Sunday, February 21, 2010

1 step forward, 700 steps back

So, I am trying to make preventative plans to manage my disease for when I actually get pregnant and everything seems to come back and bite me in the butt! I've always heard that turmeric is great for inflammation, and recently read about turmeric tea here : http://meghantelpnerblog.com/.

Then, I thought, "I drink a green smoothie nearly everyday. Why don't I just add it to my smoothie?" And, I did, that very morning. I also started making plans to really up my drinking of juniper tea (it grows wild here) during my future pregnancy. This stuff is the shiz-nit. I've heard that they (you know, "they" being the medical establishment) are actually studying it as a treatment in cancer patients.

So, I got to the office (what? Am I supposed to be working at the office?) and started googling these things, just checking them out, reading all about their lovely benefits, when I get down to the contraindications: to be avoided while pregnant. What?!?!? But, what about my plan? I know that the majority of women go into remission while pregnant, but that doesn't usually happen until the second trimester or so. What about the first few months of no meds?

So, my question is: are there any natural anti-inflammatories out there that can be safely used while pregnant?

4 comments:

  1. well that is a tough question. I am sure you will feel better when pregnant when that natural cortisone kicks in. I cannot speak from experience as I got this cr@ppy disease 1 month after my last child was born. But I do know what it is like to be off ALL meds - as I postponed any treatment for 4 months to breastfeed (by then all the natural cortisone was gone! boo)

    But I think using Turmeric (since it is just a spice) would not hurt daily. Also fish oil and coconut oil too- Of course ask your DR, but most have their head up conventional medicines b-u-t-t if you know what I mean!

    Hugs and prayers to your future pregnancy!

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  2. I hate it when "they" say something that is the opposite of your plan, too. Is it both turmeric and juniper that you're supposed to avoid, or just one of them? You could curry the hell out of your kitchen - let me know and I'll send you some fresh (cheaper than in GB!) spices with my recipe for aloo gobi meetha.

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  3. For some reason, I replied a while back, and my post didn't post. Hmmmm. Anyway, thank you both for replying!

    Hey Judy, that is amazing that you stuck with breastfeeding for that long while in pain. I hope I get some good breastfeeding time :)

    Nadine, I totally want that recipe!

    Apparently there are several herbs and such that women are "supposed" to avoid while pregnant as it can stimulate uterine contractions. Yikes. It may be over the top, but what if it isn't? I know I have some all natural, organic teas that indicate on the box, "Not Safe For Pregnancy". This all feels like damned if you do, damned if you don't!

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  4. I have a PDR for Herbal Medicines and would be happy to look up info for you if there's something specific you want to know about. Ultimately, you should run things by your doctor.

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