The Best Remedies for Morning Sickness: How Cannabis and Ancient Herbs Can Help

Morning sickness, though often fleeting, can feel overwhelming. For many, it can disrupt daily life and chip away at the joys of pregnancy. As CannaMommy, I believe in honoring our bodies and listening to our needs in a way that promotes wellness and balance. Ancient practices, from cannabis use to herbal remedies, can provide relief and support through natural means. Let’s explore some of the best remedies for morning sickness, drawing from a blend of modern understanding and historical wisdom.

Understanding Morning Sickness and Why It Happens

Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), is incredibly common, affecting around 70-80% of pregnant individuals, typically in the first trimester. While exact causes remain unknown, fluctuating hormones, blood sugar levels, and heightened sense of smell are believed to play significant roles. Historically, societies turned to herbs and plants to ease nausea, reflecting their understanding of nature’s remedies.

The Role of Cannabis in Alleviating Morning Sickness

For centuries, cannabis has been valued as a medicinal plant across various cultures. Ancient texts from China, Egypt, and India mention cannabis for its anti-nausea properties, particularly in pregnant women and those facing other health challenges.

In contemporary times, cannabinoids (especially CBD and low doses of THC) are being explored for their effectiveness in relieving nausea. Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates bodily processes including appetite and nausea, interacts with cannabinoids to provide relief. By activating CB1 receptors in the ECS, THC, even in low doses, has shown potential in reducing nausea and vomiting.

To ensure safe use, it’s essential to discuss cannabis with a healthcare provider, particularly one versed in the nuanced effects of cannabinoids on pregnancy. CannaMommy.org offers a virtual clinic where registered nurses provide non-diagnostic consultations, giving mothers a safe space to discuss cannabis use in pregnancy.

How Cannabis Might Help You

Cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all remedy. Micro-dosing, or using very small, controlled amounts, has gained popularity as a gentle approach to managing nausea without the psychoactive effects. Low-dose CBD products, for instance, can be a great option if you’re cautious about THC exposure.

For nausea, consider trying:

• Low-dose CBD oil: Known for its calming effects without the high. Look for high-quality, lab-tested oils from trusted sources.
• Transdermal patches: These patches offer gradual relief without ingestion, ideal for those with heightened nausea sensitivity.

Ancient Herbs and Plants for Morning Sickness

In addition to cannabis, various herbs have long been used for morning sickness relief. These herbs, often revered in traditional medicine, provide safe, natural alternatives for managing nausea. Let’s look at a few trusted options.

1. Ginger: The Tried-and-True Remedy

Used for over 5,000 years, ginger is a mainstay in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its anti-nausea and digestive-soothing effects. Studies support its effectiveness in reducing nausea and vomiting, especially in pregnancy. Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which help relax the gastrointestinal tract.

Try sipping on ginger tea or nibbling on crystallized ginger. You can also try adding fresh ginger to meals, a gentle way to get its benefits without a strong taste. Studies recommend 1 gram per day for managing morning sickness symptoms effectively.

2. Peppermint: An Ancient Soother

Peppermint, valued since the days of ancient Egypt, has been used to soothe the stomach and reduce nausea. The menthol in peppermint relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, providing a cooling, calming effect on the stomach.

Peppermint tea or essential oil (used in a diffuser) can offer relief, especially in cases of mild nausea. However, avoid direct ingestion of essential oils, as they can be too strong for pregnant bodies. For a more traditional remedy, try a few leaves of fresh peppermint in hot water.

3. Fennel: For Digestive Comfort

Fennel has roots in ancient Greek and Roman medicine, revered for its digestive properties. Traditionally used to ease bloating, fennel can also soothe nausea. Its active component, anethole, promotes digestive ease, and fennel’s mild flavor makes it a pleasant option during pregnancy.

To try fennel, you can sip on fennel tea or even chew fennel seeds. A cup in the morning or between meals can provide gentle relief from nausea symptoms.

4. Lemon Balm: A Gentle Lift for the Spirits

Lemon balm, used since medieval times, has mild calming effects, which can help ease the anxiety and emotional discomfort that often accompany nausea. This herb is known to soothe the nervous system and lift the spirits, helping ease both mental and physical symptoms of morning sickness.

A mild tea made from lemon balm leaves is a gentle remedy that can be safely consumed a few times a day. Alternatively, you can add a slice of lemon or lemon balm leaves to water for a subtle, refreshing drink.

Historical Wisdom on Combining Cannabis with Herbs

In ancient Egyptian medicine, cannabis was commonly combined with herbs like fennel and peppermint to manage nausea, pain, and digestive distress. This combination is even referenced in the Ebers Papyrus, a 3,500-year-old medical text. Similarly, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners would blend small amounts of cannabis with ginger or peppermint to create a soothing remedy for gastrointestinal upset.

While these practices offer guidance, modern use calls for caution and discernment. It’s essential to start with small doses and always ensure product quality. At CannaMommy.org, our mission is to support mothers with natural remedies and empower them to make choices that best serve their wellness.

Safety Considerations and Practical Tips

While herbs and cannabis offer gentle solutions, it’s vital to use them with care. Here are a few tips for safe usage:

• Start small: Whether using CBD, ginger, or another herb, begin with the lowest effective dose and adjust gradually.
• Choose quality: Opt for organic herbs and lab-tested cannabis products to avoid contaminants.
• Listen to your body: Your intuition is powerful. If a remedy doesn’t sit well with you, try something else. There are many options available, and one is likely to feel just right.

CannaMommy’s Community of Support

Morning sickness is a part of pregnancy that doesn’t have to overshadow the experience. For those interested in exploring natural remedies, CannaMommy is here to support you on this journey. Our virtual clinic provides a safe space to connect with healthcare professionals who understand the value of natural medicine, including cannabis.

Our community and resources at CannaMommy.org are built on the belief that pregnancy should be empowering and supported holistically. We honor traditional remedies alongside modern research, aiming to bring comfort and relief to mothers navigating the challenges of morning sickness and beyond.

If you’d like to learn more about safe, natural pregnancy support or book a consultation, visit us at CannaMommy.org. Here’s to feeling better, naturally, and embracing the beautiful path of motherhood with confidence and care.

References

1. Eddouks, M., Maghrani, M., Lemhadri, A., Ouahidi, M. L., & Jouad, H. (2002). Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiac diseases in the south-east region of Morocco (Tafilalet). Journal of ethnopharmacology, 82(2-3), 97-103.
2. Russo, E. B. (2007). History of cannabis and its preparations in saga, science, and sobriquet. Chemistry & biodiversity, 4(8), 1614-1648.
3. Westfall, R. E., Janssen, P. A., Lucas, P., & Capler, R. (2006). Survey of medicinal cannabis use among childbearing women: Patterns and correlates of use. Canadian journal of public health, 97(6), 451-455.