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Herbal Hormones


Easy Steps to a Safer Pregnancy - View e-book or Download PDF - FREE!
An interactive resource for moms on easy steps they can take to reduce exposure to chemical toxins during pregnancy.

Other excellent resources about avoiding toxins during pregnancy

These are easy to read and understand and are beautifully presented.


I was reading through an anatomy & physiology book researching a little on hormones prior to/in labor, pondering inductions re: pitocin, role of prostaglandins; Eve. Primrose, etc. Estrogen increases as progesterone decreases (see below link and text)and I began wondering whether moderate doses of Herbs containing base estrogens such as Wild Yam Root, False Unicorn, and Licorice Root might be used to encourage onset of labor. Licorice might possibly elevate blood pressure levels. On the other hand, perhaps Sarsaparilla Root, high in progesterone, could be used to discourage labor. It seems plausible to consider administering estrogen-high tincture/teas prior to the more direct-acting Cohoshes.

From http:

"Factors that may be involved in initiation of labor. Secretion of ACTH by the fetal pituitary increases mear term, casuing an increase in cortisol secretion by the fetal adrenals. This in tern is believed to inhibit progesterone synthesis by the placenta, causing estrogen levles to rise relative to progesterone levels, and increasing the excitability of the myometrium. Once contractions of the uterus become strong enough to trigger oxytocin secretion, a positive feedback loop is set in motion. SM&M26-10 "
There should be a very strong warning about the use of Licorice Root with anyone showing elevated BP or pre/eclampsia, as it can cause blood pressure elevation. False Unicorn Root should be ok after 36 weeks though. PN-6 seems ok. It contains Black Cohosh (mainly prostaglandins - supposedly less oxytocic than blue Cohosh), Blessed Thistle (galactagogue), False unicorn Root (hormones, high in estrogen), Pennyroyal Flowers (emmenagogue - working directly on the uterine lining), Red Raspberry (tonic) and Squawvine (tonic). The reason I was looking at the Licorice and False Unicorn as simples/single Herbs as an alternative is that, hopefully, the estrogen by itself would begin the labor process more naturally. Theoretically encouraging the body toward a more normal cycle of events leading up to labor without forcing contractions too early. If it worked properly, the possible negative effects seen with the use of Blue (and Black) Cohosh and Pennyroyal could be avoided. Anyway, it's just theory at the moment, but i will keep looking into it.


This Web page is referenced from other pages containing related information about Herbs, and Hormones of Labor, and Non-Pharmaceutical Induction.

 




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