How to Make Your Own NORA Tea for Pregnancy
NORA tea is made from a powerful blend of herbs that many midwives recommend during pregnancy. It has numerous incredible benefits, and you can easily make it yourself!
I’ve known about the benefits of herbal teas for pregnancy since I was pregnant with my first. However, during this current pregnancy we got really busy with moving across the country, and I wasn’t drinking my tea as often as I knew I needed to be.
Around 28 weeks, the exhaustion hit, and I felt like I was back in my first trimester. I wondered if it was just a third-trimester thing, but it didn’t feel quite right. I realized I needed to give my body a boost, so I started drinking a quart of NORA tea each morning.
The difference was incredible! Within just a few days, I went from feeling like I needed a nap by 10 am to only needing 8 hours of sleep at night to have plenty of energy to spend the majority of the day on my feet.
Since then, NORA tea has become my strict morning routine, and now at 38 weeks of pregnancy, I’m still full of energy. This tea is now my #1 pregnancy staple!
What is NORA Tea?
NORA tea stands for nettle, oatstraw, red raspberry leaf, and alfalfa. Each one of these herbs is filled with vitamins and minerals, and together they make a powerful tea blend.
You can easily make it yourself or purchase it here if you prefer.
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Health Benefits of NORA Tea
Each of the herbs in NORA tea are full of impressive amounts of vitamins and minerals and have their own unique health benefits. Together they can make a big difference during pregnancy!
Nettle
Strengthen veins – If you’re struggling with varicose veins or simply want to actively prevent them, nettle is a wonderful herb to add to your routine.
Anti-inflammatory – The anti-inflammatory properties of nettle can relieve pregnancy discomfort and support overall wellbeing.
Combats fatigue – Fatigue in pregnancy can be caused by a nutrient shortage. With high amounts of vitamins and minerals including chlorophyll, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, D, & K, folate, phosphorus, and sulfur, nettle is a great way to help your body get all of the nutrition it needs.
Boosts iron stores – The chlorophyll in nettle helps your body increase iron stores which is especially important if you struggle with iron-deficiency anemia.
Increases milk supply – Nettle is known to stimulate breastmilk production and increase supply.
Prevents hemorrhaging – Rich in vitamin K and chlorophyll, nettle can be used to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Oatstaw
Supports nervous system – Oatstraw is extremely nourishing to your nervous system which helps reduce stress and anxiety, calm the body without causing tiredness, and promote better sleep.
Uterine tonic – Oatstraw is believed to strengthen the uterus which can promote an easier labor experience.
Balances hormones – Oatstraw is known to balance the endocrine system which can help with a smooth pregnancy.
Aids in healthy digestion – Another amazing benefit for pregnancy, oatstraw soothes the digestive tract.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Strengthens uterus – Probably the most well-known benefit of red raspberry leaf, a strong uterus can increase speed of labor, reduce pain, and even help prevent postpartum hemorrhaging.
Aids in hormone regulation – The B6 in red raspberry leaf binds to hormones in your body and helps to balance them.
Reduces swelling – Red raspberry leaf is a mild diuretic which can help reduce pregnancy swelling.
High in antioxidants – Antioxidants are extremely important to overall health reducing inflammation and preventing various health conditions.
Reduces morning sickness – While many providers don’t recommend consuming red raspberry leaf during the early part of pregnancy, it can be helpful to ease nausea later in pregnancy.
Alfalfa
High in vitamin K – Alfalfa is a great way to make sure you’re getting all of the vitamin K you and your baby need! It also helps to prevent postpartum hemorrhaging.
Increases milk supply – This is a great way to prevent nursing challenges that come from low breastmilk supply!
Contains large variety of nutrients – With numerous vitamins and minerals including potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E, alfalfa is a fantastic way to support overall health.
Helps balance blood sugar – Alfalfa is believed to support insulin function in your body and aid in balancing blood sugar.
Supports the digestive system – High in digestive enzymes, alfalfa can help your body more easily digest food. It also contains potassium which reduces constipation. Due to its abilities to regulate the stomach’s ph levels, it can even relieve heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers.
When to Start Drinking NORA Tea
Due to its ability to stimulate the uterus, many medical providers don’t recommend drinking NORA tea until at least after the first trimester is over and some suggest waiting until the third trimester. Most midwives recommend drinking it by the time you get to 16 weeks of pregnancy.
As with all health supplements during pregnancy, always speak to your medical provider before drinking NORA tea during pregnancy.
How Much NORA Tea Should I Drink?
Most midwives recommend drinking up to one quart of NORA tea a day. However, if you’re struggling to drink that much, just a cup or two would still be beneficial.
How to Store NORA Tea
You can store brewed NORA tea in a sealed glass container (such as a mason jar) in the fridge for 24 – 48 hours.
The dried NORA tea mixture, however, will last approximately a year when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark location.
Tools You May Need
Mason jars (for storage and brewing)
Ingredients for NORA Tea
For best results, use high quality, organic herbs. I like to purchase mine from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Dried nettle
Dried oatstraw
Dried red raspberry leaf
Dried alfalfa
How to Make NORA Tea
First, collect your herbs and combine them in a large mixing bowl.
Then stir until they are evenly mixed, and finally place in a glass container to store.
When you’re ready to brew your tea, add 1/4 cup of the NORA tea blend to a large tea infuser and place it in a quart mason jar.
Pour boiling water over the tea and fill up the jar. Cover and let it steep on the counter for up to a few hours and then place in the fridge overnight.
The next morning, you can start your day by drinking your nutrition-packed tea! It’s delicious cold or reheated.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
More Natural Pregnancy Tips
How to Make a Minimalist Baby Registry
How to Prepare for Postpartum – Best Tips & Tricks with Free Checklist
How to Prepare Meals for Postpartum – Ultimate Guide
Check out my Simple Living Printable Baby Book!
Whether you’re a home-birthing mama or just trying to live a little more simply, this baby book is designed with you in mind!
You can find more details and download it here.
NORA Tea
Delicious and packed with incredible health benefits, NORA tea is a staple for natural pregnancy!
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup red raspberry leaf
- 1 1/3 cup nettle
- 2/3 cup alfalfa
- 2/3 cup oatstraw
Instructions
- Place the herbs in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Store the dried tea mixture in a quart mason jar or similar airtight container.
- When you're ready to brew your tea, put 1/4 cup of the dried tea into a large tea strainer.
- Place the strainer in a quart mason jar and pour boiling water over the tea to fill up the jar.
- Cover and let steep on the counter for up to a few hours.
- Place in the fridge overnight.
- The next morning, enjoy your nutrition-packed tea! It's delicious cold or reheated.