Historic Use of Herbs and Supplements for Expectant Mothers
(See also: Herbs During Pregnancy)

5-W? supplies nutrients supportive to the female glandular and reproductive systems. The formula contains iron for the blood and for vitality, manganese to support body tissues, and selenium to assist in healthy tissue growth.

Use the last five weeks before delivery to tone uterus, give elasticity to birth canal.
Stock No. 1120-5

Anti-Gas Formula w/ Lobelia (formerly AG-X?) has magnesium (for proper digestion), manganese (for protein and carbohydrate metabolism), phosphorus (for utilization of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) and riboflavin (for absorption of iron and metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates). A healthy digestive system will efficiently digest food and eliminate waste.

Relieves gas, indigestion, belching, nausea.

Stock No. 1198-4

Bilberry (Vacciniummyrtillus) grows in the sandy areas of the northern U.S. and in the woods and forest meadows of Europe. The name bilberry comes from the Danish bollebar meaning ?dark berry.? A relative of the cranberry, bilberry is also known in some parts of the U.S. as huckleberry. During World War II, British pilots used bilberry before their night flights. The berries are often used for fresh fruit, jams, and jellies. The leaves can be used to make tea. Nature's Sunshine uses 40 mg of bilberry fruit standardized to 25 percent anthocyanidins. Bilberry needs to be used over time in order for the body to best assimilate its unique nutritional properties. Each tablet contains 40 mg bilberry fruit concentrate.

Bilberry will fortify vein and capillary support, aids in kidney function, and is a mild diuretic for bloating.
Stock No. 74-8

Blue Cohosh was used by the northern Native Americans for cramps and menstrual problems. Cherokee, Chippewa, Iroquois, and other native Native Americans used blue cohosh herb for delayed delivery and to promote menstruation.

In recent times blue cohosh has been shown to be useful in the regulation of menstrual cycles in women, and is helpful in relieving painful menstruation. It is effective as an inhibiting agent to stop false labor pains in childbirth. Blue cohosh acts to stimulate the uterine muscle, thereby advancing a delayed delivery. Because blue cohosh has a well-deserved reputation for helping in cases of prolonged labor, it has been nicknamed ?a woman's best friend.? It helps to relax the uterus so that delivery is easier, thus preventing pain and exhaustion. It is also useful to reduce inflammation of the uterus.

If blue cohosh is given hours previous to delivery, it is said to be reliable and less dangerous where cases of labor are slow and painful. Blue cohosh increases the flow of urine and causes profuse persperiration; has a strong anti-spazmodic effect on the whole system, thereby having an effect on the nervous sytem, and it can relieve muscle cramps and spams.

?Blue Cohosh should be used in combinations with other herbs, such as Black Cohosh. It may also be used in a poultice as an emergency remedy for allergic reactions to bee stings.? (Ritchason)

Blue Cohosh stops and eliminates false labor pains; use during final weeks of pregnancy to ease and/or induce labor.
Stock No. 110-0

Black Cohosh has been valued by many societies, including Native Americans, for its nutritional support of the female reproductive system. It was also made into a poultice and applied to snake bites; hence it is sometimes known as snakeroot. Native to woodsy regions throughout the Eastern U.S. and Canada, it is a tall perennial bearing creamy-white flowers. Modern natural-health enthusiasts, like those of the past, use it to nourish the female glandular system.
Stock No.: 80-3 

Burdock is a common weed whose seeds are prickly burrs that cling tenaciously to clothing and socks. Native to Europe and Asia, the plant has become naturalized in all temperate parts of the world. Its name is a combination of French and English??bur? coming from the French bourre, and ?dock? coming from the Old English reference to large leaves. It contains chromium, iron, magnesium, silicon, and thiamine.

Burdock helps prevent water retention and jaundice in the baby.
Stock No. 140-2 

Butcher's Broom, once used by butchers to clean their cutting boards, has a long history of use by people of many cultures. It is a member of the lily family, native to southern and western Europe and the southern U.S. In folk history the herb was taken to nutritionally support the circulatory system. Butcher's Broom contains important flavonoids (natural substances that strengthen capillary walls) such as rutin. The plant also contains glycolic acid, which is also found in parsley and juniper berries. Nature's Sunshine's encapsulated butcher's broom contains the dried, powdered root.

Use with White Oak Bark for hemorrhoids, varicose veins (see also Vari-Gone).
Stock No. 135-5

Catnip, a member of the mint family, grows on banks and waste places in northern temperate regions around the world. It is so named because of the peculiar behavior of cats when they get a whiff of this feline favorite. It doesn?t cause such behavior in humans, but, like many botanicals, it offers excellent nutritional value. It contains iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, chromium, and moderate amounts of other minerals and vitamins.

Usee combined with Lobelia Essence Extract to relax uterus during false labor.
Stock No. 180-4

Chamomile is a popular late-night herbal tea, sold around the world in grocery and health-food stores. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, and is now cultivated in North and South America and parts of Europe. Chamomile contains the amino acid tryptophan. The plant also contains flavonoids.

Chamomile aids digestive and bowel problems and relaxes for good sleep.
Stock No. 190-7

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that harnesses the sun's energy in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll performs metabolic functions in plants such as respiration and growth. Interestingly, the chlorophyll molecule is chemically similar to human blood, except that its central atom is magnesium, whereas that of human blood is iron.

Reduces toxemia and increases energy during labor (use w/ HS II and Vitamin E).
Stock No. 1689-6
Stock No. 1683-7, 16 fl. oz.
Stock No. 1690-7, 60 Capsules

Ginger has been cultivated for thousands of years in China and India and is still most widely cultivated in the East. It was brought to America in the 16th century by the Spanish. At one point it was second only to pepper as the most common English spice.

Ginger is very popular in the food industry as an additive to ginger ale, candies, pastries and cakes. Its uses, of course, aren?t confined to food preparation.

It was written about in many ancient Chinese herbal texts and is an ingredient in as many as half of all Chinese herbal combinations. The Chinese use it to buffer the effects of stronger herbs, and they drink it widely in tea.

Ginger nutritionally supports the digestive process. The root has a strong, sweet scent. It contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid

Ginger is excellent for morning sickness.
Stock No. 300-6

Herbal CA? (Herbal Calcium) provides the body with natural sources of calcium, magnesium, and silicon. Magnesium works synergistically with calcium, and silicon strengthens body tissues, including the sheath surrounding the nerves. Herbal CA? also contains natural sources of vitamins A and C.

Herbal CA? builds strong bones and teeth for both mother and child, feeds nerves, relieves insomnia.
Stock No. 823-5

Herbal Trace Minerals (formerly Combination Three) is a mineral-rich supplement that provides nutrients necessary for the glandular, digestive, and eliminative functions. The deep roots of the dandelion and alfalfa plants are able to absorb trace minerals often lacking in the common, shallow-rooted vegetables preferred in Western diets. For example, dandelion root contains iron and manganese. Kelp contains calcium and magnesium, both needed for balance in building bones and calming nerves. It also supplies iodine, a nutrient necessary for proper thyroid function. Herbal Trace Minerals contains Kelp plant, Dandelion root, and Alfalfa herb.

Stock No. 980-5

HS II? is commonly used with vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and omega-3 fish oil supplements. This formula contains zinc, important to cell growth and repair. Over 90 enzymes are dependent on this mineral in order to function.

Improves circulation, high or low blood pressure; used with Kidney Activator for edema.
Stock No. 930-9

I-X? means ?herbal iron.? Iron is needed by the body to carry oxygen to the cells, where it is combined with glucose for energy production. It also must be present for protein metabolism. By combining herbs that provide natural iron with other elements needed to enhance absorption, a ?chelated? form of iron is created that's more easily absorbed by the body. This formula is also a source of calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, and zinc. Riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamins A and C are also present. It contains Red beet root, Yellow dock root, Red raspberry leaves, Chickweed herb, Burdock root, Nettle herb, and Mullein leaves.

Builds healthy blood, improves anemia.
Stock No. 1218-4

Lobelia is native to North America, especially to the eastern regions. It produces violet-pinkish-white flowers. It is sometimes called Indian tobacco because the Native Americans smoked it for various benefits. It has been shown to contain a substance called lobeline, similar to nicotine. The plant is beautiful as well as useful. Dwarf lobelia plants are often cultivated for use in hanging baskets.

Lobelia helps to relax the mother during delivery and helps speed up the delivery of the placenta.
Stock No. 430-1
Stock No. 1765-8 Liquid Essence (2 fl. oz.)

Lymph Gland Cleanse? (formerly IGS II) is an herbal source of chromium, cobalt, manganese, selenium, silicon, and zinc. It's also high in riboflavin and vitamin C, and contains Parthenium root, Golden seal root, Yarrow flowers, and Capsicum fruit.

For faster healing of episiotomies use internally and sitz baths.
Stock No. 960-4 ? Hypoglycemics use Lymph Gland Cleanse HY (immediately below)

Lymph Gland Cleanse HY (formerly HIGS II) helps meet the nutritional needs of a stressed immune system and is particularly helpful to the lymphatic and respiratory systems. The herbal components provide a natural source of chromium, cobalt, manganese, selenium, silicon, zinc, and varying amounts of riboflavin and vitamin C. It consists of Parthenium root, Yarrow flowers, Myrrh gum, and Capsicum fruit.

Stock No. 920-3

Kidney Activator (formerly Combination K?) nutritionally supports the urinary system. This combination is an herbal source of iron, manganese, potassium, sodium, vitamin A, and riboflavin. It contains Juniper berries, Parsley herb, Uva ursi leaves, Dandelion root, and Chamomile flowers.

Combine Kidney Activator with HS II for edema.
Stock No. 970-2

Chinese Kidney Activator [Qu Shi (Eliminate Moisture), formerly K-C] is a Chinese herbal combination designed to support the urinary and lymphatic systems. It contains Hoelen Plant (Poria cocos), Sileris Root (Ledebouriella seseloides), Chaenomeles Fruit (Chaenomeles lagenaria), Morus Root Bark (Morus alba), Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus), Psyllium Seed (Plantago asiatica), Alisma Rhizome (Alisma plantago aquatica), Areca Peel (Areca catechu), Atractylodes Rhizome (Atractylodes lancea), Magnolia Bark (Magnolia liliflora and M officinalis), Polyporus Plant (Polyporus umbellata), Cinnamon Twig (Cinnamomum cassia), Citrus Peel (Citrus aurantium), Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale), Pinellia Rhizome (Pinellia ternata), and Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

Historical uses include burning urination, back ache, prostate swelling, supports kidney and urinary tract. (Yoder)
Stock No. 1872-5

LBS II? is designed to encourage intestinal contraction and support waste elimination. The herbs in this popular combination are a source of calcium, crude fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium. Available in gelatin capsules and all-botancial Vegitabs?. It contains Cascara sagrada bark. Buckthorn bark, Licorice root, Capsicum fruit, Ginger root, Oregon grape, Turkey rhubarb root, Couch grass herb, and Red clover tops

Used with Psyllium to help constipation, LBS II is not habit-forming.
Stock No. 990-1

Lobelia Essence Extract
Lobelia is native to North America, especially to the eastern regions. It produces violet-pinkish-white flowers. It is sometimes called Indian tobacco because the Native Americans smoked it for various benefits. It has been shown to contain a substance called lobeline, similar to nicotine. The plant is beautiful as well as useful. Dwarf lobelia plants are often cultivated for use in hanging baskets.

Lobelia Essence contains 44?47 percent alcohol, glycerin, and apple cider vinegar. It can be added to baths or used in external cosmetic preparations. Extracts are especially beneficial for those who have difficulty swallowing capsules.

For false labor, use with Catnip.
Stock No. 1765-8

Papaya Mint Chewable Tablets nutritionally support the digestive system, but they can also be used as a tasty breath mint. Papaya fruit contains proteolytic enzymes that function in the digestion of protein, while peppermint leaves contain aromatic compounds capable of triggering the production of digestive fluids. Together they work to support the digestive system. They contain papaya fruit, peppermint leaf, fructose, and sorbitol.

For temporary relief of ?heartburn? or delicious as a breath mint.
Stock No. 485-6

One of the most popular traditional medicinal plants, Peppermint Oil has long been used to treat a variety of ailments, among which are indigestion, nausea, sore throat, coughs, earaches, cramps, baby's colic, colds, toothaches, and gastrointestinal disorders. The oil diluted in water has been used to treat nausea and stomach problems, particularly in children. Peppermint is also well known as a sedative for nervousness, insomnia, and migraine.

After the first trimester, Peppermint Oil may be used to help digestion, soothe the stomach and overcome nausea. It is an over-all body strengthener and cleanser.
Stock No. 1706-8
Stock No. 3910-9
Stock No. PH-0720
Stock No. PH-0725

Psyllium Hulls
Psyllium is a member of the plant family planta-ginaceae, also referred to as plantago. The hulls are the part of the psyllium plant most often used. The plant is particularly popular in the U.S. due to concern about the effects of our nation's highly refined, high-fat diet on colon health. Psyllium has the highest level of soluble fiber known?more than eight times that of oat bran.

Encapsulated psyllium hulls are a convenient way to add important fiber to the daily diet. Each capsule contains 465 mg psyllium hulls.

Psyllium Hulls provide bulk to soften stool, absorb toxins. Can be used with LBS II.
Stock No. 545-9

Red Raspberry is believed to be native to Europe, but it's widely cultivated in North America, Britain, Scandinavia, and Scotland. The leaves are widely used in herbology. They are rich in vitamin C and contain astringent qualities due to their high tannin content.

Red raspberry leaves have been used by women for centuries as a support to the reproductive system, especially during pregnancy. The leaves contain manganese, iron, and niacin. Nature's Sunshine provides red raspberry in a number of combinations and as a single herb.

It is an all-around excellent herb to use for pregnancy. It is a uterine tonic, anti-abortive, helps prevent infection, and will aid the body in building amniotic fluid. It aids in preventing cramps and anemia, helps prevent excessive bleeding during and after labor, and will facilitate the birth process by stimulating contractions. Also aids in reducing morning sickness.
Stock No. 560-8
Stock No. 3425-4 Red Raspberry Blend Liquid Extract

Most diets today do not meet the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for many essential nutrients. These guidelines were established to show the minimum daily requirements we need to prevent health problems caused by improper vitamin and mineral intake. NSP Super Supplemental is a well-balanced formula that provides the vitamin and mineral nourishment for deficient diets, and now includes two important carotenoids, lutein (2 mg) and lycopene (1 mg).

Super Supplemental Vitamins & Minerals is a comprehensive supplement that augments any diet. Balanced nutrients are often in short supply during special periods of physical stress or convalescence, or in a diet consisting of mostly processed foods. Supplementing your diet with Super Supplemental can help fill the void by providing high percentages of the RDA of most vitamins and minerals.
Stock No. 1792-7

Vari-Gone? is a combination of six powerful herbs and nutrients that work together to fortify and nourish the overall health of veins. This formula not only improves appearance, but also supports optimal blood flow to the heart, thereby relieving fluid congestion in the legs and minimizing the occurrence of damaged or weakened vessels that obstruct proper circulation. Its nutrients improve the strength, tone, and function of the veins. Continued use may improve hemorrhoid conditions and minimize the appearance of varicose and spider veins.

Stock No. 999-9

After blood has delivered oxygen to the body, it returns to the lungs via the pulmonary veins. In some individuals, the valves of the veins and the walls of the blood vessels may look weakened, sag, and appear as large purple bumps in the skin. These are called varicose veins.

Vari-Gone Cream contains extracts of Horse Chestnut (helps tone the skin), Butcher's Broom (helps improve the look of saggy veins), Aloe Vera (used to improve the appearance of stretch marks and weeping skin), and Yellow Sweet Clover (promotes skin appearance and provides a healthy, renewed look). Combined in a base of natural skin-conditioning ingredients, these botanical extracts promote improved appearance of unsightly varicose veins and spider veins while hydrating the skin and improving softness.

Note: Some of the ingredients in Vari-Gone Cream may promote blood thinning if taken internally. Individuals who are taking prescription anti-coagulant medicines should consult their health care providers before using this product.
Stock No. 1835-1

Vitamin E is fat-soluble and an antioxidant, helping to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid. It is the most common vitamin found in nature and is lacking in processed foods. This vitamin helps to increase the fluidity of the blood and is necessary for maintenance of the skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle membranes. It helps maintain and increase the storage of vitamin A and iron in the body. This vitamin exists in several chemical forms, the most active being d-alpha tocopherol. The ?dl? form is synthetic and is not sold by Nature's Sunshine. Rather, vegetable sources are used that contain other naturally occurring tocopherols (d-beta, d-gamma, d-alpha) to ensure full potency of the entire vitamin E complex. Each hermetically sealed capsule of vitamin E comes in a base of cold-pressed soybean oil.

(Also see SynerPro? Vitamin E with Selenium, immediately below.)
Stock No. 1650-6

Vitamin E with Selenium (SynerPro) contains antioxidants that work codependently in the body to help destroy free radicals. Emerging research suggests that it may not be possible to obtain optimum vitamin E levels through diet alone. Both of these nutrients are often lacking in the modern diet due to food processing and high-tech farming methods. Further, mineral content of soil naturally varies in different parts of the country, making it difficult to be sure you?re getting the necessary dietary intake of vitamins and minerals. You can make sure you?re receiving enough of these two antioxidants with SynerPro Vitamin E with Selenium. Each capsule provides 400 IU natural vitamin E and 25 mcg selenium.

Stock No. 1664-9

White Oak Bark is native to England and has been naturalized in the U.S., where it is found mainly in the East. It grows as high as 100 feet and can live as long as 1,000 years. The trees are valued in the making of cabinets, tables, and other furniture.

Oak trees also bear acorns, which were a staple in the Native American diet. They were sometimes leached, dried, and ground into flour. The Native Americans often gathered the acorns and stored them to ensure a continual winter food supply.

The key substances of white oak are tannin and quercin. Tannin is present in the bark at approximately 11 percent and accounts for white oak's bitter and astringent qualities. White oak contains the minerals manganese, calcium, and zinc.

Helps relieve hemorrhoids and varicose veins; use with Butcher's Broom, LBS II, and VeriGone.
Stock No. 730-7

Wild Yam has been used for centuries by women seeking nutritional support for the glandular system. NSP offers wild yam as a single herb for health-conscious women seeking optimal balance. Wild yam contains diosgenin, a natural precursor to progesterone. Each preservative-free capsule contains 375 mg of the finest wild yam root.

For pregnancy pain, nausea, and cramping, and will reduce the likelihood of miscarriage.
Stock No. 745-2

Yellow Dock, a member of the buckwheat family, grows abundantly throughout the U.S. The Native Americans used it for its special health benefits, and legend has it they endeavored to keep it secret from the Europeans. Pioneers used it for nutritional support of the urinary system.

Yellow dock can be cultivated domestically, yet because it is prolific it often takes over as a weed. It contains varying amounts of phosphorus, vitamins A and C, and calcium. Each capsule contains 460 mg yellow dock.

Usage: Take 1 capsule with a meal twice daily, or as suggested by your Natural Health Professional

?Used as a blood purifier, cleanses and supports entire body system, supports varicose veins, high in iron.? (Yoder) Aids in iron assimilation and will help to prevent infant jaundice.
Stock No. 760-1