The postpartum season is a sacred window of transformation. As your body begins to heal from birth and your heart adjusts to the rhythm of new motherhood, herbalism offers a gentle, grounding way to support your recovery—physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Below are seven powerful herbs that have been used for generations to nourish, soothe, and restore postpartum bodies. Whether brewed into tea, sipped in infusions, or enjoyed as tinctures, these herbs offer a rooted, plant-powered path back to balance.

Why We Included the Herbs We Did In This Limited Tea Drop

Raspberry Leaf: The Uterine Tonic

Well-known for its role during pregnancy, raspberry leaf continues to shine postpartum. Rich in nutrients like iron and magnesium, this herb helps tone the uterus, support its return to pre-pregnancy size, and ease afterbirth cramps. Its astringent properties also support tissue healing and minimize bleeding.

• Try sipping a warm cup of raspberry leaf tea daily to aid uterine recovery and gently replenish mineral stores.

Nettles: Nature’s Multivitamin

Nettles are packed with vitamins (A, C, K, B-complex) and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), making them an excellent herb to rebuild and restore after birth. They support adrenal function, replenish lost nutrients, and may even help increase milk supply.

• Brewed as a nourishing infusion, nettles are a postpartum powerhouse that restore strength and energy over time.

Oatstraw: The Nervous System Soother

The postpartum period can be emotionally tender and full of ups and downs. Oatstraw is a deeply calming herb that supports the nervous system, helping reduce feelings of overwhelm, irritability, and postpartum blues. It’s also a gentle tonic for the endocrine system, supporting hormone balance and restful sleep.

• Consider combining oatstraw with lemon balm and nettles for a deeply nourishing postpartum tea blend.

Fennel: Digestive + Lactation Support

Fennel seeds are traditionally used to support digestion and soothe gas or bloating, making them beneficial for both postpartum moms and gassy babies (via breast milk). Fennel is also a well-known galactagogue, meaning it may help increase breast milk production.

• A fennel seed tea after meals can support digestion and gently stimulate milk flow.

Lemon Balm: Calming + Uplifting

Known as “the gladdening herb,” lemon balm offers a soft, sunny energy during the sometimes cloudy postpartum days. It’s calming without being sedative, gently easing anxiety and emotional turbulence while supporting digestion and immune health.

• Brew lemon balm into tea for a soothing ritual that brightens your day and calms your heart.

Ginger Root: Warming and Digestive

Ginger is a warming, circulation-boosting herb that can help support digestion, ease postpartum nausea, and reduce inflammation. Its comforting warmth is especially welcome during the early postpartum days, when keeping the body warm and well-fed is essential.

• Add fresh ginger to teas or broths, or sip on ginger tea to support digestion and soothe discomfort.

Marshmallow Root: Moistening and Soothing

Marshmallow root is an often-overlooked postpartum gem. Its mucilaginous quality soothes irritated tissues, supports hydration, and can help with dry mucous membranes that sometimes follow hormonal shifts after birth. It's also supportive for the urinary tract, especially after catheter use or trauma during delivery.

• Try a marshmallow root cold infusion to soothe tissues from the inside out—perfect for those early healing days.

Other Ways to Support Your Body During Postpartum

Herbs are a beautiful part of postpartum healing, but they work best when paired with intentional lifestyle support. Here are a few holistic practices that can help you recover and feel nourished:

• Prioritize Rest: Your body has done incredible work. Give yourself permission to rest deeply. Create a “nesting” space where you can bond with your baby and receive help from others.

• Nourishing Foods: Focus on warm, cooked, nutrient-rich meals like broths, stews, root vegetables, and easy-to-digest proteins. Think anti-inflammatory and blood-building foods.

• Hydration: Keep a large glass or bottle of water or herbal tea within arm’s reach—especially if you’re breastfeeding. Hydration supports healing, digestion, and milk production.

• Ask for Help: Let others take care of you so you can take care of your baby. Whether it’s a friend dropping off meals or a postpartum doula, support is vital—not a luxury.

• Pelvic Floor Care: If available, work with a postpartum physical therapist to support pelvic floor recovery, especially if you experienced tearing or birth trauma.

• Gentle Movement: Once cleared by your provider, consider gentle walks, restorative yoga, or breathing exercises to help reconnect with your body and increase circulation.

• Community & Emotional Support: Whether it’s a local moms’ circle or virtual check-ins with a therapist, being seen and heard in your postpartum experience is deeply healing.

Final Thoughts

Herbalism isn’t just about fixing symptoms—it’s about reconnecting to your body, honoring your needs, and offering yourself nourishment in the most natural form. As you walk through the tender postpartum season, let these gentle herbs be your allies—supporting your body, your spirit, and your return to yourself.

Always consult with your midwife, herbalist, or healthcare provider before introducing new herbs, especially while breastfeeding. Each journey is unique, and your support should be too.