The Best Herbs, Vitamins, and Minerals for Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Recovery

When preparing for pregnancy, nourishing your body with the right herbs, vitamins, and minerals can make all the difference. According to Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun Weed, nature provides powerful support for fertility, a healthy pregnancy, and a smooth postpartum recovery. In this guide, we’ll cover the best natural remedies to enhance fertility, ease pregnancy discomforts like nausea and swelling, and promote postpartum healing—including options to support infant colic and new moms’ moods.

Best Herbs, Vitamins, and Minerals for Conception

Before pregnancy, focus on strengthening your reproductive health with nutrient-dense foods and fertility-supporting herbs.

Top Fertility Herbs:

  • Red Clover – Rich in phytoestrogens, red clover supports hormonal balance and egg quality.

  • Raspberry Leaf – Strengthens the uterus and regulates menstrual cycles.

  • Nettle – Loaded with minerals that prepare the body for conception.

  • Maca Root – Supports hormonal balance and boosts libido.

  • Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) – Regulates ovulation and improves progesterone levels.

Key Fertility Vitamins & Minerals:

  • Folate (Natural Folic Acid) – Crucial for preventing neural tube defects (found in leafy greens, lentils, and avocados).

  • Iron – Boosts blood health and oxygenation (get it from grass-fed beef, spinach, and pumpkin seeds).

  • Zinc – Supports egg health and ovulation (found in oysters, chickpeas, and cashews).

  • Vitamin C – Enhances progesterone production (citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries).

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Improves egg quality and hormone balance (consume wild salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts).

Easiest Ways to Consume Nutrients:

  • Herbs: Brew as teas, infusions, or take as tinctures.

  • Vitamins & Minerals: Blend greens into smoothies, eat nutrient-rich snacks like nuts and seeds, and incorporate grass-fed meats and seafood.

Best Herbs, Vitamins, and Minerals for a Healthy Pregnancy

Once pregnant, nourishing your body is key to supporting a thriving baby and easing common pregnancy discomforts.

Essential Pregnancy Herbs:

  • Ginger – Eases nausea and morning sickness (use ginger drops or tea).

  • Peppermint – Reduces bloating and improves digestion.

  • Raspberry Leaf – Strengthens the uterus and may ease labor if taken in the second and third trimester.

  • Dandelion Leaf & Root – Supports liver function and reduces swelling.

  • Chamomile – Calms anxiety and promotes sleep.

Key Pregnancy Vitamins & Minerals:

  • Magnesium – Helps with leg cramps and relaxation (found in bananas, almonds, and dark chocolate).

  • Calcium – Strengthens bones and prevents muscle cramps (get it from dairy, sardines, and sesame seeds).

  • Iron – Prevents anemia and fatigue (consume beef, lentils, and dark leafy greens).

  • DHA (Omega-3s) – Supports fetal brain development (found in fish, chia seeds, and walnuts).

  • Vitamin D – Essential for bone development (get sunlight exposure or eat eggs and mushrooms).

Easiest Ways to Consume Nutrients:

  • Herbs: Brew teas for hydration and sip throughout the day.

  • Vitamins & Minerals: Include mineral-rich bone broth, smoothies with leafy greens, and snack on nuts and seeds.

Best Herbs and Remedies for Postpartum Recovery

Healing after birth is just as important as a healthy pregnancy. The right herbs and nutrients can help with recovery, milk production, and emotional well-being.

Postpartum Healing Herbs:

  • Nettle – Replenishes lost minerals and boosts energy.

  • Alfalfa – Supports milk supply and postpartum healing.

  • Yarrow – Aids in postpartum bleeding recovery.

  • Fenugreek – Increases milk production.

  • Lemon Balm – Reduces stress and balances mood.

Key Postpartum Vitamins & Minerals:

  • Protein – Supports tissue healing (eat eggs, grass-fed meats, and collagen powder).

  • Iron – Restores blood levels (consume beets, organ meats, and blackstrap molasses).

  • B Vitamins – Help with energy and mental clarity (found in nutritional yeast, whole grains, and avocados).

  • Vitamin C – Aids in tissue repair and immune support (citrus, bell peppers, kiwi).

  • Electrolytes – Prevent dehydration and promote energy (coconut water, sea salt, and bone broth).

Easiest Ways to Consume Nutrients:

  • Herbs: Drink herbal infusions or add to broths.

  • Vitamins & Minerals: Make postpartum recovery smoothies with protein powder, leafy greens, and citrus.

Best Natural Remedies for Infant Colic & Mom’s Moods

For Infant Colic:

  • Fennel Tea – Relieves gas and colic (a few drops in breast milk or given directly in tiny amounts).

  • Catnip & Chamomile – Soothes digestion and calms fussiness.

  • Gripe Water (Herbal Mix of Ginger, Fennel, and Chamomile) – Reduces colic symptoms naturally.

For Mom’s Mood & Emotional Well-Being:

  • Oatstraw – Reduces anxiety and stabilizes moods.

  • Lemon Balm & Chamomile – Eases stress and promotes relaxation.

  • Ashwagandha – Helps with postpartum hormone balance.

  • Omega-3s – Reduces postpartum depression symptoms.

  • Adaptogenic Herbs (Rhodiola, Holy Basil) – Support adrenal health and energy levels.

Easiest Ways to Consume Nutrients:

  • Herbs: Drink teas daily for stress relief and emotional balance.

  • Vitamins & Minerals: Take high-quality fish oil supplements, eat fatty fish, and include nuts and seeds in your diet.

You will love this!

By incorporating these herbs, vitamins, and minerals into your routine, you can optimize fertility, enjoy a smoother pregnancy, and recover faster postpartum. Whether through teas, infusions, or nutrient-dense foods, natural remedies provide gentle yet powerful support for every stage of motherhood.

For the best results, purchase high-quality herbs from specialty natural stores, or grow your own, and incorporate whole foods rich in essential nutrients into your daily meals. Nourish your body naturally, and experience a thriving pregnancy and postpartum recovery!

Disclaimer:
I am not a medical doctor and cannot be held accountable for any medical outcomes. Everyone’s lifestyle, health history, and body are unique, so please consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your routine or health plan. Nature offers incredible healing properties, and when used correctly, it can support your body in profound ways—but always in partnership with medical advice.

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