Content
- 1 Composition and value of the plant
- 2 Is it possible to take nettles while breastfeeding?
- 3 The benefits of nettle for breastfeeding
- 4 How to brew and drink
- 5 Recipes for dishes with nettles for nursing mothers
- 6 Restrictions and contraindications
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 Reviews on the use of nettle to increase lactation
Nettle is one of the plants that has long been widely used in folk medicine. It is in great demand due to its rich composition of vitamins, macro- and microelements, which provides beneficial effects on the body in various ways. Nettle during breastfeeding helps a woman improve lactation and recover after childbirth.
Composition and value of the plant
Nettle is an extremely healthy plant. Its chemical composition includes almost all the vitamins vital for women after childbirth and during breastfeeding:
- A (has a beneficial effect on blood composition, participates in hematopoiesis);
- C (restores the overall tone of the body during breastfeeding and strengthens the immune system);
- E (considered a “beauty vitamin”, “responsible” for the normal condition of skin, hair, nails);
- K (necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, helps maintain normal blood clotting, reduces blood loss during heavy menstruation);
- H (activates metabolism, providing the body with the energy necessary for life);
- group B (participate in metabolic processes and tissue regeneration).
Nettle is also rich in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Among the microelements we can note the presence of:
- magnesium;
- calcium;
- gland;
- silicon;
- zinc;
- Selena;
- boron;
- titanium;
- copper;
- chlorine;
- sulfur.
But the substances in the composition that are beneficial to humans are not limited to this. It has been scientifically proven that nettle contains:
- amino acids (histamine, porphyrin, sirotinin);
- tannins;
- phytoncides;
- flavonoids;
- organic acids (phenolic, pantothenic, phenolcarboxylic);
- essential oils.
The uniqueness of the composition provides a comprehensive beneficial effect on the body. Therefore, nursing mothers can and should drink nettle. Its benefits are as follows:
- prevention and control of inflammatory processes;
- urinary and choleretic effect;
- stimulation of red blood cell synthesis;
- blood purification, normalization of its composition (including lowering sugar levels and increasing hemoglobin), increasing coagulability;
- vasoconstriction;
- restoration of the immune system, normalization of metabolism and lipid metabolism;
- lactogenic effect;
- accelerating the restoration of any mucous membranes and the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
- beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system as a whole;
- restoration of the menstrual cycle;
- fight against hypo- and vitamin deficiency.
Most people consider nettle a weed, but it is simply a storehouse of vitamins and minerals that are needed for any organism.
Is it possible to take nettles while breastfeeding?
If a woman has no contraindications, the answer to the question “can a nursing mother drink nettles” is definitely yes. Its benefits to the body during the postpartum period are recognized even by official medicine.
Pregnancy is always a serious stress, accompanied by cardinal hormonal “restructuring” of the body. It leads to the fact that most of the nutrients meet the needs of the fetus; the body of the expectant mother is supplied with them on a residual basis. Nettle helps restore hormonal balance as quickly as possible, returning to the state before pregnancy, even if breastfeeding.
If there is a shortage of milk for breastfeeding (this can be caused by a whole range of factors), it gives a powerful lactogenic effect. Nettle is a mandatory ingredient in most pharmaceutical preparations to stimulate lactation. The compositions are beneficial not only for the mother’s body, but also for the baby, who receives vitamins and minerals through breastfeeding. This is an effective prevention of colic in babies.
The benefits of nettle during breastfeeding and for postpartum recovery of the body have been tested by many women.
The benefits of nettle for breastfeeding
The benefits of nettle leaves during breastfeeding can hardly be overestimated. A decoction or infusion of them:
- restores metabolism, “starts” tissue regeneration processes;
- maintains the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
- stimulates appetite, improves the functioning of the digestive system;
- normalizes the menstrual cycle;
- fights heavy bleeding (lochia and menstruation) and inflammatory processes;
- provides a lactogenic effect;
- compensates for deficiency of iron and other microelements, fights vitamin deficiency
- raises the overall tone of the body, helps to get rid of extra pounds gained over 9 months;
- has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, nails, and hair.
If possible, it is better to prepare nettles for infusions and decoctions during breastfeeding yourself.
The benefits of nettle decoction for nursing mothers
Folk remedies from nettle during breastfeeding not only increase the volume of milk, but also improve its quality. Its fat content and overall nutritional value increase. A baby who receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals through breastfeeding in the required amount quickly strengthens the nervous system. He is less capricious, cries, and sleeps better.
The iron contained in nettles is especially important for a child’s body. Without it, normal growth and development of the baby is impossible.
To increase lactation
Nettle does not directly affect the functioning of the mammary glands during breastfeeding. The volume of milk increases due to the fact that the mother’s body regains tone and recovers from severe physical and psychological exhaustion.Other unfavorable factors are often added to it:
- chronic fatigue and lack of sleep;
- postpartum depression;
- strong emotional experiences;
- Digestive problems.
To ensure comprehensive health improvement of the body, and, as a result, to establish milk production for breastfeeding, seeds and greens of dill, fennel, cumin, galega, and anise are added to nettle mixtures.
Dill, fennel, and caraway seeds are also useful for those who choose breastfeeding; they provide the body with a lactogenic and restorative effect.
To contract the uterus
Restoring the normal size of the uterus for the body is one of the primary goals. Nettle is a very effective remedy for this. It not only stimulates the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, as a result of which it contracts, but also compresses the blood vessels that fed the fetus before birth. Accordingly, by normalizing the size of the uterus, it simultaneously prevents postpartum hemorrhage and infections, helps remove lochia from the body, and reduces the intensity of pain.
For iron deficiency anemia
It is extremely rare to avoid anemia during pregnancy. Iron deficiency is also noticeable during breastfeeding. Women note general weakness, apathy, lethargy, increased fatigue, and severe drowsiness.
Nettle during breastfeeding is a valuable source of biologically active iron.Its atoms are easily “embedded” in the blood, restoring normal hemoglobin levels. The desired result is achieved in 2-2.5 months.
With heavy menstruation
Unusually heavy and painful periods after childbirth and during breastfeeding are common. Nettle provides the body with vitamin K and chlorophyll. In total they are:
- replenish iron deficiency and stimulate the production of red blood cells to compensate for blood loss;
- relieve pain, work as an antispasmodic;
- heal damage inevitable due to epithelial rejection.
How to brew and drink
Despite the apparent “harmlessness” of herbs for the body, nettle should be drunk while breastfeeding, not exceeding the daily norm and the duration of the “treatment” course. It is equally important to properly prepare a nettle infusion or decoction to improve lactation.
Preparation of nettle decoction for lactation
Raw materials can be purchased at the pharmacy (in bulk or in portions, in filter bags) or prepared independently. In the second case, it is better to go for fresh herbs in May or early June, when the concentration of nutrients in nettles is maximum. It is collected as far as possible from highways, industrial enterprises, and other objects that negatively affect the environment.
A decoction useful for breastfeeding is prepared as follows:
- Pour 2 tbsp of clean water into a saucepan. l. dry or finely chopped fresh nettle.
- Close the container with a lid, bring to a boil in a water bath, remove from the stove after 10-15 minutes.
- Without removing the lid, cool the broth to body temperature, strain, and pour in another glass of warm water.
It is permissible to immediately prepare the daily dose of decoction and add a little hot water each time you use it.
For variety, you can drink nettle during lactation in the form of an infusion. It is prepared like this:
- Pour boiling water (300-400 ml) over 20-25 fresh leaves or 1 tbsp. l. dry.
- Close the container tightly, wrap it in a towel (or pour the liquid into a thermos), and let it brew for an hour.
- Strain the finished infusion.
In appearance, nettle infusion is not much different from a decoction; the preparation time and concentration of nutrients are also approximately the same.
Other recipes for decoctions and infusions
Nettle is included in almost all herbal mixtures recommended for breastfeeding:
- Take a tablespoon of dried nettle, yarrow and dill. Pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for at least 2 hours. It’s even better to leave it in a thermos overnight.
- Mix finely chopped fresh nettle, fennel seeds and cumin in a 2:1:1 ratio. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into 0.2 liters of boiling water and leave for half an hour.
- Prepare the infusion as in the previous version, using dill and anise seeds.
Pharmacy teas recommended for those who choose breastfeeding almost always contain nettle leaves
Drinking regime is very important for a woman who is breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to add dry leaves in a ratio of approximately 1:2 to large-leaf green or white tea. Or a decoction of nettles during breastfeeding can be poured into a ready-made drink.
Admission rules
In order not to harm your own health and the health of the child, when breastfeeding, decoctions and infusions of nettle are introduced into the diet gradually.You can start when the baby is one month old. Single serving – approximately 2 tbsp. l. immediately after the first feeding in the morning.
If the baby does not have allergies or other negative reactions, the “dose” can be gradually increased by 20-30 ml every 3-4 days. Limit – 250 ml at a time. Otherwise, you should wait up to six months to use nettle products. To get the maximum lactogenic effect, drink the decoction or infusion warm, 30-45 minutes before feeding, 3-4 times a day.
Recipes for dishes with nettles for nursing mothers
During breastfeeding, nettle can be used not only as a raw material for decoctions and infusions. Healthy dishes are prepared from greens that will pleasantly surprise you with their taste and help diversify your diet.
Nettle salad
This salad is simply a “vitamin bomb”, and useful elements are vital for mothers who are breastfeeding. Unfortunately, it can only be prepared in spring and early summer.
What you will need:
- young nettle leaves, wild garlic, sorrel - 100 g each;
- eggs (one chicken or 5-6 quail);
- sour cream 10-15% fat or refined vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, any other) - for dressing;
- a pinch of salt – optional (but it’s better to do without it).
The process of preparing the salad is extremely simple:
- Wash, lightly squeeze and dry the greens.
- Boil eggs hard.
- Finely chop and mix all ingredients. Dress the salad.
The dish can be introduced into the diet when the child is six months old
Young nettle soup
Nettle soup can be cooked either in broth made from lean lean meat (beef, chicken, turkey) or simply in water. The first option, of course, is tastier and more nutritious, which is an important factor when breastfeeding.
Required ingredients:
- boiling water or broth - 1 l;
- fresh nettle leaves – 220-250 g;
- medium potatoes - 3 pcs.;
- small onion and carrot - 1 pc.;
- lemon juice – 1 tbsp. l.;
- refined vegetable oil - for frying;
- bay leaf, salt - to taste and optional;
- chicken egg – 1 pc.;
- low-fat sour cream - 1 tbsp. l.
The soup is prepared extremely simply and quickly, which is an important factor for a mother with a baby:
- Peel the potatoes, cut into cubes, throw into a saucepan with broth, and put on fire.
- Finely chop the onion, grate the carrots, fry in oil until golden brown.
- Chop the nettles, mix with the roast, add to the soup 5-7 minutes before the potatoes are ready.
- After another 1-2 minutes, salt the dish and add bay leaf.
- Pour lemon juice into the finished soup, stir, let it brew for at least half an hour. Serve with sour cream and hard-boiled egg.
It is quite possible to prepare a puree soup if you remove the potatoes from the broth when they are cooked and mash them
Pie with cottage cheese and nettles
Ready-made yeast dough is quite suitable for it, but it is better to prepare it yourself. Required:
- wheat flour – 200 g;
- cottage cheese 5-9% fat – 100 g;
- vegetable oil – 100 ml;
- salt - on the tip of the knife.
For filling:
- fresh nettle leaves – 300 g;
- any greens to taste (dill, parsley, green onions, lettuce, spinach, sorrel) - about 100 g;
- cottage cheese (the higher the fat content, the better) – 200 g;
- sour cream 20% fat – 150 g.
To make the pie you need:
- Knead the dough from all ingredients, divide it in half.
- Grind the greens for the filling (in a blender or chop with a knife), mix with sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Grease a mold or baking sheet with oil, place a “sheet” of half the dough 0.7-1 cm thick on it.
- Spread the filling evenly over it, cover with the second “sheet”, and pinch the edges.
- Bake at 180ºC for 30-40 minutes.
The pie can be made open, but then the filling will not be so soft
Restrictions and contraindications
The health benefits of nettle are undeniable and scientifically proven, however, like any folk remedy, during breastfeeding it can cause allergies in the mother and/or child. This phenomenon is rare, but not impossible.
Individual intolerance is not the only contraindication for using nettle while breastfeeding:
- hypertension or severe atherosclerosis, increased blood clotting;
- any chronic diseases of the kidneys, pelvic organs;
- acute renal or heart failure;
- varicose veins, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis;
- the presence of tumors (even benign ones and with unknown etiology), as well as cysts and polyps, especially if they are accompanied by bleeding;
- the need for a course of taking antidepressants or drugs to combat insomnia (nettle enhances their effect);
Even if it seems that there are no contraindications, and despite numerous positive reviews from mothers about the benefits of nettle for lactation of breast milk, you cannot “prescribe” it to yourself.It is necessary to consult with your doctor about the possibility of taking infusions and decoctions while breastfeeding, and including it in the diet. The duration of the “course” and frequency of administration should also be determined by a specialist.
Conclusion
Nettle during breastfeeding, if there are no contraindications, is an extremely effective remedy for improving lactation. It also helps a woman recover faster after childbirth. However, like any folk remedy, infusions and decoctions of nettle will give the desired effect only if you prepare them correctly, follow the dosage and do not abuse “drugs.” If the rules are followed, they are absolutely safe for the health of mother and child.
