5-W is a capsuled herbal combination by Nature's Sunshine. It's been used for over 20 years worldwide with many midwives proclaiming great success from it's potential benefits. 5W is extremely difficult to source within Australia! 

It contains a proprietary blend of Black Cohosh, Raspberry Leaf, Squaw Vine, Dong Quai and Butcher’s Broom.

It's name is due to its recommendation to be used in the last 5 weeks of pregnancy. This specific blend of herbs are aimed at preparing the body for labour and birth in various ways. 

Black Cohosh - provides mild oestrogenic activity and soothes irritation of the cervix, uterus and vagina. According to research findings, Black Cohosh alleviates the pain and distress associated with pregnancy, and stimulates uterine contractions, ‘facilitating an easier, quicker and uncomplicated labour and birth'. Black Cohosh also contains salicylic acid, so acts as an anti-inflammatory, a mild sedative, smooth muscle relaxant and mild analgesic.  

Raspberry Leaf - contains many minerals and vitamins, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, vitamin A, B complex, C and E. These nutrients make it an excellent prevention and treatment for anaemia and leg cramps, and the high mineral content also assists in the production of quality breast milk. It also helps to reduce uterine swelling following birth, promoting expulsion of the placenta and decreasing postpartum bleeding.

It does not start labour or promote contractions; it strengthens the pelvic and uterine muscles so that once labour does start, it will be more efficient.  It also contains an active alkaloid called fragrine, which exerts its ability to tonify pelvic muscles and the uterus. 

Squaw Vine - is regarded as a female fertility and pregnancy tonic herb, known for its specific actions affecting the uterus; stimulating circulation, relieving congestion, improving tone and relaxing spasms. It also has diuretic and sedative effects. Squaw Vine has long been used to help labour pain, nervous exhaustion and is employed extensively to aid labour and birth.                                 

Dong Quai - a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb, it can be used for various ailments of female fertility and reproductive health. Safe for use in late pregnancy, it is used to promote an easier labour; providing smooth-muscle relaxing, sedative and analgesic qualities.                        

Butcher’s Broom - often regarded as a circulatory tonic, it has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory, diuretic and vasoconstrictive (blood vessel narrowing) properties, as well as the ability to reduce capillary permeability. These combined actions help prevent formation of, as well as aid in the treatment of haemorrhoids and varicose veins. In Europe, a standardised extract of Butcher’s Broom is commonly employed for treating venous pain, cramps, oedema, and varicose ulcers, particularly during and after pregnancy. 

Specific dosage instructions come with 5W. Following the dosage chart, if begun at 35 weeks one bottle of 100 capsules will last up to day one of 40 weeks.  You may purchase two bottles so if there are no signs of readiness for labour, they continue to take it at the recommended dose. A second bottle will take you to a little over 42 weeks.

If you are already beyond 35 weeks, you can still use 5W and just start at the dose relative to your week of pregnancy. This dosage info is included.