Medicinal Plants in Greece for Pregnancy

Many homeopathic practitioners tout the value of natural plants for their healing and restorative properties in all areas of health. Since ancient times, the Greeks have been using medicinal plants and herbs to treat and prevent a variety of health symptoms. A woman's health was considered to be of high importance in Greece, and medicinal plants have been used for everything ranging from pregnancy prevention to improved lactation and regulation of menstrual cycles.

Dittany

• The warm island of Crete offers the perfect conditions for dittany.

  Dittany, also known as dictammus, grows wild on the Greek Island of Crete. Often taken as a tea extract, it is thought to be an aphrodisiac by some. Aristotle noted in his "Obstetrics and Gynecology" texts that using crushed dictammus leaves in warm water could help facilitate childbirth in pregnant women. The use of dittany as an herbal remedy meant to stimulate the onset of labor and help ease labor pains had a history of effectiveness for women in childbirth.

Red Raspberry Leaves

• Red raspberry leaves, also known as rubus idaeus, have been used by both ancient and modern day Greeks, as well as herbologists and herb enthusiasts all over the world. Red raspberry leaves are typically brewed as a hot tea or an infusion. The tea is taken to improve a woman's chances of becoming pregnant, and is used to help maintain an existing pregnancy. The medicinal plant is thought to help tone the uterus, improve contractions during labor and decrease constipation. Today, rubus idaeus can be consumed as a tea or taken in the form of powder in a capsule.

Blue Cohosh

• A tincture is usually administered in drop form.

  Blue Cohosh has been used in Greece since ancient times, and it is considered a powerful herb with stimulating effects on the uterus. Thought to be an effective contraceptive as well as an effective treatment for conditions like menstrual cramps and endometriosis, blue cohosh can also be used in the final weeks of pregnancy to help stimulate labor. A tincture made of blue cohosh is thought to help tone the uterus and may result in calming labor pains and starting labor that has failed to progress. Both blue and black cohosh may be combined to help stop bleeding and close the cervix following delivery. A tincture, which is an alcohol-based derivative of a fresh herb, is used because the active ingredients of cohosh is not soluble in water.