NORA Tea
To be honest, it is the perfect drink for equestrians because it seriously tastes like the barn. NORA tea is a drink of choice for many pregnant women, as it is a uterine and blood tonic full of helpful benefits. We’ll dive into all of those here, but before we do, make sure to check with your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe for you to enjoy this beverage. Also, note that there are many ways to brew NORA tea with varying strengths. The longer it steeps, the stronger it will taste and its potency will be. Start with a weaker dilution, and work your way to the strong stuff as labor approaches. You can even sip it through labor to keep you hydrated and feeling strong.
N is for Nettles
You’ve probably seen your horse chomp away at nettles a million times. Nettles are full of iron and vitamins, as well as chlorophyll which will help oxygenate your blood.
O is for Oat straw
Seriously, the first time I opened a bag of oat straw I was like, why don’t I just go to the hay barn? Seems like the same stuff. Of course, the human grade one is much cleaner and more safe to eat. Oat straw is full of vitamins and minerals, but also is helpful for breastmilk production.
R is for Red Raspberry Leaf
This one could really be a standalone, and is known as a uterine tonic. This is also the one you want to be careful with because too much and too strong can cause contractions. But in its correct dilution, and in a healthy pregnancy, its safe to drink and can help strengthen your uterus for effective labor and quick recovery.
A is for Alfalfa
Yes, that alfalfa. Another trip to the hay barn? Also full of vitamins, minerals, and chlorphyll to help support healthy blood and a healthy pregnancy.
Check out this resource all about the benefits and how to prepare NORA tea at home.
Toward the end of my pregnancy it was a very hot summer, so when I got home from the barn I enjoyed my NORA tea like this:
Iced NORA tea leftover from the hot cup I had at breakfast
Coconut water
Raspberry flavored probiotic powder
Tart cherry juice to help me sleep
Lemonade flavored electrolyte powder
Lots of ice
I would fill a large mason jar with all of this goodness, put on some comfy pants, and go sit on the couch with my feet up to watch anything with Gordon Ramsay in it. This drink truly got me through the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Enjoy, and be well.