Herbs that induce labor :These herbs are only used in the final days of pregnancy, to prepare the uterus for childbirth. Black and blue cohosh: Black cohosh is given in combination with blue cohosh to stimulate uterine contractions in the last week of pregnancy.¹Blue Cohosh contains the phytochemical caulosaponin, capable of triggering powerful contractions of the uterus² Motherwort is another stalwart herb used by midwives to promote uterine contractions. PennyRoyal is perhaps the best known herb used during labor to facilitate contractions and stimulate delayed or prolonged labor. This use is only indicated in the final days of pregnancy, and only applies to the whole herb. Pennyroyal oil is toxic, and should not be used internally at any time. ¹

Postpartum Herbs : During labor ginger root oil can be used as a lower back massage to restore energy.¹Jasmine oil helps to relieve the pain of childbirth, and promotes the flow of breast milk, so is of value as a pre and post natal massage oil.³ Another good galactologe is nettle which is used to stimulate mothers milk, and to restore a woman's energy after childbirth. Nettle is a very nourishing herb, that can be used anytime during pregnancy. High concentrations of tannin, tyramine, and other amines are what make Shepherd's Purse an excellent remedy for excessive bleeding after childbirth. It is often combined with yarrow for this purpose.¹ Raspberry leaf aids in cleansing the afterbirth from the system and enriching the flow of milk. Sometimes employed by midwives during childbirth when labour is long or delayed. Angelica is the herb of choice for many midwives to help expel the placenta following childbirth.¹