Q: Dear Susan Weed, Excellant website, wonderful books. I have a question that I couldn't find answered in your resources. I am 36 and I had two miscarries before I even missed a period. My accupunturist felt it was hormonal, low proestrogen levels in second half of the cycle. Due to chronic stress for 2 years about a year ago. She put me on a blend of raspberry, dongquai and vitex and told me to relax as much as possible and wait 5 months before trying again. I am now preganant again (just one week)--can and should I stay on vitex and/or dongquai, do I need to, or is it harmful. I have found so much conflicting research and I am not sure what to do. I really would not like to lose this pregnancy.
Many thanks!
All best...
A; Hello, thank you for writing. I can only answer you with my opinion based on my experience and learning to date. Since though you originally took these herbs at the advice of this one person, perhaps you would like to consult with that person too. I love Red Raspberry as a uterine tonic and Vitex as a wonderful support for those wishing to smooth out hormonal production in a manner most helpful for conceiving. However to me it matters how I take these herbs. Red Raspberry leaves I prepare as an infusion and drink regularly. In fact I highly recommend it for those who are pregnant, next to Nettle leaf infusions. I drank it through my whole pregnancy and beyond! Vitex berries I prefer prepared as a tincture and taken by the dropperful several times a day. Researching, I have come to believe if this helped one conceive, especially with history of miscarriage, that it would be worthwhile to continue through the first trimester. I would then slowly decrease then stop so not taking in last months of pregnancy since it may decrease prolactin levels. I do not have much personal experience with Dong Quai though so have no comment on that right now.
I love your acupuncturist's recommendation to relax and wait before trying again. I encourage you to read this article on fertility after forty, it applies to you as well. Like you said there is a lot of conflicting advice out there. Mine is only one. If you find a source you consider reputable that counters what I say I am willing to explore it with you, though in the end you may have to weigh all the ideas out there and see what feels most right for you. I know you want this pregnancy to succeed and I want it for you as well (by the way, how are you able to know you are pregnant after just one week?) Your thoughts are just as important as anything else you choose to do to help support your pregnancy. Personally, I like to sit with the plants, or if not able, read about them, see pictures (or memories in my mind) and sit with the herbal preparations, to help me decide what feels best for me.
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: Karen,
Thanks so much for the quick and very, very helpful reply.
Re: Vitex--is it better as a tinture than as a capsule? I have both. And why is one way better than the other?
I have been drinking Red Raspberry and nettle and will continue.
Any ideas on False Unicorn?
My period is due Feb 15th so at this stage I guess I am 10-14 days--or so. I can tell as it is same feeling all three times now. Immediate breast enlargement and nipple tenderness, immediate indigestion and tiredness.
I will join the forum. Thank you thank you!
What would you charge for an phone consultation? Or continued email consultation?
I would really feel more comfortable if I was able to have the support of a herbalist throughout the pregnancy. There is no such support available in Holland--they seem very far behind here--and herbs are a very important part of my life. I believe that everything can be healed by herbs, accupunture and a positive, joyful mind.
A: This is a wonderful phrase you wrote!
"I believe that everything can be healed by herbs, accupunture and a positive, joyful mind."
Right now I do not charge for consultation. Susun Weed pays me to help with this email. So consider it her gift to you; and my absolute pleasure to give :) You are very welcome to write any time.
I do hope you join the forum. I think you will find it a great source of support for you through your pregnancy as well!
How we prepare an herb affects what constituents we draw out of it. We choose what part of an herb to harvest, what time of year to harvest it, and even what conditions to harvest it growing in, all based on what aspect of the plant we want to work with. The menstruum (liquid) we prepare it in is just as important. It also affects how easily it will be assimilated by us and how much we are really consuming. Regarding Vitex berries I have heard the two best forms to consume it are prepared as a tincture and the dried berry ground and sprinkled on food. Perhaps the latter is similar to what is consumed in a capsule, though you would have the capsule in the way, and I would wonder if you are getting less per day than is recommended. I personally like as close a relationship with the plants as I can. For me this means harvesting my own fresh herb with my bare hands and preparing them in my kitchen or on my porch. If I must buy the herb harvested by someone else, as I do with Vitex berries, I at least want to handle the dried berry and still make my own tincture. Beyond this, I would at the very least want to feel the herb in my body as much as possible. In this case it would be to ingest the ground berries without the capsules in the way. I think this helps me develop a relationship with that which I am asking to help me.
So wonderful to hear you are drinking Red Raspberry and Nettle leaf infusions!
I have not yet worked much with False Unicorn, so anything I could say would be book knowledge. If you wish though I am happy to read about it in some of the herbals I own from herbalists I respect. If so, please tell me what specifically you want to know about this herb.
lots of love, and really you are welcome to write any time!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Dear Susan,
I am 38yrs old. I am a mother of a 19yr old and a 8yrs old. I have recently had 2 miscarriages and I am 13 weeks preganant. I was just told I have at least 8 fibroids. One is measuring at 7cm. I purchased the following herbs; Red Raspberry Leaf, Nettle Leaf, Dandelion Root, and corn silk. All of these herbs are in the tea bag formula. Will they shrink my fibriods? Are do I need another herb? Someone mention Flax seed oil? I don't know what to do. Can you please help me.
Thanks,
April F
Posted by: April | December 16, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Hi April! I see you wrote this 2 weeks ago.. How is your pregnancy, how are you feeling. As you may see by the above Q&A Susun does not answer email, or type here since she does not have internet. Have you read her article on fibroids: http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Article-fibroids.htm
It is common for fibroids to grow in pregnancy. Seven seems a lot. Do you believe these are the cause of your earlier miscarriages. Sometimes a miscarriage occurs when conception comes easy because our progesterone levels do not stay up in the early weeks or months. To counter many have worked with Vitex berry tincture regularly, both for this and to help reduce fibroids. However, it is often contraindicated in the last trimester as some claim it can reduce prolactin levels. I have heard conflicting reports on this though.
The herbs you mention are wonderful yes, though I do not know if they will shrink your fibroids. And I would focus on one or two specifically for best nourishment. My love for pregnany women is Red Raspberry leaves and Nettle leaves, both prepared separately and as an infusion. The former would be my focus in your situation, though I do not know it will shrink the fibroids it can best nourish your healthy uterus!
I hope all is wonderfully well...
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | December 29, 2006 at 11:20 AM
Period problems. Ever since I can remember my periods were inconsistent. I would go months months months without them. Then I hit 35 and they got regular every 30 days. Never had any pain, get cold a few days or weeks before hand. Hot the day of then have a heavy period that last 4 - 5 days. I was pregnant about 4 years ago but miscarried at about 2 months. I had an ultrasound and they found a 5 cm dermoid cyst. Had it removed about 3 years ago thru a lap. Periods still fine but the bloating each month and the painful swollen breast are terrible. I do believe I never ovulate. I remember reading susans book back before I got pregnant and taking the herbs vitex, red raspberry and licorice. I think they are the only reasons I got pregnant.
I want children but have noticed that I get hair on my chin and stomach (one little hair in each place) since the surgery. I got thru days of being bloated to days of looking like I lost a weight and dehrated.
I took the happy pms cream (gained weight) but that was because everything I read on the internet felt I was estrogen dominate. I went to doctors and they feel I am fine any never will do the tests. Guess my question if you are not ovulating is there a great herb/comb that will help?
Posted by: Lara | February 13, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Lara, have you worked with the Fertility Awareness method? This will help you get an idea of your cycles, if and when you ovulate and how the troubles relate to your ovulation. With your description of cold and heat it sounds you can be very in tune with your body, and this method may be great to fine tune this and help get you some direction.
The medical world's definition of something amiss is something they can find in their limited tests that does not fit into their established parameters for all people.
It if for you to determine if you have something you consider a problem you wish to address.
Hair is also simply a part of getting older often. I assume the cyst was on your ovary? Perhaps your ovaries need some loving care.
I would choose to start simple, and first look at stress, lifestyle and diet and see if there is anything you feel is wonderful and wish to put further focus on, like certain foods, activities, thoughts, etc.
Perhaps you would like to once again work with an infusion, like Red Raspberry leaf... or tincture of Vitex berries. What are you feeling drawn to?
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | March 02, 2007 at 04:05 PM
hi i heard taking vitex while pregnant its bad it is true? what can happen if you are 2 weks pregnant and taking vitex agnus castus??
Posted by: viviana | March 30, 2007 at 08:26 AM
I am pregnant, but my progesterone levels are very low. My doctor has suggested to take alfalfa seeds steamed or any other form. I have read so many articles about alfalfa and some have negative comments about it. I am wondering if it would really help. Another thing he suggested was lotus seeds to increase progesterone levels. Can you provide your thoughts on this and whether I should take these herbs.
Posted by: SP | May 10, 2007 at 07:03 AM
Viviana, I only work with this herbs, Vitex agnus-castus as a tincture of the fresh or dried berries, or the dried berries ground and sprinkled on foods. The amount of tincture I work with is a dropperful in water 2-4 times a day for up to a couple years.
That said, here is what I believe to be true. I have heard this concern before so researched it. The only claims I have found warning of its use while pregnant is either simply mention, from those not in the herbal field, that there is not enough scientific research so for safety sake pregnant women should avoid (meaning no formal test was done, but nothing documented about it being unsafe either) or I hear from some that it can lower prolactin levels. For the former concern I trust those herbalists that have been in the fields for decades, learning from others before them in the field for decades, who would not recommend an herb that they ever saw harm a pregnant woman. For the latter, even those who mention it may lower prolactin levels, they say then to discontinue use in last trimester of pregnancy.
For these reasons I see no reason to fear taking it for fertility then becoming pregnant while still taking it. In fact I believe that for those who have lost some pregnancies early on because of low progesterone levels, continuing through the first few months may help a conception hold.
Further, while some do mention it may lower prolactin levels, even more mention that women who are nursing can use this herb safely to increase the amount and quality of their breast milk. I am inclined to believe this latter, but just in case still suggest we discontinue by the last trimester to insure we are off to a good start. Then continue again post birth and monitor for ourselves how our breast milk is affected.
Still, you do not know me (I believe) other than through here. And for everyone for any decision I encourage you to continue research if you wish. Question too those who warn against it. Ask for documents of harm done. I can not offer that, nor documents of help, short of posting, in time, success stories here from people themselves. In the end I trust your judgment, what you feel to be true and best for you and your child, or for those you love.
love and blessings,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | May 21, 2007 at 11:23 AM
SP, I would love to comment, as I love to support a pregnant woman, and I imagine you are concerned. I want for your a wonderful pregnancy!
However, these are not two herbs I work with. I only speak of those I have more experience of. So they may or may not work, just have not been in my medicine bag as of yet.
I had in the past heard of drinking alfalfa infusions - for overall health though, no mention of the progesterone. Then I heard this renounced because of how highly sprayed the crops often are. Perhaps this is the concern you heard about. If you can find out for sure, then buying organic may solve you problem. Lotus does not grow anywhere near me that I know of so I have never learned of it.
I wish I could help more. How far along are you? Do you feel your pregnancy is not strong right now?
love and blessings,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | May 21, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Hi Karen:
I just found today your response to me. Very excited....and Thank you so much for responding.
In April I has another miscarriage. I was pregnant only a few short weeks when the incredible chill took hold of me (had the heat up over 90 and still freezing cold) This cold feeling went on for a week and then the bleeding started and the breast stopped feeling swollen. In the middle of the period this large clot fell out while in the bathroom. It was just like last time though last time I was pregnant for 2 months this one was about 2 1/2 weeks. Weird feeling to have something fall out of you.
My periods are about 30 days in between. I generally get these incredible chills 1 week to 2 weeks before that last me an entire week.
The dermoid cyst was on my right ovary. Not sure if I get pms but my breast swell up - big time. Then when my periods start they go back down to normal. I hate the two weeks my breast swell because nothing fits. PMS pills never work. I am not usually bloated any where else during this time. No real cravings.
Since I wrote I started using red clover. I feel better but still get those chills - just not as bad. Breast still swell - bad. I was wondering how the heck do you tell if you ovulate? I was told if you get pms you do not ovulate.
I was thinking of taking red raspberry and vitex and maybe some licorice. Which is the best for getting you to ovulate? I do remember one thing, when I took these herbs some time ago before my first pregnancy - I never had chills.
Also, what should I take as soon as I get pregnant so that those cold chills stay away? I mean when those chills come I know the end is near.
The doctors here think I am nuts but hey I know my body.
Thank you again for being so kind and responding earlier. You made my day today.
Lara
Posted by: Lara | July 20, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Hi there, i have read you are saying that vitex got this lady pregnant...
but vitex is extremely contraindicated in pregancy
so you should discontinue use of this as i am a studying naturopath and Vitex is to help with scant menustruation and may cause a miscarriage
Posted by: Rebecca | August 12, 2007 at 02:22 AM
And yes it is very good for helping with fertility to regulate this pattern but you should discontiune use when you are pregnant or want to be pregnant
Posted by: Rebecca | August 12, 2007 at 02:23 AM
Lara, I apologize for such a late reply!! It has been an insane summer and some of my projects had to take a back seat.... I am back :)
I feel even more so about you trying the fertility awareness method. It will help you even more intimately associate aspects of your cycle and put pieces together, as well as help you know when an if you ovulate. Another thing it can give you an indication of whether progesterone levels could be a cause of your miscarriages.
The FAM along with fertility supporting herbs can help you ovulate perhaps, if you are not doing so now. I am glad you are enjoying the Red Clover blossom infusions. If you add something else I suggest you do so one at a time. I feel inclined to Vitex tincture. That way if progesterone is a problem then this may help you hold a pregnancy should you conceive. I know it could be hard, but try to imagine feeling that temp change and your pregnancy still holding! just to eliminate the will of the mind as an additional inflence.
Did you have the chills pre pregnancy and pre herbs?
love and blessings,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | September 21, 2007 at 03:06 PM
Rebecca, thank you for your thoughts. If one wanted to be more fertile and get pregnant, so took Vitex as you say it is good for this, how would one then know when to stop if you are saying to do so when "you want to be pregnant" I understand your are studying. I am too, continuously. As I have heard this concern in the past I have researched often and have only heard mention of it decreasing prolactin levels in some if taken in the last trimester. Though some say it increases levels! I could not find one study that says this herb increases risk of miscarriage. Do you have any? And do you know what form of the herb you are referring to and in what amounts?
If you are saying that since this herb can help one with scanty bleeding increase bleeding to what one consider a more healthful level then it would also cause a pregnant woman to bleed, I would question then the logic. Yes, there are emmenagogues that start a woman's bleeding by certain actions, quite forcefully. These then I would hesitate to recommend in large enough quantities they could force a miscarriage. However some herbs work more gently, nourishing or tonifying one's uterus or hormonal system so it functions more optimally. No healthy nourished reproductive system will abort a healthy strong pregnancy as a result of it being healthy and nourished. This is the effect of the Vitex to my experience.
Really I am very happy to hear more information it you have any.
Thank you for your thoughts,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | September 21, 2007 at 03:16 PM
I was wondering, I am 7 weeks pregnant and have been taking a natural progestrone cream. I had been taking it before I even became pregnant to help me with my moods and bad periods and then I was told that it would be perfectly fine to take during pregnancy too. But I have also read and heard that it could be bad and cause damage for the baby. I am not sure what I should believe. Is it ok for me to continue my natural progestrone cream during my pregnancy?
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | December 15, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Leslie, I am unsure too. I have heard both it is completely ineffectual, therefore perhaps not harmful?, or harmful. In what way are you "taking it"? and how is it made, what is it made of?
congratulations on your pregnancy!
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | January 04, 2008 at 10:27 AM
iam a 42 y/o woman that had 3 prgnancy my baby is 19 and i had my tubes tied for 16 years i had the one reversed in 2005 that tube was blocked for 1 year the i had a HSG it was than open took all type of fertility enhancers nothing has worked no i tried ovulux my periods became regular but not ovulating now my periods or 34 day cycle and might skip a month causing me to think iam pregant and when i began to wonder of the possibility than my period come along with disappointment for me an my husband that 29 years old is their any help out their for me and iam also a ivf failure
Posted by: hopeful | March 30, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Hello hopeful, please know you are a beautiful wonderful woman!! You are not a failure of any sort. Perhaps you tried IVF and it did not take, but please first know you are perfect as you are whether or not you conceive again.
I hear you and your husband want a child. There are a lot of suggestions above, are there any that appeal to you?
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | April 05, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Im going to be 45 years old soon and i have regular periods. The last month i had an anovulatory cycle and mi period is missed, it was suppose to come seven days ago. I am not pregnant, but i would want it. I was drinking the vitex tincture since 2 months ago, but i decided to stop it because i dont know if it was the cause that my period not come yet.Please tell me what to do to help my period coming back?
Thanks,
Viviana
Posted by: Viviana | December 17, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Viviana, as you head through menopause you are going from a time of regular cycles to a time of no bleeding. Along the way you will have some times of no or late or extra bleeding times.
In fact, many women who experience the irregular cycles find that Vitex berry tincture, a dropperful 2-4 times a day, helps the cycle smooth out again, even helps one ovulate a little bit more before being done.
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | December 19, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I am wondering how much vitex to take, and doe I start it the first day of my period, and keep taking it daily until the last few months of pregnancy? I too have low progesterone, was on a supplement last pregnancy a year ago. Anyway, I think I understand that 2 dropperfuls daily from day one of my cycle to the last trimester will not hurt anything. Is this correct? I am trying to conceive our 4th baby and I will be 43. I have had 3 children since I was 39. Thanks for your help.
Posted by: Lorie | December 12, 2010 at 08:17 PM
Yes, you're right. In your case, dosage would be 1 dropperful, 2-3 times a day and then discontinued during your last trimester.
Blessings,
Wise Woman Team
Posted by: Kim | December 19, 2010 at 10:01 AM
i am trying to become pregnant, and i have irregular periods. i read that vitex chastberry can regulate my cycles and help me ovulate and help me concieve. i havent had a period now since april 30 today is june 27th my i have taken several hpt and all neg but i have been having pms/preg symptoms for about a month sore breasts,lower backache,light cramps,and bloating. anyway what i want to know is if i start taking vitex i have the 500mg capsuls today if i am indeed pregnant will is cause me to miscarry ? and if im not pregnant and i start taking it today how do i take the capsuls? 1or2 a day until i become pregnant do i take a break anytime in the month? pls help thanks!!
Posted by: jessica | June 27, 2011 at 09:09 AM
I just want to say vitex is amazing. I tried to conceive for 3.5 years, had 2 failed ivf cycles. We started the adoption process and I also started vitex to help regulate cycles. When our adopted son was 6 days old I found out I was pregnant. I only took vitex for 4 months. My youngest son is 3 and I will be starting vitex again soon.
Posted by: Amber | September 08, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Forgot to say this is a great blog.
Posted by: Amber | September 08, 2011 at 08:33 PM
i too have had past early miscarriages. i started taking vitex after ovulation to maintain temperature above my coverline. due to varying temperatures i believe i have low progesterone issues. i got a positive pregnancy test 2 days ago (yay!)and want to keep taking vitex to maintain progesterone levels. i have been taking 240 drops of tincture each morning. is this a safe dose for pregnancy?
Posted by: freddi | September 15, 2011 at 02:03 PM