Using herbs for food and medicine may well be the oldest of healing traditions. Humans have used plants as a practical means to health since the beginning of time. We have moved through time with the same plants, changing and evolving together, even depending on one another for survival as well as for health of mind, body and spirit.

It only makes sense that these plants can also help us to reach our full potential of health. Herbs as medicine have gently brought health to people with any number of disorders ranging from traumatic injury or the common cold to chronic illness and cancer. In fact, herbs can support the body's innate capacity for health when working with any health issue either as a complimentary therapy or on their own.

Using herbs during the childbearing year from conception through postpartum can be a wonderful, natural way to ensure health gently without using too many over the counter medications. Medications can be harsh on your pregnant body or interfere your baby's develpment or breastfeeding relationship. Many women choose to try herbs for the first time during pregnancy looking for alternatives to over the counter treatments.

Of course wise, knowledgable use during this time and throughout your life is important. Having a health proffessional, herbalist or care provider to help you understand the common benefits of herbs as well as their contraindications is always a good idea.

To the left you will find links to various other pages about using herbs wisely from the childbearing year and beyond to general family health and examples of herbal preparations as well as my favorite herbs to use for my own family.