Blue Cohosh -for our health

Most drugs a woman might take during pregnancy cross the placenta through her bloodstream and enter her baby's bloodstream. Those drugs can affect the baby's development, particularly during early pregnancy. Because of this, many women prefer to use herbs instead of drugs to treat illnesses when possible during their pregnancies. Many herbs are safe to used during pregnancy and do not pose a risk to the unborn baby.

 Aloe Vera: Other names this plant is known by include Bitter Aloe, Elephant's Gall, First-Aid Plant, Cape Aloe, Lily of the Desert, and Burn Plant. Aloe Vera is native to the Mediterranean and has a long history of being used to provide soothing relief from burns and also to stimulate the healing of wounds. It has also become a popular remedy for the treatment of digestive disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and some forms of diabetes. Side effects of Aloe Vera include stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Because it has a laxative type effect when it is consumed it can also cause imbalances in one's electrolytes. The consumption of Aloe Vera juice has been shown to stimulate uterine contractions, cause cramps and premature labor, and even miscarriage. Although it is safer to use Aloe Vera topically, lactating mothers who are going to nurse their newborns should avoid using it in any form.

  Because of its ability to create these gentle contractions, black cohosh helps to tone the muscles of the uterus in those final weeks of the baby countdown. The uterus is, after all, a muscle--the largest and strongest in the body, at full-term pregnancy--and needs sufficient exercise if it is to preform its job properly. Black cohosh can help your body to achieve this.

  Herbs recommended to bring on labour include:  Blue Cohosh - Helps tone-up uterus and prepare body for birth    Black Cohosh - May help irregular contractions close to actual birth    Partridge Berry - Helps reduce stress    Evening Primrose Oil - Does not induce labour but can help soften cervix.    Cramp Bark - A uterine toner and helps enhance relaxation    Mother wort - Helps stimulate uterus    Red raspberry leaf tea - A uterine tonic which has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years. This tones the uterus by encouraging Braxton Hicks contractions. It does not cause contractions and is therefore safe to take throughout pregnancy.  Note: the following herbs are not recommended during pregnancy and can be unsafe:  Angelica, Borage Oil, Licorice Root, Mutmeg,Horsetail, Dong Quai, Goldenseal, Henbane, Comfrey and Nutmeg which in large doses can cause miscarriage.  Sex as a Means to Induce Labour

  Parsley gets rid of garlic breath: True. Have you ever wondered why brushing your teeth and gargling with mouthwash simply does not eliminate the odor? It's because it's in your saliva. Garlic breath has to be treated in the stomach, not the mouth. That's why so many supplements have parsley in them. Do not use parsley for this purpose if you are pregnant, as it could cause premature labor or a miscarriage.

  The trail is only 1/2 mile loop trail that passes through wetlands and past the Monocacy River on the site of an old mill. About half of the trail is a boardwalk, allowing easy access for strollers and wheelchairs. The other half is flat grasslands. It is possible to navigate during dry times with strollers and wheelchairs, but it is bumpy in spots and gets very muddy after rains. Although a small trail, due to the wetlands it is teeming with wildflowers in the Spring. Hikers will see the delicate Virginia Bluebell and Wild Ginger along with Cut Leaved Toothwort and Squirrel Corn. Be sure to bring your camera, as the wildflowers are always close to the path, setting it up for excellent close-ups of the flowers themselves or perhaps with a visiting bee or butterfly.