Part 2: Gina's Wellness Journey

Pregnancy and Herbal Medicine

I am excited to share about my pregnancy journey using herbal medicine! I've definitely opted for a more natural-focused pregnancy, trying to be mindful and in tune to my body every step of the way. It's not always easy, but many of the issues I've come across during each trimester Garden Root Remedy has had what I've needed to have the natural pregnancy that I've dreamed of!

PREPARING FOR PARENTHOOD

Now that I was able to regulate my cycle after getting off of oral contraception and balancing my hormones with herbal remedies, my body was in a better state of fertility than I could have ever planned for! 

I always wanted children but had feared the possibility of infertility because of the experiences I was seeing with many of my friends.   I didn’t want this fear to crush my mental health either, so I pursued what was in my control and that was my overall health and leaned into my faith for strength and wisdom as Jason and I prepared for parenthood. God had made it very clear to me that I was going to be a mother and this gave me the comfort I needed to no longer worry about my fertility journey.

Surely enough, about two months later, Jason and I found out that we were pregnant on October 4, 2024 (about 4 weeks pregnant from my last period)! We were just planning on practicing and seeing what happened following my cycle and fertility days… I guess our tracking was on point because that was too easy and it only took about a month of actually trying! 

We were both extremely grateful that my physical and mental health had made the process so stressless, which is a gift I wish for everyone to have at some point in their lives. I understand there can be challenges for many and my prayer is peace and comfort for those who have infertility obstacles.  For me, putting in the work into my mind and spirit helped me prepare for any outcome.  Mindful eating, movement or exercise, hormone health, and mental health were my focus for about three years - I think subconsciously preparing for this very moment… To be a mom!

My pregnancy journey has been so amazing.  I understand that every experience is so different from the next, but basking in the joy of our little gift has given me the determination needed to be well and stay positive, even in the crappy parts (hello, first trimester).  First trimester was a challenge as many know firsthand.  Symptoms like nausea, bloating, constipation, congestion, exhaustion, and a hint of anxiety were normal for the first 10-12 weeks until my hormones started to settle into the 2nd trimester. 

CUE IN HERBAL REMEDIES

What got me through the dreaded first trimester?  

My mom formulated an incredible nausea herbal tea that worked wonders for me.  I drank the tea every day for at least 3-4 weeks straight to help me through my worst days.  She offers this incredible tea upon special request for a mama in need!  The best part about working with a clinical herbalist, like my mom, is that she was able to create a custom tincture formulation to exclude the herbs that I am not able to take during pregnancy. After 8 weeks, my custom tincture was completed!  This custom tincture included modifications for my top remedies such as Aah Choo, Rumbles, Good Morning Sunshine, and other immune system herbs. 

The MagneZe Wellness Spray has also been a lifesaver for relaxation, restless and crampy legs, headaches, and for a good night’s sleep. I use this spray every evening and I notice a big difference when I forget it!  I would spray this on my belly to help with nausea on the most difficult days and it always helped take the edge off with the tea. 

Second Trimester Remedies

Electrolytes are very much needed in pregnancy and I’ve been loving the So Thirsty tea to help with daily hydration.  The best part about the teas is that they have no caffeine or sweeteners. My growing belly brought on some uncomfortable pains as well with the stretching of my round ligaments. That’s where my mom’s Calming the Storm salve has been a life saver. I lathered that on my belly every night to help with the growing pains. A true life saver!

As I ended my second trimester, I started getting some back pains and unwanted sciatica nerve flares as well. This is where I needed to start using the Mama’s Hot Stuff salve on my back and continued using the Calming the Storm salve on my sciatica and round ligament pains every evening. These two herbal salves have kept all of my pains almost non-existent during my second trimester. 

Beginning of the Third Trimester 

Now, I am a few weeks into my third trimester and we are growing steadily! I still use all of the remedies my mom has formulated and sells such as So Thirsty Tea, MagneZe Wellness Spray, Calming the Storm salve, Mama’s Hot Stuff Salve, and my custom tinctures. 

At about 36 weeks, I will start drinking our Mother’s Milk tea to help with milk production and labor. Stay tuned for how that goes as we enter into my final weeks carrying Maria’s first grandbaby!

Be Well & Take Care!

Gina Nasta Mende

Business Development, GRR Herbalist in Training

"Rooted in Nature, Blooming with Wellness."

Published On: April 22, 2025

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**FDA warning: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 **Always check with your doctor before using a new product or supplement if you have any questions or concerns about how a product may affect your current health, medications, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.