Growing, birthing and nourishing a human takes a lot out of a woman! Start with nine months of siphoning off your precious energy, nutrients, vitamins, minerals and blood into growing a person inside you. Then when you're at your largest and carrying around said person everywhere you go, add an (often lengthy) marathon of birthing them into the world. Top it off with sleep deprivation, figuring out how to dance with a new addition to the family and nourishing an infant 24/7 and you're left with a recipe for depletion.
For many new mamas the magic of those first few weeks of motherhood is a mix of full heart and empty body.
This healing, soothing and tasty elixer will help to revitlize the cells with deep nourishment and aid you on the path of refilling your tank. All of the ingredients have been thoughtfully curated to work wonders on the body of the new mother. Even if you don;t have all these ingredients on hand, go ahead and use what you do have, or ask your friends to each bring an ingredient by when they come to visit you and baby.
INGREDIENTS
Nettle - An incredibly soothing and nourishing herb, helps to create strong, rich blood which strengthens a woman's vitality. Contains very high levels of calcium as well is iron and folic acid. It can act as a mild diuretic and laxative, anti-hemorrhagic support for labor, pain reliever due to high calcium content and helps increase supply of breast milk. The perfect postpartum partner!
Raspberry Leaf - Tones the uterus and other smooth muscles in the body, helping the uterus return to its usual size. Filled with calcium, phosphorus, potassium, some B vitamins and Vitamin C and helps to balance hormones.
Red Clover - A great women's herb known for it's hormone balancing properties. Promotes breast health and improves blood circulation. Red clover is also a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C.
Alfalfa - Naturally high in many essential vitamins and minerals, including A, D, E, K and the full family of B vitamins. Also contains biotin, calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium and many others, as well as being very high in protein, especially when dried. A great overall body replenishing herb!
Turmeric - A great anti-inflammatory to reduce postpartum swelling in both you and your newborn (through the milk!)
Gogi Berry - High in vitamin C and adds a lovely sweetness and flavor. Enhance Qi and tonify the body.
Red (Jujube) Date - Commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for postpartum nourishment, Jujube dates are high in vitamins and minerals, improve stamina and strength, stimulate the immune system and are an excellent tonic.
Coconut Milk - This rich, creamy source of fat aids the body in the absorption of many of the vitamins wielded by the warrior herbs listed above. The deliciousness factor doesn't hurt either...
Ghee - Rich in fat soluble vitamins A, E and D, Ghee is loaded with in medium chain fatty acids, which are absorbed directly by the liver and burned as energy. Athletes can use ghee as a consistent energy source, and new mom's are their own league of athletes! Within Ayurveda, ghee is considered one of the most satvic foods. Satvic foods promote positivity, growth and expansion of consciousness - can't hurt, right? For a vegan version, sub coconut oil.
Raw Honey - Contains up to 80 different substances important to human nutrition. Besides glucose and fructose, honey contains: All of the B-complex, A, C, D, E, and K, minerals and trace elements. The live enzyme content of honey is one of the highest of all foods. Honey also contains hormones, and antimicrobial and antibacterial factors. And it tastes really, really good... For a vegan version, sub maple syrup or blacksrap molasses.
Maca - this adaptogenic root is a rich source of phytonutrients and sports a positive effect on hormone balance, energy levels and is an overall health and mood booster. It also helps with stamina, memory and focus - all good things for the new mother!
Propalis - Kills bacteria throughout the body, lowers blood pressure, high in antioxidants and anti-inflamatory. For a vegan version, omit propalis.
RECIPE
Bring a gallon (3 liters) of water to a boil. While boiling, chop up an thumb sized knob of turmeric (or use 1 tbsp dried turmeric powder). Remove from heat and add 2 tbsps each of dried nettle, raspberry leaf, red clover and alfalfa. Add the turmeric, a handful of gogi berries and 4 jujube dates. Let steep for at least 3 hours.
Once cool, strain the herbs, fruits and root from the liquid and put into jars for ongoing use.
For each serving, reheat 2 cups of the infused liquid and when warm add 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp ghee, 1tbsp raw honey, 1/2 tsp maca powder and 3 drops propalis tincture. Whisk or blend until well mixed. Enjoy daily or once in the morning and once before bed!