Herbs to Help Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is one of the most common complaints related to pregnancy. Although its name proclaims that it occurs in the morning, it can happen at any time of the day or night. While often there isn't much to do about morning sickness except let it pass, there are home remedies that may offer relief.

Precautions

• Many herbs should not be ingested during pregnancy, and others can have poor interactions with one another, or prescribed medications. Before using any herbal remedies consult with your physician.

Ginger Root

• Ginger is used in herbal medicine because it helps with digestion and warms the stomach. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is recommended to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy and chemotherapy. It can be drunk as a tea or in the form of a pill, both of which can be found in health food stores. Cookies that contain ginger are also effective when eaten slowly to relieve morning sickness. To make ginger tea at home, rinse two ginger roots, chop coarsely, place in a pot with three cups of water, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, simmer for 10 minutes, strain and add honey for flavor, if desired.

Cardamom Seed

• Cardamom seed is great for morning sickness because it calms the stomach and reduces nausea. Cardamom can be drunk as a tea as well, and can also be added to the tea with the ginger. It should be prepared by placing four cardamom pods and three cups of water in a pot, and heated until small bubbles begin to appear. Do not bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Strain and drink with honey, if desired.