Title: The Threat of Miscarriage Part 1
Categories: Info
Yield: 5 Formulas

TINCTURE FOR PREVENTION OF
MISCARRIAGE
3	pt	Cramp bark
1	pt	Black haw
1	pt	False unicorn root
		80-100 proof alcohol
TEA FOR PREVENTION OF
MISCARRIAGE
2	pt	Wild yam root
1	pt	Black haw
1	pt	Cramp bark
TEA TO ARREST SPOT BLEEDING
2	pt	Shepherd's purse
1	pt	Raspberry leaf
2	pt	Nettle leaf
TINCTURE TO STOP BLEEDING
1	pt	Fresh shepherd's purse
1	pt	Fresh yarrow flowers and
		...leaves
		80-100 proof alcohol
TEA FOR NERVOUS STRESS
2	pt	Chamomile
3	pt	Lemon balm
1	pt	Squaw vine
1	pt	Skullcap
1/8	pt	Valerian

The threat of miscarriage is a very serious matter. You will want to consult your midwife and/or physician right away if you experience any unusual symptoms. Occasionally miscarriage is the body's natural response to certain conditions and no intervention, whether herbal or medical, can or should oppose the body's purpose. However, when miscarriage is threatened because of stress, inadequate diet, hormonal imbalance, trauma, or weak uterine muscles, herbs can provide the extra nourishment and strength needed to correct the imbalanced flow of energy. Bed rest and removal of the stress factors supersede everything. Follow with herb teas and gentle strengthening meals. Call a friend to help out with meals and housework. One of the worst things you can do is to try to get back on your feet and take control. Rest and relax. Let others do for you.

If possible, your home room should be light and airy, with fresh air circulating. Open the curtains and windows if the weather permits. Have sprigs of fresh herbs such as lavender and lemon balm, if available, to hold and press, and don't overlook a bouquet of fresh flowers placed by your bedside. The aroma from the fresh plants gives courage to the soul. This is generally a time of emotional crisis, and friends should make it as comfortable and life-sustaining as possible for the expectant mother, father, and infant.

Many women have early miscarriages and never suspect it. It is estimated that upwards to forty percent of all pregnancies are terminated in the very early stages and are mistaken for heavy or late menstrual cycles. Excess bleeding, cramps, and clotting associated with symptoms of early pregnancy--swollen breasts and delayed menstruation, followed by a heavy period--it may be that you are pregnant. If the miscarriage happens within the early weeks, low progesterone levels may be at fault. Progesterone is the hormone necessary for maintenance of pregnancy. Check with your doctor, who can give you tests to determine if a low progesterone level is the problem. However, it is not recommended to take synthetic progesterone. Long-term results have not been adequately studied and the tests that have been done indicate that synthetic progesterone therapy may cause birth defects in children. We do not want to repeat the mistake of the infamous synthetic estrogen (DES) that was used to prevent miscarriages and produced daughters and sons with DES-related abnormalities.

Wild yam root is specifically recommended as a progesterone-stimulating herb. Many other herbs, such as chaste berry, help regulate and normalize hormones and can be safely used.

HERBAL REMEDIES TO PREVENT MISCARRIAGE ù Vitamin E, in doses up to 600 I.U. per day (50 I.U. if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes) can help prevent miscarriage. The following herbal formulas have also proved helpful in preventing miscarriage.

T I N C T U R E F O R P R E V E N T I O N O F M I S C A R R I A G E It is wise to make this formula into a tincture at the beginning of pregnancy. (See General Formulas for a Healthy Pregnancy for directions on making tinctures.) If for some reason, miscarriage does threaten, you will have an excellent remedy prepared. Add « teaspoon of the tincture to ¬ cup warm water or tea and drink every half hour. It may be taken as a tea also, but is not as effective. If miscarriage does not threaten, the tincture keeps for a long time and may be kept for the next pregnancy or given to a friend for her pregnancy.

T E A F O R P R E V E N T I O N O F M I S C A R R I A G E Use 4-6 tablespoons of herb mixture per quart of water. Add herbs to cold water and bring to a slow simmer over low heat. Simmer gently for 20 minutes, keeping pot tightly covered. Take ¬ cup every half hour until symptoms cease. Use the tea in conjunction with the tincture above. Decrease the dosage of tea as symptoms subside.

T E A T O A R R E S T S P O T B L E E D I N G If you start to bleed during pregnancy, make this tea immediately. Use 4-6 tablespoons of herb mixture per quart of water. Boil water and pour over herbs. Cover tightly and infuse 10-20 minutes. Strain. Drink ¬ cup at a time, every half hour until bleeding subsides. Notify your midwife and/or physician.

...Continued in The Threat of Miscarriage part 2

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