Herbs to avoid for labour

[entreat]

Hiya,

I'm in an enquiring mood this morning & I was wondering if there are any specific herbs I should avoid in Labour.

I have a Tinderbox Headache Balm, which I figured could be used just as well for an aching back in labour (as well as keep the mozzies away!?), but I want to know if the ingredients may stall labour/reduce contractions. I've already read that one may (camphor), but would the rest if the herbs negate that?

The ingredients are: Rosemary, lavender, camphor, peppermint and chamomile (pure essential oils), organic sunflower oil and beeswax.

I also have the Tinderbox Childbirth Massage oil that contains: Cold pressed hazelnut oil, pure ess. oils of lavender, frankincense, geranium and ylangylang. Also real rose & jasmine oils (I don't know what the difference is between essential oils & 'real' oils...).

Thanks!

[Persephone1]

Hiya,

I have no idea. But the Naturopath on the Professional Support Panel (Nicole) might be able to help.

My Naturopath has given me a "partus prep" for preparing my body for labour and post natal, but hasn't mentioned anything for labour itself. I've heard of women using "Rescue Remedy" during their labour.

GL

[LimeSlice]

Use the real Rose oil sparingly! If it is a REAL rose oil, it is a PURE essential oil of rose - which is usually only sold as a 3-5% solution in carrier oil as it is SO expensive (like hundreds of dollars expensive)
Rose is great for labour, but ace from perineal massage, use one drop only.
Avoid SAGE, Clary Sage is more effective as it is not so strong.

Grab some Tinderbox Calendula Ointment too for bubs, the best NR cure of all time lol totally rocks for c/s wounds also if have that problem.

Have a look in here for some more if you like, it's an old thread.

HTH

[entreat]

Cheers LS!! I may leave the Headache Balm in the bag as a 'just in case'... I was reading about camphor & peppermint both having anti-spasmodic properties, which I can assume may slow contractions. Rubbing such things on my belly at the crutial moment sounds a little like putting a cork in it. But I will keep it on hand in case I have any more BH ctx. Seeing as I lost my plug (or part there of) on Friday night, DH & I are keen for the baby to stay put (until we're in Perth close to our hospital!).

The rose oil is in the birth massage blend. it smells amazing (I get a sense of confidence, calm & grounding when I smell it). But now that you've explained the pure rose oil - no wonder it's twice the price of all my other oils from Tinderbox!

Oh - and my packages arrived from the FBGS! Thank you so much, it's all wonderful. And thanks for the bonus nappy liners & dad wipes (which DH thinks is a great doodle-cover for change time!)