Elixirs, Night Owls, & Emily's Birthing Support

Introduction (00:00 – 10:08)

When we recorded this episode, Emily was in the last weeks of her pregnancy journey! Being prepared as always, Emily packed a bag full of natural products that would help her through the labour and recovery:

• Pranarom Lavender and Frankincense are the perfect choices for when you’re overwhelmed and the situation gets tough. Emily also packed a citrus oil like Mandarin Orange for energy during a long labour.
• Raw honeyis great for a wholesome, clean burst of energy. When you’re in labour, you won’t have an appetite, but you’ll be expending a lot of energy! A spoonful of raw honey administered by someone in your squad is just the thing.
• Clef des Champs Motherwort tincture is really good for the transition point with anxiety and endurance. You can use it during labour when you feel things getting hard and you feel worn out; occasionally use after for adjusting to a new baby and any anxiety.
• Clef des Champs Cramp Bark Tincture can relieve afterbirth pains. It tastes very bitter, but it works really well!
• Clef des Champs Red Raspberry Leaf Tea for keeping labour going; after, you can use it to help the uterus contract and return to its regular size. Mix it with some Oatstraw to nourish the body and calm the nervous system (or drink Oatstraw on its own!)
• Boiron Arnica Gel for healing, bruising, and recovery
• A Sitz postpartum bath mixed with shepherd’s purse, calendula, and comfrey will help the body relax and heal. Emily says she’ll mix equal parts of these three herbs, steep the herbs in a nice concentrated tea, steep it out, and then add it to the bath.
• A good team around you! Studies have shown an increase in natural birth outcomes when a doula or someone there in the interests of the mother is present. Naturally, Janet will be in the room!

First Segment: Trending Topics (10:08 – 36:27):The Great Elixir Taste Test!

Elixirs are a big nutritional trend, but these magical-sounding drinks are more than just a fad. You typically enjoy them not just in the morning but also throughout the day to nourish and give yourself energy. It’s great for people who are super sensitive to caffeine but still love hot drinks. Janet and Emily discuss what makes an elixir different from a smoothie and what to include when making an elixir as healthy as possible – they then surprise each other with creations of their own!

Experimenting with elixirs can be a lot of fun. Look at the recipe portion of the notes to get some inspiration, and send us your favourite recipes to questions@goodnessme.ca!