Wellness is about seeking balance, so our modalities should always be changing based on our state.
Kourt’s latest state? ICYMI, pregnant.
She’s always been a big herbal tea drinker. So many herbs and non-caffeinated options are stacked with polyphenols and benefits for all parts of the body and mind. Currently, she’s on a rotation suggested by her Functional Medicine Nutritionist, Leona West Fox, which includes four different herbal teas per week—nettle, rooibos, peppermint, and saffron.
Leona explains, “This choice of teas helps provide overall support to digestion, mitigates or minimizes the intensity of any nausea, enhances antioxidant levels, provides the complete nutritional advantages of nettle, and also gives gentle, consistent mood and adrenal nourishment.”
She takes us on a deeper dive into the why of each of these teas and the exact brands Kourt uses:
“Nettle leaf tea is like a prenatal in a mug! Full of important pregnancy nutrients like iron, calcium, and folate, nettle is a nourishing tonic that’s been used by pregnant women to support overall wellness for ages. Additionally, containing vitamins C, K, and the B group, it’s no wonder this dark leafy green has traditionally found its way into many recipes you might find spinach in today.” These days, Leona recommends reaching for an organically grown, high-quality tea to easily get in a daily dose throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Organic Nettle Leaf
Price: $5.99
Traditional Medicinals
Organic Nettle Leaf Tea
Price: $20
Cederberg Tea Company
Organic Nettle Leaf Tea
Price: $9
Buddha Teas
“Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free and comes in lots of yummy flavors like chai and vanilla. It’s a safe alternative to caffeinated beverages during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when caffeine’s effects carry more risk.
It’s rich in antioxidants that can support the immune system and protect mom and baby against oxidative stress. Rooibos tea may also help soothe digestive issues such as heartburn and indigestion, which are common during pregnancy.”
Organic Rooibos Tea
Price: $18
Equal Exchange
Red Rooibos Tea
Price: $20
Cederberg
Premium Organic Rooibos Tea Bags
Price: $20
Rooibos Rocks
Leona tells us that peppermint tea has soothing properties “that may alleviate nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy. It may also aid digestion and help reduce symptoms like bloating. As an added bonus, the ritual of making tea is a wonderful opportunity to calm the mind—one breath and relaxing sip at a time.”
Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea
Price: $5.99
Traditional Medicinals
Purely Peppermint
Price: $25
Yogi Tea
Organic European Peppermint Tea
Price: $9
Buddha Teas
“Saffron is a very effective mood enhancer,” Leona explains. “It can help improve mood swings, which can be common during pregnancy. It also contains antioxidants that may protect against oxidative stress and support overall health during pregnancy. Saffron tea may also aid digestion and alleviate minor gastrointestinal discomforts common during pregnancy.”
Important note: Leona emphasizes that in pregnancy, moderation with nettle or any of these teas is key. She advises limiting consumption to one cup of any of these four recommended teas per day — not all four in one day.
Saffron Ginger Herbal Tea
Price: $22
Silk Roads
Certified Organic Saffron Threads
Price: $12
Zaffrus
Saffron Rooibos Tea
Price: $19
Tahmina
While most herbs in concentrated supplement forms may have therapeutic doses that may be unsafe during pregnancy, there are several herbs that can offer incredible benefits when consumed in moderation as food or as teas. These teas are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, there is not a consensus among healthcare providers as to which teas during pregnancy are safest, with opinions varying greatly. It is crucial to consult with your own healthcare provider before introducing any new beverages or supplements to your diet, as individual circumstances and health conditions can vary. Your healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and ensure your safety and well-being during your pregnancy.
*This post is a paid partnership with Traditional Medicinals*
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