05/02/2025
Herbs have been a cornerstone of postpartum care across cultures, offering physical healing & emotional support through the profound transition into motherhood for centuries.
From d**g quai + ginseng in Chinese medicine soups to amla + ashwagandha in Ayurvedic preparations, each tradition holds unique wisdom for nurturing a mama’s body during one of life’s most significant transitions. In Western herbalism, we cherish herbs that tone the womb, calm the nerves & heal tender tissues—used in teas, tinctures, perineal rinses + soothing baths.
For 43 years—40 of those as a midwife and MD—I’ve turned to herbs to help postpartum mamas heal while honoring their connection to ancient traditions. But which herbs are best?
Here are my trusted favorites for supporting new mamas in those precious weeks after birth:
🌿Motherwort: The queen of postpartum herbs - balances big emotions, especially anxiety + irritability, while toning the uterus to reduce bleeding and cramping
🌿Red Raspberry Leaf: Helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnant size, provides essential minerals, and supports postpartum blood flow
🌿Lavender: Calms anxiety, promotes sleep & soothes tender tissues in peri-rinse bottles
🌿Holy Basil: A gentle adaptogen to support mood and mind in early motherhood
🌿Yarrow: Great in peri-rinse bottles or postpartum baths for healing tender tissues
🌿Witch Hazel: Relieves hemorrhoids (add a few drops of lavender for extra relief!)
🌿Fenugreek: Alongside moringa + milk thistle, supports milk production
This list is just the beginning—there are so many more! For recipes like postpartum healing baths, visit my website (avivaromm.com). Also, keep an eye out for my upcoming Mama Pathway Postpartum Care course, launching in June!
💕 Dr. A
P.S. Herbal medicine isn’t just for postpartum—it’s an incredible resource for women’s health at every stage of life. Want to dive deeper into women’s herbal medicine? Join Herbal Medicine for Women. Head to the 🔗 in bio to learn more.
