Tea Time
Unlike my husband who cannot go to sleep without a cup, I have never been a big tea drinker. Save a few Alice in Wonderland themed birthday parties growing up my tea consumption has been limited. I find that by the time I drink all of the water and green juice I need to in a day there is little time left for other beverages such as tea.
Early into my pregnancy my friend and acupuncturist asked me if I had started drinking "the tea" yet. I promptly asked "what tea"? She then gave me a recipe that contained a lot of loose herbs I didn't know how to source. The recipe went into my purse and that was that. A few weeks later she asked me again about the tea and I confessed that I had not even looked at the recipe! After some urging and explanation on her part I agreed to make this special tea and drink it for the rest of my pregnancy and during the time that I am nursing.
This Pregnancy Nourishment Tea is actually quite easy to make. I ordered all of the bulk loose herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs for about $20. All you have to do is mix all the herbs in the right proportions in a big jar or other sealed container and then you can brew your tea as you want it. I like to make a jar full at a time as that makes enough to last two days or so. You could certainly brew your tea by the cupful as well if that is easier for you. Drinking this tea everyday during your pregnancy and post-partum will help with uterine toning (essential for labor), balance your nutrient levels, and aid in milk supply once it is time for that. Plus, as I am learning a cup of tea can be a great bedtime ritual. Especially for those of us that have a hard time shutting down at the end of the day!
Pregnancy Tea
- 2 parts Red Raspberry Leaf
- 2 parts Nettle
- 1 part Oatstraw
- 1/2 part Alfalfa
- 1/2 part Rose Hips
- 1/4 Red Clover
- 1/4 part Spearmint Leaf
- Place 1/4 cup of mixture in a sealable 1 quart jar ( I use a Ball Jar).
- Fill jar with boiling water.
- Steep for 30 mins.
- Store jar in fridge and drink 1-2 cups per day.
