.

Each of WishGarden’s products is crafted with care, combining trusted herbs that have been cherished for centuries to help mothers thrive through all the beautiful, challenging phases of pregnancy and postpartum.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal products, especially during the first trimester or while nursing.