How to Make Herbal Postpartum Recovery Padsicles

As I prepare for labor, I’m doing everything I can to make my postpartum healing as smooth and comfortable as possible. One of way I plan to support recovery naturally is by making herbal padsicles—frozen, herb-infused pads that help reduce swelling, soothe discomfort, and promote healing after birth.

These aren’t just any padsicles. They’re packed with powerful healing herbs that have been used for generations to support postpartum recovery. Whether you’re a first-time mom, experienced in postpartum care, or have a friend/family member getting ready to welcome a little one, this easy, beginner-friendly recipe will show you how to make your own.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional—just a mom-to-be who loves herbalism! This recipe is based on traditional herbal wisdom and my own research. Always check with your healthcare provider before using herbal remedies during postpartum recovery.

Why Use Herbal Padsicles for Postpartum Healing?

Postpartum can be rough on the body (or so I hear)—between swelling, soreness, and possible tearing, those first few weeks of recovery are all about soothing and healing.

Herbal padsicles offer cooling relief while delivering powerful plant-based benefits, including:

• Reducing swelling and inflammation

• Promoting tissue repair and wound healing

• Preventing infection with natural antiseptics

• Soothing discomfort from tearing or stitches

• Supporting overall vaginal and perineal health

Herbal Benefits: Why These Ingredients Work

Each herb in this recipe serves a specific purpose in promoting postpartum healing. If you’re new to herbalism, here’s a simple breakdown of why I chose these powerful ingredients:

Rosebuds – Astringent | Anti-inflammatory | Aromatherapeutic

• Rosebuds help tighten and tone tissues, reducing swelling and promoting faster healing. They also have anti-inflammatory properties to soothe soreness and irritation. Plus, their natural fragrance provides a calming effect—because postpartum recovery is just as much about emotional well-being as it is about physical healing.

Shepherd’s Purse – Hemostatic | Astringent | Wound Healing

• Traditionally used to reduce postpartum bleeding, shepherd’s purse helps tone the uterus and control excessive blood flow. Its astringent properties also support perineal healing, making it a great addition to postpartum care.

Yarrow – Hemostatic | Anti-inflammatory | Antimicrobial

• Yarrow is a powerhouse for stopping minor bleeding and promoting tissue repair. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help prevent infection while reducing swelling and discomfort.

Uva Ursi – Antiseptic | Astringent | Anti-inflammatory

• Known for its urinary tract support, uva ursi has natural antiseptic properties that help prevent infections. It also acts as an astringent, helping to tighten tissues and speed up recovery.

Comfrey Root – Cell Regeneration | Anti-inflammatory | Demulcent

• Comfrey root is rich in allantoin, a compound that promotes cell regeneration and accelerates wound healing. It forms a protective barrier over the skin, reducing irritation and helping tissues recover faster.

Lavender – Calming | Anti-inflammatory | Antimicrobial

• Lavender is well-known for its soothing aroma, but it’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herb. It helps calm both the mind and the body, making it a great addition for postpartum relief.

Garlic – Antimicrobial | Anti-inflammatory | Circulatory Support

• Garlic is a natural antibiotic, helping to protect against infections. It also reduces inflammation and improves circulation, ensuring that healing nutrients reach the perineal area.

How to Make Herbal Postpartum Padsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups rosebuds

• 1 ½ cups shepherd’s purse

• 1 ½ cups yarrow

• 1 ½ cups uva ursi

• 1 ½ cups comfrey root

• 2 cups lavender

• 6 cloves garlic peeled

• Organic cotton pads (longest size available)

• Witch hazel (alcohol-free)

• 100% aloe vera gel

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Herbs – In a large bowl, combine all the dried herbs. Use a mortar and pestle to lightly crush the denser ingredients (like rosebuds and comfrey root) for better extraction.

2. Make the Herbal Infusion – Place the herbs into a large cheesecloth and tie it up securely, creating a giant tea bag. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add 6 cloves of garlic, and let it boil for 3 minutes. Then, remove from heat, add the herb bundle, and let it steep for 40 minutes.

3. Strain the Solution – Once the infusion is done, strain out all the herbs, making sure to extract every last drop of the healing liquid.

4. Assemble the Padsicles – Lay out the organic cotton pads and use a clean baster to saturate the middle of each pad with the herbal infusion. Follow with a layer of witch hazel and spread 100% aloe vera over the pad using the back of a spoon.

5. Freeze for Later – Rewrap each pad in its original wrapper, place them in a freezer bag, and store them in the freezer.

How to Use Herbal Padsicles

Using these postpartum padsicles is super simple:

• Remove from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes before use.

• Place in your underwear like a regular pad for cooling relief.

• Use multiple times a day in the first week postpartum for the best results.

Taking the time to prepare for postpartum is just as important as prepping for labor. These herbal padsicles are an easy, natural way to support your body’s healing while also giving yourself a little extra self-care during recovery.

If you make these, I’d love to hear how they work for you! Drop a comment below or tag me on social media. Wishing you a smooth and gentle postpartum healing journey!