Herbal Remedy for Backaches During Pregnancy
Introduction
Pregnancy is a normal physiological process, not a sickness. It does however create a lot of changes in our bodies that at times causes discomfort. These discomforts can be prevented, eased, and alleviated. As a traditional midwifery student I will be sharing natural remedies, encouraging women to listen to their bodies and do what feels best for them.
Today we will be discussing one common pregnancy discomfort, backaches. Backaches are common for women during pregnancy as the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch, which can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis causing back pain. The weight of the baby, constipation, the stress of work and standing for long periods of time.
Herbal Remedy
Epsom salt bath infused with lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm. This soothing remedy is filled with healing ingredients creating a soothing aromatherapy.
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This makes it a good ingredient to ease pain and smooth muscles.
Lemon Balm is healing and comforting, it relaxes the muscles by being anti-spasmodic. Lemon balm is anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling.
Lavender is another antispasmodic and is calming.
Ratios:
1 quart fresh : steeped in 1 gallon of water
1 cup dried : steeped 1 gallon of water
½ cup dried : steeped 2 quarts of water
Directions:
Run a warm bath adding two cups of epsom salt. While your bath is running, boil a pot of water. Once rolling, turn off the heat, steaming the herbs for 10 minutes with a cover. Pour the infused water into the bath and relax!
Resources
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/bin_310/review44523
https://myteavault.com/8-incredible-teas-and-herbs-for-back-pain
https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/lemon-balm-plant.html
https://media2-production.mightynetworks.com/asset/12229784/stubersmith2008.pdf
https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2045-709X-20-32
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741307