Herbal Remedies To Support You Postpartum
The postpartum window—especially the first 42 days after birth—is a time for rest, recovery, and reconnection. In many traditional systems (including Ayurveda, TCM, and Western herbalism), this period is treated as sacred, and herbs are used to:
Rebuild strength and blood
Support lactation
Calm the nervous system
Promote uterine healing
Aid digestion and elimination
Here are some of the most supportive herbs, categorized by purpose:
1. Uterine Toning & Healing
Shepherd’s Purse – Helps reduce postpartum bleeding by encouraging uterine contraction
Yarrow – Astringent and antiseptic; useful in sitz baths or for perineal healing
Red Raspberry Leaf – A uterine tonic that helps the uterus return to pre-pregnancy size
How to use:
Tinctures or teas during the first week
Sitz bath (yarrow + calendula + lavender)
2. Rebuilding Blood & Vitality
Nettles – Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin K; supports energy and replenishes blood
Alfalfa – Nutritive and full of minerals; supports milk supply and overall vitality
Yellow Dock Root – Iron-rich and supports gentle elimination
How to use:
Daily infusion (combine with red raspberry and oatstraw)
Capsules or tincture as part of a nourishing postpartum blend
3. Mood & Nervous System Support
Oatstraw – Deeply calming; nourishes frazzled nerves
Lemon Balm – Uplifting and anti-anxiety; helpful for emotional shifts
Motherwort – Eases anxiety, palpitations, and hormonal mood swings
Ashwagandha – Adaptogen that supports adrenal recovery (Ayurvedic)
How to use:
Herbal teas or infusions, daily
Tinctures (in small, regular doses)
Baths with lemon balm and lavender
4. Lactation Support (Galactagogues)
Fenugreek – Well-known milk booster (use cautiously; may cause gas)
Fennel – Supports digestion in both mom and baby, encourages milk flow
Blessed Thistle – Helps with low supply
Moringa (Shatavari in Ayurveda) – Nourishes tissues and enhances milk production
How to use:
Tea blends or capsules
Combine fennel + fenugreek + oatstraw + nettle for a gentle lactation tea
5. Digestive & Elimination Support
Ginger – Warming, stimulates digestion, eases gas
Cardamom – Helps prevent gas in both mom and baby
Triphala (Ayurvedic) – Supports gentle elimination and detoxification postpartum
Chamomile – Soothing for digestion and mood, safe for baby through milk
How to use:
Add warming spices (ginger, cinnamon, fennel) to food and tea
Triphala powder at night with warm water or ghee
6. Topical Healing
Calendula – Gentle and healing for perineal or c-section wounds
Lavender – Antiseptic and soothing
Witch Hazel – Great for hemorrhoids or perineal pads
How to use:
Sitz baths
Peri spray
Infused oils or salves
Considerations:
Not all herbs are safe for every person. Always consult with a postpartum doula, herbalist, or healthcare provider—especially when breastfeeding.
Start with small doses to observe how your body and baby respond.
Combine herbs with rest, warmth, nourishing food, and community support for best results.
About Ash Novickas
Ash Novickas is a Los Angeles based birth and postpartum doula, lactation specialist, newborn care specialist and educator. Through her practice, Earthside Holistic L.A.,She offers Ayurvedic and holistic maternal recovery and newborn care postpartum, and supports families across Los Angeles with comprehensive birth preparation, evidence-based education and trauma-informed birth support. Ash’s work extends beyond physical support to include emotional and identity transition into motherhood. She guides families through Matrescence- the profound psychological and relational transformation of becoming a mother- helping clients feel grounded, supported and deeply met through every stage of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.