SPRING HAS SPRUNG SALE: 15% OFF Coupon Code: SPRING15 Expires: 30th November, 2019

Artemis Pregnancy Tea | 30g

Artemis Pregnancy Tea | 30g

$19.57
$19.57
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Artemis Pregnancy Tea

What is Pregnancy Tea?

Pregnancy Tea is a combination of natural herbal ingredients, based on a traditional European midwifery formula that provides support in pregnancy. Pregnancy Tea helps nourish and strengthen your body during foetal development and growth, and helps support your body as it undergoes the many changes in preparation for labour and childbirth.

Why use Pregnancy Tea?

During pregnancy the body undergoes many changes to accommodate the developing foetus and in preparation for labour and childbirth. Pregnancy Tea is a natural herbal preparation that can help support and nourish the body through this important time.

What are the Key Benefits of Pregnancy Tea?

  • Traditional medicinal plant formula 
  • Provides natural support during pregnancy
  • Helps soothe, calm, relax and reduce anxiety during pregnancy
  • Helps reduce feelings of nausea
  • All ingredients are certified organic, GE free and vegan
  • Does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners
  • Does not contain added colours, flavours, preservatives, gluten, wheat or dairy

How does the body change during pregnancy?

During pregnancy the endocrine (hormone) system adjusts to support the growing uterus and the developing foetus, which accounts for many of the changes that the body undergoes and the discomforts and symptoms associated with pregnancy, such as morning sickness. Gastrointestinal changes can cause constipation, reflux and heartburn; redistribution of calcium, mainly from the bones, can temporarily increase loss of bone mass, increase in blood vessels numbers and blood volume can cause raised blood pressure; increased metabolic rate can produce hot flushes. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the bladder, which means more frequent urination, and may cause leaks and urinary tract infection; ligaments slacken to prepare for birth, causing back pain; fluid retention can cause swollen ankles. Hormonal surges also cause emotional changes and mood swings that many women go through, and towards the last stages of pregnancy, anxiety, tiredness and difficulty sleeping can be wearing.

What is an anxiolytic?

An anxiolytic is a substance that can relieve anxiety, aid sleep, or have a calming effect.

What is a carminative?

A carminative is a naturally occurring plant derived substance that helps prevent gas formation in the intestines or helps to get rid of the gas, reducing bloating, wind and flatulence and can relieve feelings of nausea.

What is an emmenagogue?

An emmenagogue is an herb that stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area.

What are the Ingredients of Pregnancy Tea?

Many women choose to use herbal preparations to help with symptoms of pregnancy1, 2, 3.

Key Ingredients:

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense):

Horsetail is a prehistoric plant that is a descendent from the Palaeozoic era 400 million years ago. It is found throughout Europe, Asia and North America and into the Arctic Circle. Since ancient times, horsetail has been used in traditional medicine to stop bleeding, heal wounds and treat kidney problems. The stem of the Horsetail plant is rich is silica and studies have indicated that it may be effective as an alternative treatment and additional supplement for preventing bone loss in osteoporosis and contributing to new bone formation. Silica is known to help the absorption of calcium and also promote collagen synthesis, which is important in maintaining healthy skin and connective tissue4, 5, 6. These properties of Horsetail may be helpful for strengthening the bones and connective tissue during pregnancy and preparing the uterus for labour.

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris):

Lady’s mantle is perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae) and found in most parts of Europe. One of the main traditional used for Lady’s mantle has been for menstrual problems and to strengthen the uterus for an easier birth. It is also thought to have wound healing properties due to its high tannin content, which may help recovery after the birth. Lady’s mantle is thought to be an emmenagogue, which is why it should not be used in early stages of pregnancy, as it may cause miscarriage due to its uterine stimulating effect. Animal studies have shown that extract of Lady’s mantle is a vasorelaxant (relaxes and dilates blood vessels), which may explain these effects7, 8.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis):

Lemon Balm is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family that is native to large areas of Europe and Asia. As a traditional medicine Lemon Balm has been used for it calming and relaxing properties, as a carminative, sedative and as a tonic9. It is used today as an herbal supplement for its effect on mood, cognitive function and anxiety, to reduce stress and ease anxiety; also to help digestion and is thought to help ease nausea that is common in pregnancy10. Extracts of Lemon Balm contain several bioactive components and laboratory studies have demonstrated that it binds to several brain receptors, including the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system11. It is thought that the anxiolytic effect and calming effect of Lemon Balm is based on binding to one or more of these receptors that modulate mood12.

Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica):

Nettle, also known as the stinging nettle, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and western North America. It has been used in traditional medicine for many purposes including for arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, as a blood purifier, emmenagogue and diuretic; also for its properties in preventing bleeding, such as a nosebleed or excessive menstrual bleeding, and for wound healing13, 14. The leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and also have healing and antioxidant properties15. Although not well studied, it is thought that Nettle may cause uterine contractions and is best used only in later stages of pregnancy to avoid risk of early abortion.

Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus):

Raspberry leaf has been used traditionally to reduce nausea during pregnancy and as a uterine relaxant and stimulant to help with labour1 and today it is recommended by some midwives for improving pelvic muscle tone. It is considered one of the safest herbs for pregnancy as it does not stimulate uterine contractions. In separate studies using a questionnaire of pregnant women using herbal remedies, Raspberry leaf was found to be one of the most commonly used herbs during pregnancy for the belief that it strengthens and tones the uterus in preparation for labour1, 2. Clinical studies have indicated that although there is no definitive evidence for these effects, there is some evidence to suggest that it may reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth17, 18

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum):

St John’s Wort is a perennial flowering plant with yellow flowers, native to parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa, and has been used for centuries to treat nervous conditions. Clinical studies have supported the use of St John’s Wort as a mood enhancer and have shown that it is an effective antidepressant that works in a similar way to prescription antidepressant medications19, 20. It is known that St John’s Wort can interact with several prescription medications and alter their effectiveness increase side effects; therefore, caution is advised21, 22.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):

Yarrow is a perennial flowering plant in the family Asteracea that grows in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. Extract of Yarrow have been found to contain many bioactive compounds, which are thought to contribute to the traditional uses for Yarrow that include diuretic, antiinflammatory and emmenagogic properties, treating heart problems, gynecological disorders and wound healing23, 24, 25.

What are the Contraindications/Interactions of Pregnancy Tea?

There are no documented herb-drug interactions within the recommended dosage. However, you should always check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Stop using if you develop any irritation or allergy while taking Pregnancy Tea. Always read the label, use as directed and seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Caution:
Pregnancy Tea should be used with caution when:
  • taking therapy for thyroid problems as Lemon Balm may interfere with thyroid therapy
  • taking prescription medications for depression, without talking to your doctor, as St John’s Wort can interact and cause a serious reaction
  • taking other prescription medications that may interact with St John’s Wort, without talking to your doctor, including HIV medications, immunosuppressant drugs for transplant, anticoagulants like warfarin, some heart medications, some anticonvulsants for epilepsy, the contraceptive pill and migraine treatments

What are the Directions for using Pregnancy Tea?

Use one heaped teaspoon (1g) of Pregnancy Tea powder per cup (150ml) and infuse with boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

Dosage:

Take 2-3 cups per day from week 12 to week 40 of pregnancy. Although it is considered safe to use before 13 weeks, it is advisable to not to take herbal products during the first 3 months of pregnancy to avoid possible harmful effects.

Note:

Raspberry leaf has a cumulative effect throughout pregnancy to prepare the uterine muscle.

For best results:

Shake the can before opening, as the contents may settle.

Special Instructions:

  • Do not microwave. 
  • Close can immediately after use to avoid external contamination. 
  • Store in the fridge in hot and humid climates and keep away from heat and moisture.

Product Size:

30g

References

The following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:
  1. Holst L, Wright D, Haavik S, Nordeng H. The Use and the User of Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy. J Altern Complement Med 2009 Jul;15(7):787-92
  2. Forster DA, Denning A, Wills G, Bolger M, McCarthy E. Herbal medicine use during pregnancy in a group of Australian women. BMC Preg Childbirth. 2006;6:21.
  3. Dante G, Bellei G, Neri I, Facchinetti F. Herbal therapies in pregnancy: what works? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2014 Apr;26(2):83-91. 
  4. Kotwal SD, Badole SR. Anabolic therapy with Equisetum arvense along with bone mineralising nutrients in ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis. Indian J Pharmacol. 2016 May-Jun;48(3):312-5. 
  5. Badole S, Kotwal S. Equisetum arvense: Ethnopharmacological and phytochemical review with reference to osteoporosis. Int J Pharm Sci Health Care. 2014;1:131–41.
  6. Badole S, Kotwal S. Evaluation of proximate, free radical scavenging activity, and phytochemical analysis of Equisetum Arvense L. extracts. Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources Vol. 8(2), June 2017, pp. 146-150 
  7. Takır S, Altun IH, Sezgi B, Süzgeç-Selçuk S, Mat A, Uydeş-Doǧan BS. Vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects of alchemilla vulgaris: A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts. Pharmacogn Mag 2015 Jan-Mar;11(41):163-9. 
  8. Takır S, Sezgi B, Süzgeç-Selçuk S, Eroğlu-Özkan E, Beukelman KJ, Mat A, Uydeş-Doğan BS. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effect of Alchemilla vulgaris methanol extract: a comparison with the aqueous extract in rat aorta. Nat Prod Res 2014;28(23):2182-5. 
  9. Shakeri A, Sahebkar A, Javadi B. Melissa officinalis L. - A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol 2016 Jul 21;188:204-28. 
  10. Moradkhani H, Sargsyan E, Bibak H. 2 , Naseri B, Sadat-Hosseini M, Fayazi-Barjin A, Meftahizade H. Melissa officinalis L., a valuable medicine plant: A review Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 4(25), pp. 2753-2759, 29 December Special Review, 2010
  11. Sarris J, McIntyre E, Camfield DA. Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, Part 1: a review of preclinical studies. CNS Drugs 2013 Mar;27(3):207-19.
  12. Scholey A, Gibbs A, Neale C, Perry N, et al. Anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods. Nutrients. 2014 Oct 30;6(11):4805-21
  13. Upton R. Stinging nettles leaf (Urtica dioica L): Extraordinary vegetable medicine. Journal of Herbal Medicine 2013; 3, 1, 9-38
  14. Bouassida KZ, Bardaa S, Khimiri M, Rebaii T, Tounsi S, Jlaiel L, Trigui M. Exploring the Urtica dioica Leaves Hemostatic and Wound-Healing Potential. BioMed Research International Volume 2017 (2017), 
  15. Joshi BC, Mukhija M, Kalia AN. Pharmacognostical review of Urtica dioica L. International Journal of Green Pharmacy October December 2014
  16. Patel AV, Rojas-Vera, J, Dacke CG. Therapeutic constituents and actions of Rubus species. Curr Med Chem. 2004 Jun;11(11):1501-12.
  17. Parsons M, Simpson M, Ponton T. Raspberry leaf and its effect on labour: safety and efficacy. Aust Coll Midwives Inc J. 1999 Sep;12(3):20-5.
  18. Simpson M, Parsons M, Greenwood J, Wade K. Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2001 Mar-Apr;46(2):51-9.
  19. Apaydin EA, Maher AR, Shanman R, Booth MS, Miles JN, Sorbero ME, Hempel S. A systematic review of St. John's wort for major depressive disorder. Syst Rev 2016 Sep 2;5(1):148. 
  20. Wurglics M, Schubert-Zsilavecz M. Hypericum perforatum: a 'modern' herbal antidepressant: pharmacokinetics of active ingredients. Clin Pharmacokinet 2006;45(5):449-68.
  21. Dugoua JJ, Mills E, Perri D, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of St. John's wort (hypericum) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2006 Fall;13(3):e268-76. 
  22. Caccia S. Antidepressant-like components of Hypericum perforatum extracts: an overview of their pharmacokinetics and metabolism. Curr Drug Metab 2005 Dec;6(6):531-43.
  23. Ali SI, Gopalakrishnan B, Venkatesalu V. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Achillea millefolium L.: A Review. Phytother Res 2017 Aug;31(8):1140-1161. 
  24. Agar OT, Dikmen M, Ozturk N, Yilmaz MA, Temel H, Turkmenoglu FP. Comparative Studies on Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Wound Healing and Cytotoxic Activities of Selected Achillea L. Species Growing in Turkey. Molecules. 2015 Sep 30;20(10):17976-8000. 
  25. Vitalini, S.; Beretta, G.; Iriti, M.; Orsenigo, S.; Basilico, N.; Dall’Acqua, S.; Iorizzi, M.; Fico, G. Phenolic compounds from Achillea millefolium L. and their bioactivity. Acta Biochim. Pol. 2011, 58, 203–209. Pdf