Herbs and ingredients used for hundreds of years can be just as effective today as they always have been, in helping to alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness
Parenting on Female First
International Hyperemesis Day is on 15 May. This condition (acute morning sickness) has gained prominence in recent years due to Kate Middleton suffering throughout all of her pregnancies. While the severity of having this condition is rare, Morning Sickness of varying forms is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy, and for some, it lasts all the way through. Master Tea Blender Bethan Thomas from HotTea Mama is here to help with some advice on some entirely natural ingredients that can help alleviate Morning Sickness. They aren’t a guaranteed cure, but they can help.
Ginger
Studies from the National Institute of Health in America show that ginger is safe as part of a pregnancy diet, and that it can reduce nausea and vomiting. This is because of one of its active compounds, called 6-gingerol, which makes the gastrointestinal muscles relax. Of all the herbs that can help ease Morning Sickness, this is considered to have the strongest effect.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena contains an amazing antioxidant called verbascoside, which increases the level of tyrosine phosphatase in your body, which reduces inflammation. This can help soothe an irritated stomach. Also, the lemon aroma has been anecdotally said to relieve the feeling of nausea for some women.
Lemon Balm
The aroma of lemon balm can be very soothing when suffering with Morning Sickness. It has been used for hundreds of years as a natural tummy soother due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Mint
Used for millennia as a stomach soother, mint is another anti-inflammatory herb, and it also aids digestion which can be a real benefit later in pregnancy, when digestion is known to slow down.
Lemongrass
Known as a ‘nervine’, lemongrass can help reduce stress and tension in the body. Soothing both your stomach and your mind.
Orange Peel
The peel of citrus fruits can help work as an aromatherapy treatment for nausea – the smell of orange peel, can help soothe the feeling of nausea in some women. Sniffing oranges may seem odd, but it could be worth a try!
Chamomile
Soothing and relaxing for the entire body, chamomile is another anti-inflammatory, and a natural muscle relaxant. It’s been used for thousands of years to calm upset stomachs.
Lemon Peel
Again, the aromatherapy of breathing in lemon peel aroma can help relieve the symptoms of Morning Sickness.
Peach Leaves
Used in Chinese medicine, this herb is believed to help soothe morning sickness and many other pregnancy ailments.
Cold infusions
When suffering with the nausea of Morning Sickness, it can be hard to drink and eat. However, many women find it much easier to drink cold drinks than hot. Try letting any of the herbal infusions that can soothe your stomach cool down before drinking. Or brew for a long time in a large jug which you can keep in the fridge – it may make all the difference.
HotTea Mama, has created a delicious blend that has been created to help alleviate morning sickness, combining lemon verbena, lemon balm, mint and lemongrass, combined with pieces of root ginger for a soothing, and relaxing cuppa. Morning Rescue is £6.
Do bear in mind that if you are suffering from very severe sickness then you could be suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which is much, much more than “just morning sickness”. It can cause serious health problems so if your sickness is really hard to cope with, please visit your GP.