Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Ayurveda for New Moms

How you care for your healing body influences not only your ability to nurture your child, but also your health for the next few decades.

The first 2 weeks after birth your body goes through immense changes hormonally that also affects your brain and biochemistry. 

In Ayurveda this is described as an increase of vata in new mothers - in Western medicine this corresponds to a serotonin related imbalance:

- Cycling emotions

- Anxiety

- Short attention span
 
- Poor memory

- Dry skin, hair and nails

- Stretch marks

- Stiffness

- Poor circulation

- Fatigue

- Low digestive fire

- Constipation

The above symptoms can quickly be addressed if a daily ritual that caters to the resetting of internal rhythms is started upon. The most important aspect is consistency - it takes approx. 2 weeks to set a new internal rhythm.

An easy thing that you can do right away is to get in the habit of waking your body up with a tea that has healing properties for those ailments your body struggles with as a new mom.

NEW MOM TEA RECIPE

What’s in it?
1 tbsp cumin
Builds healthy digestive capacity, reduces vata

1 tbsp fennel seeds

Builds healthy digestive capacity, encourages breast milk production

1/2 tbsp coriander

Builds healthy digestive capacity, reduces inflammation, clears excess fluids

1 tbsp fenugreek 

Rids the body of excess swelling and water retention and encourages breast milk production

1 tbsp wild yam or licorice
Supports the endocrine system and reproductive tissue in healing; has antiviral properties

1 pinch lavender

Calms the nervous system and is antimicrobial

What to do?
Mix the above dried herbs in 5 cups of boiling water. Let steep 10 minutes. Strain and sip throughout the day in addition to always starting your day with a mug of this healing tea!

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