Postpartum Depression
breast feeding is the best cure!
Excerpt from Susun Weed's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, pp. 82-83.
Depression
Postpartum depression is related to the rapid readjustment of hormones in the mother's body after the birth. Herbs which aid the body in rebalancing hormones are given here, along with other remedies.
Figs, sprouts, royal jelly, bee pollen, Ginseng, Hops, and Sasparilla help the body process and balance hormones.
Breast feeding is probably the best cure for postpartum depression. The process helps moderate hormonal swings, increase the endorphin level and allows your body to regain hormonal balance slowly and evenly.
Lemon Balm leaves - Considered a specific for helping one cope with life situations that are difficult to accept, such as the many unexpected changes a new child brings to its parents, Melissa is an old favorite for depression, melancholy, and hysteria. One or two cups of the good tasting infusion, mellowed with milk and honey, every day for a week or two will suffice.
Blessed Thistle leaves - The intensely bitter Milk Thistle has a wide reputation for alleviating many postpartum problems, including severe depression. Use a cup or two of infusion daily or up to 80 drops per day of the equally effective. but not so bitter, tincture.
Recipe from Susun Weed's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, p. 156
Postpartum Depression Brew
1/2 oz. dried, shredded Licorice root
1 oz. dried, crumbled Raspberry leaf
1 oz. dried, finely cut Rosemary leaves
1 oz. dried, cut Skullcap
Mix the dried herbs thoroughly together. Use two teaspoons per cup of boiling water to prepare this strongly scented and interesting tasting tea.
Licorice favorably affects the hormonal balance and cheers the spirit. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and ovaries and increases available calcium, making life seem easier. Rosemary increases the milk flow, adds calcium, tones the liver, and is a Wise Woman favorite for depression. Skullcap is also a source of calcium and is a superb nerve strengthener and soother; prolonged use establishes emotional calm.
The usual dose is two or more cups daily for several weeks to two months.
Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year
by Susun S. Weed
Foreword by Jeannine Parvati Baker.
192 pages, index, lovely illustrations.
Now in its 24th printing. A confirmed favorite with pregnant women, midwives, childbirth educators, and new parents. Packed with clear, comforting, and superbly helpful information.Retails for $9.95
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