*First things first, there are a limitless variety of concoctions for pregnant folks to be overwhelmed by. Every midwife and herbalist has their own special, often proprietary, blend of herbs or herbal remedies for preventing and stopping PPH. Mine is no more or less special than the next one.*
How do we make and take herbal remedies? It is not difficult to make herbal remedies. The only truly difficult part is the waiting! Below are the simple and easy methods I have used for years for myself, my family, and my clients. I have also shared simple and easy dosing instructions, but it is strongly advised that you seek the guidance of your own personal healthcare provider to make sure these are appropriate for you.
Basic Preparations: – Tincture – 1 inch dried herbs in 1 quart canning jar; fill with 100 proof vodka; steep at least 6 weeks (8-12 is preferred)
Basic Dosing: – Tincture – 1 dropperful (approx 22 drops) in small amount of warm water held under tongue for 1-2 mins & then swallowed
What herbs are commonly used to prevent and stop postpartum hemorrhaging (PPH)? The following herbs listed are commonly used for preventing and stopping PPH. I have given both their common name and their Latin name to help with identification. I have also included reasons why the herbs are used (what their functions are).
Capsicum/Cayenne Fruit (Capsicum annuum, Capsicum minimum, Capsicum frutescens) – antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, styptic, and tonic; used for pain relief, stimulant, postpartum hemorrhage prevention.
Bayberry/Wax Myrtle Root Bark (Myrica cerifera) – astringent, stimulant, and emetic; used for uterine hemorrhage.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – astringent; used for slow healing wounds and to stop excessive bleeding.
Blue Cohosh/Squawroot Root (Caulophyllum thalictroides) – phytochemical calulopsponin, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, hypertensive, parturient, and uterine Tonic; used for stimulating uterine contractions, ease labour pains, and for treating amenorrhea & dysmenorrhea.
Lady’s Mantle Leaf/Flower (Alchemilla vulgaris) – astringent, depurative, styptic, and emmenagogue; used for dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and to stop bleeding.
Witch Hazel Leaf/Bark (Hamamelis virginiana) – styptic, analgesic, tonic, sedative, and astringent; used for menorrhagia, aftercare in miscarriages and abortions, and to slow both internal and external bleeding.
Motherwort Leaf/Flower (Leonurus cardiaca) – sedative, emmenagogue, astringent, carminative, nervine, cardiac tonic, diuretic, and antispasmodic; used for calming nerves, sluggish menstruation, and aiding in release of placenta.
Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica) – adaptogen, antispasmodic, antiviral, depurative, estrogenic, strong emmenagogue, hepatic, and stimulant; closely related to Dong Quai; used for bringing on a delayed labour and aiding in release of a retained placenta.
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) – styptic and astringent; used for chronic menorrhagia and stopping hemorrhages of all kinds.
Cotton Root Bark (Gossypium herbaceum)* – abortifacient; used for induced abortions, labour induction, treating metrorrhagia (bleeding between cycles), and to aid in stopping postpartum hemorrhage. *Caution: most commercial cotton is sprayed with pesticides and defoliants that can cause serious symptoms in humans and animals — to source Cotton Root Bark, only purchase it if the tincture is Certified Organic.
Recipes: The following recipes are based off of the herbal profiles above and how I typically prepare them in my practice, though I often have to adjust the accordingly for specific client needs. It is extremely important that you seek the advice of your healthcare provider before trying any herbal remedy or supplement. Herbs are strong Medicine.
Tincture Blend for Hemorrhage*: Capsicum (1 part) Bayberry (2 parts) Yarrow (2 parts) Blue Cohosh (2 parts) Lady’s Mantle (1 part) Witch Hazel (1 part) Motherwort (1 part) 2 full droppers held under the tongue for 2-3 minutes; repeated every 5 minutes until bleeding has stopped or professional medical care can be accessed
*The first four herbs mentioned in this blend are in the commercially prepared and well loved remedy called Hem Halt by Trilight Herbs*. It is used by homebirth midwives everywhere. *Not an affiliate link.
Single Tinctures Used in Addition to the Blend Above: Angelica Root (for retained placenta) Shepherd’s Purse (if NO retained tissues) 1 dropperful under the tongue for 1-2 minutes; repeated if necessary
And: Cotton Root Bark – 10 drops-1 dropperful under tongue during very heavy bleeding
Sources Used: – Clinical Phytotherapy for Women’s Health, by C. Cabrera – The Book of Herbal Wisdom, by M. Wood – Medical Herbalism, by D. Hoffmann – Herbal Medicines in Pregnancy and Lactation: An Evidence-Based Approach, by E. Mills et al – Herbs and Natural Supplements: An evidence-based guide (3rd edition, 2010), by L. Braun and M. Cohen – The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants, by M. Wood – The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants, by M. Wood – Erin Walker, Midwife and Herbalist – Family wisdom passed from elders down to me
{Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. This information is NOT medical advice or meant to diagnose or treat an illness. If you have questions or concerns, please seek the advisement of a physician, naturopath, or herbalist before using any herbal preparation for yourself or your family.}
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