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Ibd Sufferers: You Can End the Struggle


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Ibd Sufferers: You Can End the Struggle

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis eight years ago, and I was told that I would likely struggle with flare-ups for the rest of my life. I heard stories of other sufferers who had to eventually have their colons removed, and I became determined to not become part of this statistic. I was prescribed a daily medication that helps manage my condition, and although I don't like taking pills, I realize I need it to keep my colon healthy. I still experienced flares, so I began an elimination diet recommended by my doctor and found my "trigger" foods. I have now been flare-free for two years! I created this blog to help remind others with IBD that there is hope. You can end the constant struggle if you work with your doctor to try different methods of controlling your disease.

Helpful Herbs For Pregnancy To Ask Your Midwife About

During and after pregnancy you may experience a myriad of different physical issues, or want to ensure that your body is as healthy as possible for you and your baby. You may be hesitant to treat any pregnancy or post-pregnancy problems with prescription or synthetic over-the-counter medications.  Herbs are a natural alternative to using medications that contain harmful substances. There are a number of herbs that you can talk to your midwife about using to help you with many different things during and after pregnancy.

Herbs That Are Useful During Pregnancy

  • Ginger - Ginger is a great natural alternative to help you alleviate morning sickness during your pregnancy. Ginger can be used cooked or candied. It can easily be found in most grocery stores and health food stores.
  • Red Raspberry Leaf - This herb has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling of your extremities that occurs during pregnancy. You can make a delicious tea from red raspberry leaves by boiling them or putting them in empty, store bought tea bags. This herb can also be found in most health food stores.
  • Alfalfa - This is a great herb that should be used at the end of your pregnancy to help boost your vitamin K levels. This herb is available as an easy-to-take supplement and helps to prevent bleeding in the brain of newborns.
  • Slippery Elm Bark - This herb works great to help soothe nausea, heartburn and reduces vaginal irrigation that might occur, as well. 
  • Oat Straw - Oat straw is used to help naturally abate anxiety and restlessness that may occur during your pregnancy. It can also be combined with warm water and applied externally to your skin to relieve any skin irritation that may occur due to your pregnancy.

Herbs That Are Useful After Pregnancy

  • Dandelion - This herb is rich in calcium, iron and vitamin A and is useful in nourishing the liver.
  • Chamomile - Chamomile tea is useful in relieving anxiety and is great for helping you relax while caring for your newborn.
  • Aloe - Aloe can be used to soften and smooth skin after pregnancy. A woman's skin changes during pregnancy and after the baby is born you may experience dry and rough areas that need soothing.

Herbs That Should Not Be Used During Pregnancy

Some herbs should not be used during pregnancy because they can be dangerous to both you and your baby. Here are just a few herbs that you should avoid while pregnant:

  •  Saw Palmetto
  •  Black Cohosh
  •  Blue Cohosh
  •  Passionflower
  •  Pennyroyal

A Word of Caution

You should never try collecting herbs from the wild unless you are a professional herbalist. Some herbs can easily be confused with poisonous plants. If ever you have doubts about the identity of any herb, consult with your midwife or an herbalist. These professionals have an in-depth knowledge about many different herbs. They are also highly trained to identify herbs in the wild, ensuring that you don't accidentally ingest a harmful herb.

Ask Your Midwife or Doctor About Herbs

Before you decide to take herbs whether you are pregnant or not, you should always consult a professional like your midwife, doctor or herbalist. Some people experience allergic reactions to some herbs, while most do not. Herbs should not be combined with other herbs unless a doctor or herbalist recommended them to be mixed. Herbs should also be avoided during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Always tell your doctor about all prescription medications and non-prescribed medications before taking any herb or herbal supplement.

Herbs are a healthier and cheaper alternative to most prescribed medications. Herbs are not intended to cure major diseases, but to improve overall health and alleviate problematic symptoms. Don't be hesitant to talk to a midwife from a site like http://www.whallc.com about using herbs as an alternative to prescription med