Childbearing Year

http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

December 19, 2011 in fertility | Permalink | Comments (0)

Young and Infertile?

Hi,

I have been lurking on your website, and have always thought that "the herbal way" was the best way. I hope that you can help me. I am 23, and since starting my period when I was 13, I have always suffered from irregular cycles. Now that I am married, and hubby and I are ready to start a family, my body has turned against me. I have tried everything! I have charted, used ovulation microscopes, baby danced with pre-seed lubricant, pillows under my hips after sex, vitex, maca root, soy isoflavones, and the list goes on....

After using vitex for approximately 4-5 months, I did manage to get pregnant a couple of years ago, however, I miscarried at 6 weeks. I was devastated! and just "knew" that it wouldn't happen for a very long time again. This was the year of 2009. Afterwards, I continued to take vitex capsules (4 a day / 400 mg each), and I continued to have regular cycles, ranging from 30 - 44 days. After about 9 months of supplementing with vitex, my cycles just STOPPED. I started to feel emotionally unstable, hormonal, and out of wack, in general. I started to sink into depression, not from wanting a child, but just in general. This was odd to me.

My doctor advised me to stop taking vitex, and prescribed Zoloft to treat my depression. These only made my depression worse, so after a few months of using Zoloft, I decided that my body just needed a break from everything. I stopped both Zoloft and Vitex. Later on, I decided to start Vitex again and the exact same thing happened. Just recently, (earlier this year) I began supplementing with vitex again. After 4 months, my periods stopped. I began having pregnancy symptoms (nausea, sore breasts, extreme fatigue, extreme hunger). I could have sworn that I was pregnant!! But I was not. I was once again shattered.....

Since then, I have lost my faith in vitex... I have tried maca root as well to regulate my periods, as I was told that it increases fertility. It didn't help at all. I also tried soy isoflavones. It is nature's clomid, and works for everyone except me, I guess. I just don't know what else to do....A friend of mine just recently told me about false unicorn root tincture, and that it is great for increasing fertility. What do you think? I am ready to be a mom. I am settled down, married, about to graduate from college, and am ready to do the family thing. I just need help.... I even started acupuncture last week... Also, I am 118 lbs, and 5'6. I am on the thin side, and have an extremely hard time gaining weight. I take folic acid every day, I am a vegetarian, but not true vegetarian, as I do eat fish. I drink plently of water a day, and am otherwise healthy. I have just begun exercising as well to prepare my body for conception. During the months that I don't get a period, my body feels as though it will ovulate...I always feel nauseated, ovulation pains, cramping, but nothing ever happens.... What do you suggest? I know this passage is very long, but I do appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to read what I have to say....It means more than you know...

Hello…Susun suggests that you stop all supplements and abandon your vegetarian diet. In almost all cases Susun has found a vegetarian diet counterproductive to conception. She would also suggest the daily use of nourishing herbal infusions, including red clover infusion at least several times per week. Nourishing yourself well is the first step to creating a nurturing space for a new life.

Also it might help to relieve yourself of the pressure of having to conceive, take this time now for you, being only 23 you have plenty of time, focus on self nurture and self nourishment, and in time your body will naturally conceive when the moment is right. Forwarding your email to Kim for her to send you info on diet and links to articles to read.

Love,

Justine

Hello,

Here are some links to follow up on what Justine has mentioned. Starting on daily infusions would be recommended. Not just for fertility but for overall health. These infusion are packed with minerals, nutrients, vitamins and are much easier to assimilate as opposed to supplements. As Justine mentioned, red clover blossoms is the one that is reached for time and time again in dealing with infertility issues.

Of course, being on the thin side can cause issues with cycles. Eating fish is good, making sure to get in good fatty ones such as sardines, salmons, mackerel, etc. Full-fat organic yogurt - Having plenty of good fats in your diet is important.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Optimum_Nutrition.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Nutrition.htm

We are not a one size fits all, and perhaps vitex is not the ally for you but I do wonder if you could possibly have better luck with vitex as a tincture. Susun does not recommend the use of herbs in a capsule form, as you have a higher chance of lower quality and unwanted side effects. http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm

Some other articles by Susun that deals with fertility. I know that one of them is titled Fertility after Forty, but the information would still be useful to you.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_After_Forty.htm

I know the need to start a family is urgent, but there is no doubt that creating a stressful environment over this can compound the problem. If you aren't already, I would really suggest a regular meditation practice. You've thrown a lot at your body and if you can find a quiet moment to really try and connect, you never know what your body may have to communicate back to you. Here is an article with some more info and a nice meditation at the end:

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/June10/body-soul.htm

Another place for further support and advice would be our forum at www.healingwiseforum.com. Just let us know if you have any further questions.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

November 10, 2011 in fertility, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment | Permalink | Comments (0)

Red Raspberry Leaf ~ Herbal Ally for Fertiltiy

Hi,

Heard few stories about getting pregnant and the use of “red raspberry”. I’m 39 years old, have only one child and it’s been hard to get pregnant again..couple of months ago had a D&C, they told me it was a abnormal pregnancy.

I’ve been suffering from Endometriosis on one of my ovaries and had a surgery to remove it before my first pregnancy; everything went well after because got pregnant right away. I also want to mention that at that time I was also going to a herbalist who was giving me “red raspberry in drops” months before having the surgery and getting pregnant, so I do not know which caused me to get pregnant.

At the time, my OBGYM doctor have told me that my Endometriosis is back and I’m very concerned if this is causing me not to get pregnant again. I’m having my periods every month and normally they are every 32 days + I have notice that the third day my period stops for few hours and then have it again but a little bit heavy and finally the fourth day is gone. I’m very worry and do not know what to do. Would you help me to know what could I do?

Hello,

Red raspberry is a good ally for fertility - not sure what you mean by red raspberry in drops, perhaps a tincture? We recommend taking infusions, which are infused like a tea but with a much higher concentration of herb and steeped for long periods of time. If you are unfamiliar with them, take a look at Susun's site here: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Even more so than red raspberry, Susun's favorite ally for fertility would be red clover infusions. Either with just red clover or 1/2 oz of red clover combined with 1/2 oz of red raspberry leaf.

Red clover is also especially helpful even with endometriosis. From Susun: "Red clover is the single best remedy for women over forty who want to conceive but can't -- even if there are medical reasons for not conceiving such blocked tubes, diabetes, ovarian cysts, internal scaring, endometriosis. There are many heart-warming success stories I could share about red clover! But suffice to say, drinking 2-4 cups of the infusion of the dried blossoms (neither tincture nor tea nor pills will work for this application) seems to do wonders for fertility, no matter what your age."

More ideas in Susun's article here: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_After_Forty.htm

Along with red clover, chasteberry tincture would be another possible ally for you. It can help with regulating cycles and nourishing the endocrine system.

Some more of Susun's thoughts on enhancing fertility: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

Even with your circumstances, you can conceive again. Start right away with the red clover infusions, then perhaps meditate on the other options and see what feels right to your own body. Staying positive and calm will only help to enhance the ability of the herbs to work. Also you may want to check out our health forum here: www.healingwiseforum.com. You will find lots of threads about fertility, pregnancy, etc. and may find more information you find useful.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/page1001.html#1

October 23, 2011 in fertility, Miscarriage | Permalink | Comments (1)

Red Clover for Fertility After 40

Greetings,

...I just turned 43 and am having a very difficult time conceiving since I had my tubes reversed in February 2009.

I plan on starting herbal infusion to start off and get off all these other herbs, chinese herbs. If there is anything you can do for me, please let me know. I also just purchased your book Wise Women Herbal for the Childbearing Year.

Bright blessings...

Hello,

Susun's main herb for fertility is red clover. Drink lots of red clover infusions - not pills or tincture, just infusions. You can read a bit more about them here: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/RedClover.html

Certainly pregnancy is quite possible for you and I would start with the red clover right away. You should also read these articles of Susun's for additional ideas:

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed%20newsletter_september%2001.htm#article

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

It can take some time, a year or more perhaps, so be as patient with your body and yourself as you can, drink the infusions, perhaps incorporate some of Susun's other ideas... You may also wish to check out our forum: www.healingwiseforum.com. We have rooms dedicated to pregnancy, healing, etc. and it is a great place not only for learning what has worked for other women but also for support.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/April10/body-soul.htm

September 28, 2011 in fertility | Permalink | Comments (1)

Herbal Ally Red Clover and Tubal Ligation

I read your fertility article and how it can help scarred fallopian tubes. I hope that is good news for me. I had a tubal ligation in 2002 after having an excrutiating C-section with my daughter. It was terrifying and it worried me to get pregnant again, so I had the tubal. Well the fear finally went away and
for the past 3 years all I have wanted is to have another child but I really do not want to go through surgery to get pregnant.

Can you please tell me if you know or if you have heard any success stories about getting pregnant because of the red clover herb after a tubal ligation?

Hi,

I don't know directly of any stories in regards to red clover and tubal ligation, but I have heard of success stories of reversing ligations with its use. I can tell you that red clover is a wonderful ally with regards to fertility and is especially useful with situations such as scarring of fallopian tubes, etc.

Now I do know of many women who have struggled for years with fertility and found success with red clover infusions, myself included. Our bodies do have an amazing ability to recover and repair itself and this along with red clover infusions and positive visualization can create miraculous results.

Take the steps to create as healthy a lifestyle as possible, eating wholesome foods, organic when possible, reducing stress, drinking infusions such as red clover, nettle and red raspberry leaf. I've seen fertility based massages as well, which would work on increasing circulation and breaking up scar tissue in the area. Here is a little information about one technique here:

I am also including a links to some of Susun's articles that gives more information in general on fertility.

http://www.susunweed.com/Weed_letter_Jan-02.htm#article

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_After_Forty.htm

How to make infusions: http://www.childbearing-year.com/articles-Nourishing_Infusions.php

You may also find some good information here: http://magicalbeginningsforbaby.com/

You can speak with Susun during her Free hotline Tuesday evenings between 7:30-9:30 pm eastern time or by appointment for a moderate fee (15min/$30 or 30min/$50). For a free consultation, call 845-246-8081 on Tuesday evenings May through October, 7:30-9:30pm EST. For a private phone consultation, go to: www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/

Another great place to ask your question in case a member can offer you help is the Wise Woman Forum : www.susunweed.com/wisewomanforum.htm.

If you have the time to approach this gently, I would try some of these measures for at least a year and see what happens. Just let us know if you need any further assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

June 01, 2011 in fertility, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wise Woman Wisdom for Fertility After Forty

Dear Susun,

I am 43 years of age, and will turn 44 in December. I have been tring to conceive since year 2007. I have had 2 clomid cycles, 2 Gonal F cycles, and stimulation for IVF too, however, the ovarian response was very poor.

The doctor had suggest I take the pill from July until Oct 2010, until I start the stimuation for IVF in December 2010. I had my last period on Jan 17th and have'nt had a period since then. I did a home pregnancy test and the same was negative.

I am fearing menopause and would really like to conceive.

Kindly guide me...

Hello,

Some things that Susun recommends would be regular use of red clover infusions, drinking 2-4 cups daily has turned around fertility issues for many women. "... It is especially helpful if there is scaring of the fallopian tubes, irregular menses, abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or "unexplained" infertility. It may take several months for the full effect of this herb to come on and pregnancy may not occurs until you have used it for a year or two. You can improve the taste by including some dried peppermint (a spoonful or two) along with the dried clover blossoms when making your infusion. Treat the father of the child-to-be to some red clover infusion, too!"

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_After_Forty.htm

"Red clover is the single best remedy for women over forty who want to conceive but can't -- even if there are medical reasons for not conceiving such blocked tubes, diabetes, ovarian cysts, internal scaring, endometriosis. There are many heart-warming success stories I could share about red clover! But suffice to say, drinking 2-4 cups of the infusion of the dried blossoms (neither tincture nor tea nor pills will work for this application) seems to do wonders for fertility, no matter what your age."

So no matter what your issues, I would start with incorporating red clover infusions into your diet. If you are unfamiliar with infusions and how to make them, here is Susun's website that goes into deeper detail: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Another herb to consider would be Vitex (chasteberry) - this would be used in the form of a tincture.

"Most importantly, chaste tree is a strengthening tonic for the pituitary gland, the master control gland for the endocrine system. Daily use of the tincture of the berries (1 dropperful/1 ml 2-3 times daily) had been shown to increase progesterone--the hormone of pregnancy--and luteinizing hormone--which promotes conception. Because it can lower prolactin levels, chaste tree is best discontinues during the last trimester of pregnancy."

Vitex is an herb that helps to regulate cycles and bring balance to the body in whatever form it needs.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm

Another thing of great importance is your diet. Vegan and vegetarian diets are not optimal for creating a fertile environment - nor is a low-fat diet. Eating whole grains, vegetables, whole-fat organic milk, butter, eggs along with fish such as salmon and sardines is best.

Susun also offers phone consultations if you want to go into more detail. They can be booked through our store here: http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/store_results.asp?Category=3&SubCat=1034&Section=Consultations

You may also wish to ask at our forum. Someone may be able to help you as well and we have a room set up specifically for childbearing issues.

Do remember it isn't uncommon for us to have babies throughout our forties, so stay focused on being positive and meditate on welcoming a new child into your life.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

To register and learn more click here

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

May 22, 2011 in fertility, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

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March 16, 2011 in fertility, Web/Tech, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Vitex Tincture

Hello Susun,

...I'm 42, but will be 43 in a couple of months ... We've been trying to conceive (my first) since April ... I suspect that i conceived in September, and after 5 weeks, miscarried, but the PG test was negative ... so, may have just been hormones playing with me. I've been scouring the internet for a year, with much frustration ... I knew I'd have to pan for gold (so to speak) ... glad my persistence has paid off finally.

I just learned about vitex two and half months ago ... I moved to Israel almost a year ago, so, I don't have the click and order options readily availabe to me (for herbs, etc.) but I went to the local health food store here, and asked for vitex ... Here they call it "Abraham's seed" and sell it only in the dried seed form and pills; no tincture ... we bought the seeds, but the clear package doesn't give directions. I'm not sure how to take it, I've been putting the dried seeds on a spoon and chugging 'em down with water.

After reading info on your site, I'm worried ... is it okay to ingest it like this, or would an infusion be better?

Wishing you blessings and peace ...

Hello,

The best way for you to take the vitex is in tincture form. If fresh is available, that is always best but for vitex, you can use the dried as well for making your own tincture. Fill a jar 1/3 of the way with dried vitex and then fill the rest of the way with alcohol. If you can get 100 proof vodka, that would be best, but regular vodka or brandy would be good as well. It takes 6 weeks for it to be ready. Here is a link with some more information:

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May04/healingwise.htm

Just let us know if you need any additional assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

March 04, 2011 in fertility, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Herbal Safety for Fertility After Forty

I have just been reading your wonderful website and have a question
about the use of Red Raspberry and also of Red Clover. I am 45 and
have been drinking the Red Clover tea regularly to promote fertility
for conceiving my first child. I had a pregnancy in April 2010 which
miscarried in the 6th week - I think because my body was too acidic. I
was pregnant again last month, but miscarried again at the end of the
fourth week (shortly after the positive home test). I had begun
drinking Red Raspberry Tea a week before the miscarriage, and heard
later from someone that this Tea can, in some women, actually cause
miscarriage and is used to induce labor in the final month of
pregnancy. I'm worried that i caused the miscarriage by drinking the
red raspberry tea. I wondered if you have any opinion or past
experience that could bring insight about this?

My main confusion is about whether teas that are intended to promote
fertility (and thus enhance estrogen), become dangerous for us once we
conceive, at which time the body really needs progesterone? ANd is
this true for both red Clover and for Red Raspberry Leaf?

Thank you for any clarification.

Greetings,

I understand your confusion. So much information out there. I can tell you that Susun feels that red raspberry is safe to use throughout pregnancy and many of us have used it throughout our pregnancy without issue. Same with the red clover. The best way to take them would be with the infusions where you are steeping a large amount of herb overnight and consuming throughout the next day or so.

http://www.childbearing-year.com/articles-Herbal_Allies_for_Pregnancy_Problems.php

I do not feel that they would contribute to miscarriages and would continue using them as they are powerful fertility allies. I would suggest nettle infusions as well for overall nourishment along with avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Some options for preventing miscarriages once you find out you're pregnant would be black haw root bark (viburnum prunifolium). Begin drinking 1/2 cup of the infusion daily or 1-2 cups of tea. It can be used throughout the entire pregnancy and is regarded as a very effective miscarriage preventative.

Another option would be False Unicorn root (chamaelirium luteum). Use 3 drops of tincture 4-5 times a day beginning before conception and can be used through the entire first trimester.

Again as a final note, you will find sources that state red raspberry and red clover are not to be used during pregnancy. Our thought is that they are fine. However, if you are filled with worry about them, surely that will place undue stress on your body. In the end, you will have to decide which way feels right for you. Best of luck to you and let us know if you need any further assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

March 01, 2011 in fertility, herbal safety, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Restoring Fertility After Birth Control

Dear Susun,

My wife who is 35 years old has not had a regular menstral cycle for 16 months and we are wondering if there is anything that can be tried holistically? We have been married for 16 months and she was on oral and injected contraceptives for 1 year. We discovered that this was causing too many negative side effects so she stopped using them 4 months ago.

Overall she is a very healthy person and active but the contraceptives must have really taken there toll all around. She does have an unusual amount of fatigue daily. She is a vegetarian and we are blessed to live on a a farm where organic and holistic food is very much a part of our daily lives. Can you please give us some direction?

Thank you so much...

Hello,

It will take a bit of time, I'm sure, to be free of the effects of the contraceptives. Certainly diet is an important part and you are definitely blessed to have such a close source of organic food. As a vegetarian, I would make sure that she is getting essential fatty acids which are very important for regulating her cycle. Often people supplement with flax seed oil but the oils do go rancid very quickly. Best would be purchasing fresh flax seed and grinding a bit at a time - a dosage would be 1-2 tablespoons daily.

Seaweed is a powerful ally for many women's issues including irregular cycles. If she is not already, I would eat some daily along with getting into the habit of drinking herbal infusions.

You can rotate from day to day between red clover, oatstraw, nettles and comfrey leaf infusions.

Chasteberry tincture is slow-moving but very powerful - take a dropperful in a small glass of water 3-4 times a day and give it at least several months to begin taking effect. Also look into lunaception. http://lunaception.net/environment.html. Try to sleep in a completely dark room except for the three nights that the moon is full. On those nights, turn on a small light and leave it on all night. This will usually reset the menstrual cycle within 3-6 months.

If you have more questions, you can speak with Susun during her Free hotline Tuesday evenings between 7:30-9:30 pm eastern time or by appointment for a moderate fee (15min/$30 or 30min/$50). For a free consultation, call 845-246-8081 on Tuesday evenings May through October, 7:30-9:30pm EST. For a private phone consultation, go to: www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/

You might also go to the Wise Woman Forum to ask your question in case a member can offer you help: www.susunweed.com/wisewomanforum.htm. Feel free to write back if you have any further questions.

Blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

Hello,

After I sent out the email to you, I realized there was one other thing that I meant to write. I know that you mentioned your wife is a vegetarian and often this can indicate a very low-fat diet. Healthy organic fats are an important part of regulating menstrual cycles. If she is not already, it would be good to add some type of animal protein such as eggs, yogurt, cheese and maybe salmon (just a few ounces a day) - at least until her cycles have become more regular. It could also help with the levels of fatigue that she is dealing with. The daily infusions, especially nettles, should also help with raising her energy levels as well.

blessings,

Kim
www.wisewomanweb.com