Herbs & Supplements for Postpartum
Everyone has a uniquely individual relationship with herbs and supplements. Their effects can vary from person to person, so it’s important to trust your intuition and practice body literacy when choosing what to take. I prefer whole-food forms whenever possible because many commercial supplements contain fillers and often provide very little of the nutrients they claim. Whole-food and pure herbal preparations are generally higher quality and more easily absorbed by the body.
Nutritive Herbs
Nutritive herbs are herbs that provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and amino acids to support the body’s overall health, strengthen tissues, and maintain normal bodily functions. Unlike medicinal herbs that primarily target a specific ailment or symptom, nutritive herbs are more focused on building and nourishing the body over time.
Examples: Nettle, Oatstraw, Red Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa Leaf (NORA)
Form: Tea/infusion, tonic
After Pains & Bleeding
Motherwort: Encourages uterine toning and helps ease afterpains. May reduce excessive bleeding. Form: Tincture, tea
Moontime Magic: Helps the body regulate blood flow and ease intensity of cramps. Form: Tincture
Shepherd’s Purse: Helps reduce excessive postpartum bleeding by supporting healthy uterine contraction. Best used for acute situations. Form: Tincture
Perineal & Skin Healing
Examples: Comfrey, Yarrow, Plantain, Witch Hazel, Lavender, Calendula, Chamomile, Rose, Mugwort
Mama’s Mending: A 3-in-1 Tea, Steam, & Soak: Designed to aid postparum healing internally and externally. Form: Tea, steam, soak
Mend & Glow Skin & Scar Oil: Helps nourish dry skin while supporting elasticity and the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Form: Body oil
Form: Sitz bath or yoni steam
Emotional Wellbeing & Stress
Milky Oats: Strengthens and nourishes the nervous system during periods of prolonged stress depletion and burnout. Especially supportive during sleepless nights and breastfeeding challenges. Form: Tincture
Motherwort: Eases postpartum anxiety and emotional tension while supporting emotional steadiness and the transition into motherhood. Particularly helpful during acute waves of overwhelm, mood shifts, or feeling emotionally ungrounded. Form: Tincture
Blue Vervain: Helps release emotional and physical tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders. Great for mothers experiencing irritability or rage. Best used in the moment. Form: Tincture
Galactagogues
Galactagogues are foods, herbs, or supplements that support and increase breast milk production by promoting the hormones involved in lactation particularly prolactin and oxytocin.
Examples: Fennel Seed, Milky Oats
Form: Tincture, culinary
Baby’s Digestion & Gas
Fennel Seed: Helps relieve gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort by relaxing the digestive system. Often used by the breastfeeding mother and passed through breast milk. Form: Tincture, tea, culinary
Chamomile: Calms and soothes the digestive and nervous systems, helping ease fussiness, gas, and mild digestive discomfort. Form: Tea, tincture, body oil
Postpartum Hair Loss
Rosemary: Increases scalp circulation and encourages healthy hair regrowth. Form: Hydrosol, hair rinse, oil
Mastitis & Engorgement
Echinacea: Promotes immune function and the body’s inflammatory response. May be helpful during acute mastitis or infection. Form: Tincture
Sage (low dose): Encourages drying and fluid reduction in the body during times of oversupply or engorgement. Best used sparingly, as it can affect milk supply. Form: Tincture, tea
Castor oil packs: Support lymphatic movement, reduce inflammation, and help relieve breast congestion. Form: External pack
Whole Food Supplements
Beef organs: Rich in iron, B vitamins, vitamin A, and overall energy support. Form: Supplement or culinary
Cod liver oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A & D to support maternal recovery, brain health, immune function, and overall nourishment. Form: oil
Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and healthy skin while enhancing iron absorption. Form: Supplement or whole foods
Magnesium: Encourages muscle relaxation, nervous system health, bowel regularity, and restful sleep. Form: Supplement, topical, mineral drops
Disclaimer: While herbs can be deeply healing and supportive, they are not a “magic cure” like pharmaceuticals. Their benefits unfold alongside conscious lifestyle and diet choices. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure before using herbs or supplements. Above all, do what feels best for your body—these are suggestions, not a rigid rule book.
