The use of herbal medicine in pregnancy and labour. Part I: An overview of current practice.

In tandem with the resurgence of many traditional and alternative systems of healing, herbal medicine is flourishing. Until recently, the dominance of biomedicine within the industrialised world has viewed the use of herbs as being little more than a quaint, historical remnant of our primitive past; recorded and filed by folklorists and museum curators. In so-called developing countries, where this knowledge of plants-as-medicines has not yet been exploited and reserved for use by qualified 'professionals', it remains in the hands of ordinary people, many of whom are mothers and midwives. This article discusses the current position of herbal medicine, whilst also making suggestions for self treatment within safe limits during pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting.