Many mums are less than impressed with already having had their quota of caffeine for the day, at seven months pregnant, stomping up struggle street after their very active toddlers, and surviving on only 4 hours of broken sleep.
Cranky, tired, moody, nauseous, swollen, gassy and blue seem to be the seven woeful dwarves of pregnancy and motherhood.
Tea has long been used to combat ailments and illness for thousands of years, and with an array of antioxidants and phytochemicals, tea helps protect cell function in our bodies. Many studies make note that tea may aid in the reduction of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, weight loss and lower cholesterol.
With black tea having less caffeine than coffee, many are entirely free of caffeine at all, making them the perfect alternative during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Herbal teas are a combination of black, white and green tea together with a mix of fruits, seeds or roots added for additional flavour and benefits to the tea drinker, with each plant ingredient helping our bodies perform at their best.
So which tea does what for me?
1. Morning Sickness
Our Pick: Herbelly Tea Tales ‘Quell the Queasies’
Let’s face it – Morning Sickness sucks. Not only is it usually in the morning, but lunch time, dinner time and sometimes even up to pushing that baby out! Ginger has been a great way to naturally ease the symptoms of morning sickness, but now you cake really take the edge off the queasies with this comforting blend of organic Chamomile, organic Lemon Balm and organic Ginger. Smells amazing – sip this gorgeous tea all day and let that tummy settle.
2. Insomnia Due to Pregnancy
Our Pick: HerBelly Tea Tales ‘The Missing Peace’
When I was pregnant, I could never get comfortable. Even though I had a Queen Size bed to myself (husband slept in the spare room), 15 pillows and constant pregnancy fatigue. Keep calm and bake a peaceful baby. The relaxing benefits of Chamomile, Lemon Balm and Withania make this blend an ideal night cap. Exhale the worries of the day and prepare for peaceful slumber with organic Withania, organic Chamomile and organic Lemon Balm. Ahhhhhhh. Nighty night!
3. Feeling Down or Blue
Our Pick: HerBelly Tea Tales ‘Blues be Gone’
If you have the mild baby blues, are a bit teary and just need a little boost to the self-esteem, then grab a tissue, dab your tears and toss those baby blues away with the dirty nappies. Give your spirits a much-needed boost with this pretty, perky potion made from organic Chamomile, organic Withania, Rose petals, organic Peppermint and Organic Ginger. Sip this tea then watch The Notebook!!!
4. Pregnancy Cravings
Our Pick: HerBelly Tea Tales ‘Cheeky Choc Mint’
Pickled onions and fish finger ice cream anyone?? For something a bit more ‘palatable’, try a healthy herbal treat. If there’s one thing, a mother deserves, it’s chocolate and mint – together – in a healthy tea. This yummy brew is a healthy way to indulge your sweet cravings, without the guilt. Peppermint, Organic Chamomile, Organic Cacao bits, natural Chocolate and Vanilla flavours. Nom nom nom nom nom.