Postpartum Medication: How to use Herbs and Homeopathy for Anxiety while Breastfeeding
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is the study and practice of using plants for healing. Herbalists study plants and share their knowledge to help others benefit from their natural properties. There are many ways to incorporate herbal medicine into daily life, and today, we’ll go over the key methods.
1. Tea – The Simplest Herbal Remedy
Making a high-quality herbal tea is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits of herbs. Avoid low-quality grocery store teas; instead, opt for loose-leaf teas from reputable sources.
How to Prepare Herbal Tea:
Use 1–2 teaspoons of herbs per cup of boiling water.
Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes (covering helps retain volatile oils).
Strain and add honey if desired.
I recommend the "One Daily Tea Blend," which combines stinging nettles and milky oat tops—both are nutrient-rich and safe for breastfeeding.
This tea supports the nervous system and provides essential vitamins and minerals.
You can purchase high-quality teas from sources like Mountain Rose Herbs or other trusted herbal suppliers.
2. Infusions – A More Potent Tea
An herbal infusion is similar to tea but steeped for a longer period of time; usually over 1 hour or up to 8 hours- to extract more nutrients.
How to Make a Herbal Infusion:
Use nettles and oat tops (or other nutrient-rich herbs).
Cover with boiling water and steep for 4+ hours.
Strain and sip throughout the day.
This method provides deep nourishment, especially for those feeling depleted or dealing with allergies (nettles act as a natural antihistamine).
3. Decoctions – Extracting Tougher Herbs
A decoction is used for tougher plant parts like roots, bark, and seeds.
How to Make a Decoction:
Simmer herbs in water; cover for 20+ minutes until the liquid reduces.
Strain and store in the fridge.
A classic example is ginger root decoction, which supports digestion and immunity.
Tinctures while breastfeeding
4. Tinctures – Potent Herbal Extracts
Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made with alcohol or glycerin. They are fast-acting and have a long shelf life.
Alcohol-based tinctures extract medicinal properties effectively, but may not be suitable for everyone.
Glycerin-based tinctures are alcohol-free, sweeter, and often preferred for children.
If you struggle with adrenal fatigue, start with teas or supplements before using tinctures. Some herbs, like ashwagandha, may be more effective as a powder rather than a tincture.
5. Capsules, Tablets, & Powders
Many people prefer capsules or tablets, but the quality varies. Always choose supplements from trusted brands that test their products.
Ashwagandha, for example, is often more effective in powder form than in a tincture.
6. Essential Oils – Use with Caution
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly.
Dilute properly (1 drop per tablespoon of carrier oil).
Avoid diffusing around young children unless the oil is child-safe.
For baths, mix essential oils with milk to prevent skin irritation.
Instead of essential oils, try an herbal bath with Epsom salts and lavender tea for relaxation.
7. Herbal Baths – Relaxation & Healing
A bath with magnesium-rich Epsom salts and calming herbs (like lavender) helps soothe the nervous system and replenish depleted minerals.
8. Homeopathy – Fast & Effective Remedies
Homeopathy is a safe, effective, and fast-acting healing system. It can be used alongside medications and is safe for breastfeeding.
We’ll dive deeper into homeopathy in the next training. See you there!
What Is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine founded in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, based on the principle of "like cures like." It uses highly diluted natural substances such as minerals, plants, and animal-derived ingredients to stimulate the body's healing response.
Why Use Homeopathy?
Works quickly; relief can occur within 5 to 20 minutes.
Soothing and effective for anxiety.
Safe when used correctly, with no harmful side effects.
However, without proper guidance, it can be difficult to use effectively.
Common Mistakes in Homeopathy
Using the wrong potency – Stick to 6C or 30C for beginners.
Overdosing – Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathy requires minimal doses.
Not observing symptoms properly – An increase in symptoms may indicate the remedy is working.
For example, if you have a fever and take the correct homeopathic remedy, you may feel temporarily worse (e.g., increased sweating) before the fever breaks and you start to feel better.
How Homeopathic Remedies Are Made
A base tincture is created.
It is diluted multiple times with water and shaken vigorously (succussion).
The final solution is added to sugar tablets, which act as carriers for the remedy.
Many skeptics argue that because homeopathy is highly diluted, it is just water. However, theories suggest that the dilution process imprints an electrochemical pattern on the water, which interacts with the body's energy field.
How to Use Homeopathy for Anxiety and Panic
Be an Observer – Write down symptoms, or have someone else do it.
Choose One Remedy – Avoid blended formulas; match symptoms to a single remedy.
Watch and Wait – Take a dose, wait 5–15 minutes, and reassess.
Less Is More – Overdosing can lead to "proving," where symptoms worsen instead of resolving.
Symptoms Should Move Outward – Healing occurs from within to without, possibly with temporary skin eruptions or mild discomfort.
Examples of Remedies for Anxiety & Panic
Aconite 30C or 6C – Best for sudden fear or panic, especially if waking startled between 12–2 AM.
Other remedies – Match symptoms carefully using a homeopathy reference guide (Materia Medica).
Proper Handling of Remedies
Store in a cool, dry place, avoiding heat, moisture, and strong odors.
Do not touch tablets directly; use the lid to transfer them to your mouth.
Avoid food, drinks, or brushing teeth 10–20 minutes before and after taking a remedy.
Why Homeopathy May Not Work
Choosing the wrong remedy.
Interference from strong odors (e.g., camphor, mint, essential oils).
Exposure to heat or electromagnetic fields (e.g., electric blankets).
Consuming coffee, stimulants, or certain holistic therapies alongside it.
Key Takeaways
Write down symptoms and find a remedy that matches your unique experience.
Use a 6C or 30C potency for safe, beginner-friendly treatment.
Take one dose at a time, wait, and observe changes before taking another.
If a remedy doesn’t work after a few doses, reassess; it may be the wrong choice.
Let me know if you have any questions!
