Q: I am very interested in trying red clover for enhancing my fertility. I am currently taking organic maca root powder everyday. Is there any reason I should not take maca root and red clover at the same time?
I have read that the red clover tincture or pills are not as effective. Can you tell me how or where I can purchase the dried red clover blossoms to make the infusions? Thanks!
A: Hello. I understand dried maca root to be like dried potato or any other starchy vegetable, so do not know any reason they should not be taken with Red Clover blossom infusions, which is nourishing. I do not work with Maca or capsules so could not comment on this more definitively.
It is true the pills or tincture are often found to not be as effective as the infusions of the Red Clover blossoms. Most herbal suppliers carry them. You can check this list of herbal vendors. Be sure to choose the blossoms, not whole herb. When I harvest, I harvest only the blossom with the three adjacent leaves attached. For cost, I favor Frontier and Mountain Rose for these.
Write any time!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: Thanks for your response!
Does red clover increase or decrease estrogen? I read that maca root decreases estrogen.
I have only used maca for part of one cycle. I want to give it a good 2/3/4 cycles to see how it helps. I also want to try red clover, if necessary, but I do not want them to work against each other.
But you are correct about the maca, it is a food, much like a turnip. It is an adaptogen.
Thanks for your wisdom.
A: Hello, I understand you wish to take these herbs to enhance fertility. Red Clover does contain phytoestrogens, among many other rich qualities. It can not contain human estrogen.
I do not know if these two plants work against each other - this is a good question. I do however still see Red Clover as wonderful for enhancing fertility, for qualities likely beyond just the phytoestrogens. The article you mention promotes the use of soy for its isoflavones. While I do not agree with the use of unfermented soy, Red Clover gives the same benefits of soy without the side effects we do not wish. You can read a bit more about this in the article Phytoestrogens: Friend or Foe?
It is a bit confusing I know. The article says Vitex increases progesterone. However it is my belief and that of many others that it more directly supports hormone function so that we naturally increase the progesterone if that is needed in our system. This may be the case with the statements of both maca and red clover. They support our system to do what is in our best interest. In which case one would not counter the other, but moreso compliment each other.
Blessings,
Karen Joy
Q: Thanks, Karen! Just wanted to let you know that Ken Johnson, of the website "therootof the matter", wrote me this about maca and red clover:
I don't know "precisely", but I can assure you there is no problem using both of them together.
Maca and red clover are both two of the most safe, harmless, and not needing to be worried about herbs going. Red clover is about the safest herb in existence. I would not think twice about using both of them.
I have another question about red clover: I ordered my red clover about a week and a half ago. It should arrive tomorrow, but I am already one week into my new cycle. I will be away from home for 3 nights this week. I am considering waiting until I return home to start taking my red clover infusions. When is the best time in the cycle to start taking red clover? Is it a problem to start mid-cycle?
Thanks so much for all your help!
A: You can start and use Red Clover blossom infusions any time of your cycle. Perhaps you have already started? I am glad the words from Ken seem to reassure you.... enjoy!!
love and blessings,
Karen Joy
Q: Hi Karen! Thank you so much for being patient with me and answering my many questions! I started drinking red clover infusion on Sunday. I have a few questions: I have found that I prefer to warm my infusion in a cup in the microwave and add a little table sugar. Is that somehow lessening the effectiveness of the infusion? Also, is there a time limit as to how long the blossoms should stay in the water? For now, I am only drinking one cup a day, but I am preparing 2 cups at a time. If I strain one cup, should I strain the other cup for drinking the next day? Or is it OK to let the blossoms stay in the infusion for several hours, even more than 24 hours?
Sorry for the questions...I just want to get the full benefit by doing it right!!!
Thanks again, and blessings to you!
A: I love my work! Ask all the question you want :) It does not matter what you do with the infusion once brewed. If it is getting in your body all the benefit is there, whether you mix it with sugar, juice, soup, or your favorite cocktail! Many of us do as you do and leave the herb in until we strain to drink, no worries. I understand wanting to do it right. You are doing great!! And write any time.
blessings and love,
Karen Joy
Q: Hi Karen! Just wanted to let you know that I took the red clover infusions from April through June (one cup a day), and yesterday I heard my new baby's heartbeat!!! I will be 12 weeks tomorrow. My husband, our 8 year old son and I are all very happy. I am a Christian, so I give God all the credit for this miracle, but I believe the red clover infusions definitely increased my fertility! (I believe God created the red clover for our benefit, and he gave us wisdom to use it!)
I had lost my right fallopian tube 8 years ago when I had a c-section when my son was born. But even more miraculous, I ovulated on my right side when I became pregnant! The ultrasound tech confirmed this 5 weeks ago. She said "are you sure you don't have a tube on the right side? " She also said "That was one determined egg!"
Should we desire to become pregnant again, I will not hesitate to take red clover infusions again. Any women I speak with about fertility, I will certainly recommend the red clover!
Please accept my thanks, and please let Susun know my thanks as well. Thank you both for having knowledge and wisdom about herbs, and thanks for sharing it with women around the world!!!
God Bless.
A: This is wonderful!!! Congratulations to you and your family!! I agree the Earth is richly blessed, as are we with wisdom well beyond our own. I will certainly share this with Susun. I would love to hear how your pregnancy goes along. I wish you a wonderful one and beautiful birth!
love and best blessings,
Karen Joy
Q: Hi again Karen! I just wanted to update you on my pregnancy.
I am now 26 weeks. This morning, I took the 3 hour glucose tolerance test. I took the one hour test on Friday, and my blood sugar level was 185. I will get the results of the 3 hour test tomorrow. Even if I am not labeled as "gestational diabetic", it is evident that I need to take steps to better control my blood sugar. Can you recommend a supplement that I could take that would help control blood sugar that is, of course, safe for my baby and me? I do plan to make some diet modifications, but I would, of course, prefer not to take insulin injections.
Also, I do plan to breastfeed, as often as I can for as long as I can. What supplement/herb could I take in the last weeks of pregnancy to help develop wonderfully rich breastmilk? What should I take after delivery and throughout nursing?
I am so looking forward to holding my baby and nurturing my baby! I feel him moving everyday! My eight-year-old son actually felt the baby kick on Friday night...that was exciting! And last night, my husband saw my stomach kind of vibrate when the baby kicked....he was in awe!!!
God Bless.
A: I know that excitement, I am so happy for you and your family!!
For me the best medicine for blood sugar levels is food - more protein rich foods, nutrient rich foods, smaller more evenly spaced more frequent meals, and a good solid start to the day. Is this what you plan to do?
In general, women nourishing themselves well will have enough breast milk for their babe. For a list of galactagues to stimulate more milk, you can read this excerpt from Susun's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year.
lots of love,
Karen Joy
Hi there,
I am having trouble trying to conceive. I have fell pregnant before but sadly miscarried :(
Do you think taking Red Clover will help me conceive? Or is there any other supplement you can suggest?
Also is it safe to take folic acid along with any herbal remedy?
Posted by: Hayley | October 18, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Red Clover blossom infusions has helped some conceive. It may help you. It is nourishing, so will not hurt you. As such I don't know of any contraindication between this and folic acid supplements.
If you miscarried early due to low progesterone, Vitex berry tincture may help you as well. A dropperful in liquid 2-4 times a day.
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | October 29, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Hi there. I have read how helpful you were. My husband and I have been ttc for 2 years. We have unexplained fertility and are basically leaving it in God's hands. I have just started taking red clover pills and red raspberry leaf. It has been a full month. I am taking 2 pills of each togetehr, twice a day. Is this the best way to take them in order to balance? My cycles vary from 24-30 days and flow is for 1-3 days. Do you suggest anything else? Kepp us in your prayers.
God bless!
Posted by: cyndi | November 04, 2008 at 05:00 PM
You are in my thoughts for sure!!
I do not know if pills will be helpful. I by far prefer the benefits of both these herbs prepared as infusions.
You take an ounce of herb (either Red Clover blossoms or Red Raspberry leaves) - about a large handful - and put in a quart jar. Pour boiling water over, cover and let sit on your counter for 4 hours or even overnight. After 4 hours or in the morn, strain out the herb into another jar or glass and enjoy at the pace you like.
You can alternate between the two herbs each day or couple days as you wish. Think of these as good food! You can taste the herb and feel the qualities of these water preparations. Far better than pills or capsules, far more intimate. Plants work in relationship with us. They are not substances, they are full of life that supports our life and health!
lots of love to you and husband,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | November 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Greetings. I am seeking advice in planning the best recovery from a recent miscarriage(s). I am 33 years old and conceived twins (my first pregnancy) in August. They stopped developing at about seven weeks and I miscarried one at 13 weeks and one at 15 weeks, about five days ago. The worst of the bleeding is now becoming very light and I have had a follow up blood test which showed only mild anemia. As I had I high volume of blood loss and experienced two miscarriages within two weeks, I am pleased to be as healthy as I am and I attribute it largely to preventative care including nettle tea and emphasis on an iron rich diet as I prepared for the miscarriages. In this cycle, I would now like to focus on the best use of herbs for recovery of a healthy hormonal balance and restoring my uterus, as well as restoring my red blood cells. My husband and I would like to begin trying to conceive again in my next menstrual cycle or the cycle after and would like to use herbs that would support the conception and the healthy development of our next baby. I have recently ordered Susun's book on the use of herbs in the childbearing year and look forward to putting the wisdom there into practice, but would really appreciate any advice you can provide that is specific to my situation. My immediate plan is to enjoy infusions from nettle leaf and red clover as I recover and begin trying to conceive, as well as focusing on a healthy, whole food, iron rich diet, but if you have additional recommendations that might be indicated for me, I would really appreciate your sharing your wisdom. Thank you for your work and for the love that you provide through it.
Posted by: Joli | November 19, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Hello! My condolences for your loss. It sounds like wonderful ways you are caring for yourself and plan to carry for yourself. First, you may need to do no more than you already are, it sounds great! Nettle leaf infusions, nourishing foods, iron rich foods and Red Clover or Red Raspberry infusions all sound perfect. You are a wonderful beautiful healthy fertile woman, and will conceive I imagine when you are ready. Of course we can not rush it. I far more trust the wisdom of your body than my assumptions :)
Posted by: KarenJoy | November 30, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Hi, and thanks for reading this,
I'm 37 yrs old, and I have suffered 2 miscarriages in the last 6 months, both were at about 8 weeks. Blood tests revealed that I have an inherited thrombophilia, 4g/4g PAI, also that my last baby was chromosomally normal. I have no hormonal problems, my cycle is regular, and I get pregnant easily. My condition make me more likely to form clots, but if clots form my body produces excessive amounts of a protein that keeps the clot from breaking down.
This interferes with implantation of the embryo and formation of a healthy placenta.
In the recent past my condition has been treated with heparin injections daily during pregnancy, which poses some health risks (bone density loss, risk of hemorrhage), is very expensive, and painful. It also has a high rate of success, and the few women I have found with the same condition are all undergoing this treatment. My wonderful doctor says that now the high risk medical community is leaning more towards a less drastic approach, just a baby aspirin and extra folic acid (4mg daily) while trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy.
I love the idea that I can do this without the heparin, but I don't want to lose another one. I'm wondering if diet and herbal supplements could help keep my blood thinned out and my utering lining more receptive to implantation. Once again, thanks for reading this! Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | February 04, 2009 at 07:47 AM
I'm sorry I missed a word in my last post, my condition does NOT make me more likely to form clots.
Posted by: Sarah | February 04, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Sarah, hello, my condolences for your losses! In six months... I imagine this is so hard to venture into another pregnancy without some kind of reassurance it will not happen again!
Of course I can not say do this and this and that and it will not happen. I wish I could. I DO believe there are plants that can help us through anything. Without personal experience with a pregnant woman with your condition I can not even say something specific worked for someone else.
One of the supreme herbs for fertile health is Red Clover blossom infusions! It is also known to be a bit of blood thinner. This is mild enough I consider it safe. There are other herbs that are a stronger blood thinner if taken in great enough amounts but two of the same plants would contain different amounts of coumarin. It is not standardized as a drug would be. I would not suggest using these plants then as you would the drug. BUT drinking this nourishing herbal infusion can possibly help, in a subtle way.
Nettle leaf infusions are superb for pregnant women, because of their deep nutrition in an easily assimilable form, especially their iron and vitamin K. The need for the former is obvious, for the latter is its help in blood clotting if one bleeds too heavily at birth. Of course my first question then was might it harm you. Anything I read about your condition does not warn against the use of vitamin K rich foods. I highly suspect the action of vitamin K and this thrombophilia are quite different.
Red Raspberry leaf another frequently recommended herb to consume through pregnancy, as a tea or infusion. It is a uterine tonic. Perhaps it can strengthen your uterus to better receive implantation.
All three of these herbs, prepared as infusions I consider very safe and only beneficial. I do not know to what extent they will help you carry to term, though they may.
Am I answering as you are asking?
Updates here are always welcome!
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | March 05, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Thank you for your time, I am starting the Red Clover infusions today, along with a good Omega 3 supplement (not from flax seed, which affects estrogen in a bad way). I hope to start trying to concieve in a couple of months. I'll let you know how it goes! Thanks again, Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | March 25, 2009 at 07:54 AM
Hi there,
I am so amazed on how you have made so many women Happy. I am turning 35 on Monday! scary because you know what they say, after 35 it becomes harder to conceive. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 6 yrs. now and I was also told I have a blocked tube. last year in August I had a Blitted ovum and they did a D&C. I have 13 year old son and would love to add another addition to our little family. Please tell me what it is I need to do to accomplish a healthy pregnancy.
P.S.I have done 2 IUI's and failed both of them 4yrs ago.
Thank you and God Bless you!
Ophelia Diaz
Posted by: Ophelia Diaz | March 25, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Ophelia, Red Clover blossom infusions as described above may do wonders. They have been reported to help even when there is a blocked fallopian tube.
To nourish overall reproductive health too, you can drink Red Raspberry leaf infusions and be sure to have adequate quality fats in your diet. You can also open up the whole pelvic region with abdominal massage, yoga, stretching, especially Luna Yoga in the so-named book by Adelheid Ohlig.
Was there speculation as to why you did not conceive with the IUI? Did you do fertility drugs along with? Do you still?
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | April 08, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Hi... My husband and I recently started trying to conceive and I'm looking for fertility advice. I went off birth control a year ago (after 5 years on) and started the fertility awareness method. I immediately realized I have an irregular cycle - it ranged from 21-32 days, some months I didn't ovulate and my luteal phase was only 8 days. My GYN suspects that I have mild Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome and gave me Chaste Tree Berry tincture. I've been taking one dropper full each morning for the past 6 months and 2 months ago started drinking red clover/rasberry leaf tea as well. I'm happy to report that after 4 months of Chaste Tree my luteal phase increased to 12 days and I now ovulate regularly. My cycle is definitely normalizing EXCEPT my period has decreased to only 2 days. Now I don't know whether to be happy or worried! Could my light period indicate another underlying problem? Do you have any suggestions? Thank you, we appreciate it!
Posted by: Jen | April 09, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Jen, so wonderful things seem better overall, and wonderful your gynecologist suggested the Vitex berry tincture!! I often suggest one take a dropperful in water 2-4 times a day. How old are you? I am not sure if there is anything to be concerned about. If tests reveal nothing abnormal with your organs, it is possible you are just finding a new and different rhythm as your hormonal system and uterus are being nourished.
What do you feel, how do you feel down there? I know you have fear in your mind, but do you feel strong and healthy?!
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | April 16, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Hi... I had an operation in March 2009 for endometriosis, cysts and fibroids. I read drinking red clover will help someone with endometriosis and fertility. As you know, the chances of a woman with endometriosis being able to conveive is slim. Moreover I was given a jab to stop my monthly cycle for 6 months as my gynae need my internal to heal well. I would like to enquire when will be a safe period for me to start taking red clover? Also what is the different between red clover blend and red clover blended (i saw on internet). As I am from Singapore, I am not sure if i can find it here. Do you have any reliable website to recommend that shipped the product to SIngapore?
Posted by: katherine | June 05, 2009 at 12:18 AM
Katherine, Iooking quickly at our list of herbal suppliers, http://susunweed.com/Links_herbal_resources.htm#h3, I see the first one, Mountain Rose, ships all around the world. I suspect many others do too. Please know what you are looking for is the dried Red Clover blossoms. I am not sure what blend and blended meant where you were looking.
"the chances of a woman with endometriosis being able to conceive is slim" - I do not consider this true. In fact what I saw is that 70% of women with endometriosis will conceive without intervention within 3 years. It is found that some women with endo. deal with some level of infertility, but it is undetermined if the endo itself causes this.
Yes, Red Clover blossom infusions can help your chances of conception! As will a good solid well rounded whole foods diet prepared in ways you can digest, healthy fats in your diet, reduction of xenoestrogen rich plastics in your environment, elimination of artificial hormones of any sort, and healthy relationship with your reproductive system.
I am unsure what a "jab" is to stop monthly cycle, and wonder if anything that is capable of doing this, other than natural pregnancy and menopause, is allowing of anything to heal. do you feel it has helped?
with love,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | June 17, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Hi,
I'm 44 and trying to get pregnant. I conceived in January although miscarried and I have two children. Do you think it's too late for someone at the age of 44. I'm going to buy some red clover and red rasberry leaf today. I exercise, eat right and have regular ovulation and periods and I know the exact day when I'll get my perdiod. And my FSH is great, under 10 ! Thanks for your thoughts in whether I should stop deluding myself to think I could get pregnant naturally at the age of 44 or if you think red clover could really enhance my fertility.
Posted by: Stephanie Miles | July 08, 2009 at 09:01 AM
I don't think it is too late at 44. At any age it may be too late for any of us but I would not give up on a person simply for being in her 40s. In time there is statistically greater risk for pregnancy or birth troubles, though this does not mean anyone will have a harder time.
It is great you will drink these infusions! I would love one day to hear how you are doing.
abundant blessings,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | July 10, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Hello!
I’ve been trying to conceive for about a few months and I’ve been reading on natural ways to improve my chances. I've read a number of articles that have caused me to ask some questions; can taking too much red clover cause infertility and can it improve internal scarring. I’ve read some conflicting articles and I’m trying to find information to really clarify the effects of taking red clover and how is it supposed to improve fertility concerns, and if you can give me some information on where to purchase red clover and any other herbs that may help.
Thanks for reading!
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole Smith | July 20, 2009 at 01:11 AM
Nicole, I too have read conflicting thoughts on this herb. Many many traditional herbalists and midwives consider this wonderful for women. Exploring the other viewpoint, which is a great thing to do, I hear more often of some animal grazing on fields of Red Clover that miscarry. This perhaps is from overgrazing due to fences not allowing the animal to make better choices that I would guess it would have known to make.
The same I believe for women. We drink the Red Clover blossom infusions as we would consume food - to our taste. I have never heard of a miscarriage caused by this consumption.
When hearing both sides I find it important to know what is based on intellectual thought processes and what is based on experience with people, whether through formal studies or not.
I suspect these infusions benefit us from their phytoestrogens, helping out hormonal systems function more optimally. I do not know more scientifically though, i am sorry. I suspect too they help us in ways science can not differentiate into plant and body parts and systems.
You can see a list of herbal suppliers here: http://susunweed.com/Links_herbal_resources.htm#h3
with love,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | July 20, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Thank you so much for your response and advice! I have a few other questions. I have a Natural Healing book that gives homeopathic remedies to numerous aliments and preventative solutions. But I found that maca and red raspberry root to be some other solutions. Are these helpful solutions and what is your opinion on these two herbs, as far as helping fertility. Also, I have read that red clover helps in internal scarring as far as fallopian tube obstructions. Have you heard or read anything of that nature? Thank you again for reading!
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole Smith | July 23, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Are you asking about Maca and Red Raspberry roots homeopathically. I have great respect for homeopathic medicine but myself know little about it.
Maca is a wonderful Peruvian food with great benefits. If we grew and ate it I am sure it would offer us the same. However just a tiny piece of the root dried and swallowed in a capsule, i am suspicious of. I would gues we grow lots of roots in our own gardens with much of the same benefits, and less of the cost.
Red Raspberry LEAVES prepared as teas and infusions are superb for women's reproductive health, especially for tonifying the uterus. I have never used the root.
Susun Weed speaks of Red Clover blossom infusions helping to heal fallopian tube scarring - http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm I believe I have read it elsewhere as well.
lots of love,
Karen Joy
Posted by: KarenJoy | July 30, 2009 at 08:13 AM
First I have to tell you how much I enjoy reading your site. It's always
very positive and informative. I am hoping that you can help me. My husband
and I have been trying to have a child for 2 1/2 years. I am 35, and in the
past few years have been riddled with fertility drugs( unexplained
infertility) that were very hard on my body and soul. I am not one to assign
any weight to conventional medecine, which is why it was very very hard onme mentally. During that time, not only have I been under the stress of
trying to conceive, but also that of owning and running my own business. We truly want to share our love with a family, so I have "retired" to try and
alleviate the HIGH level of stress. I have irregular cycles, tending to spot
bleed throughout my cycle. I have started to take red raspberry, wild yam
and flax seed to strengthen my uterus. What can I do? I would appreciate
your advice and guidance. Thank you.
Posted by: sarah | August 04, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Hi, I'm 25 years old. I have a 7 years old son. My husband and i have been trying to have another baby for the past two years to present but last year we learnt that i have scarred tubes. I'm really in need of some help.I've heard about IVF but we are not comfortable with that idea. Is there anything you can suugest i do to help heal my tubes? please....
Posted by: kemessha | August 13, 2009 at 02:44 PM
I have fibroids but would like to get pregnant. I can see that red clover would help the fertility but will it make the fibroid grow? I really enjoy reading your answers and thank you!!
Posted by: Mila | August 22, 2009 at 05:58 AM