Childbearing Year

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

October 24, 2011 in herbal safety | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 17, 2011

Red Raspberry Leaf ~ Ally in Pregnancy

Hello,

I am in my fifth week of pregnancy. This cycle I got pregnant I starting taking 2 Red Raspberry Leaf pills daily which comes to a dosage of 960mg of RRL daily. I read it could help tone the uterus. I am now uneasy about continuing it now for fear that it could actually in some cause problems but I am unsure if it is safe to suddenly stop it? I asked my OBGYN and he has no idea. Thank you.

Hello,

We would only recommend that you take red raspberry leaf in an infusion form. If you are unfamiliar with infusions, you can read more about them here: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

There seems to be more side-effects when using herbs as a capsule and we prefer to use them as infusions, teas, tinctures and vinegars. Here is a little from Susun in regards to capsules: "That said, any herb powdered and put into a capsule is dangerous (unless it is useless). Consider the herb ephedra. Chinese herbalists have used Ma Huang (ephedra) without ill effect for over 3,000 years. The Mormons made use of ephedra as a tea, again without harm. But powdered, encapsulated, and taken in high doses by women intent on losing weight, ephedra has caused so many fatalities that it has been banned in the U.S.A. What an ignoble end to a helpful herb! I never take herbs in capsules, and I warn my students against doing so. "

Feel free to drink red raspberry infusion throughout pregnancy as your own body dictates. You can read more about all the wonderful things it, along with other infusions can do for you during this time:

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

Thank you for your response. I dont know if I can get the infusion but would u think it safe to cut the pills down to one for a few days and than discontinue or are the effects of rrl too strong to just stop like that. Thank you...

Hi,

The infusions you do make yourself with dried herbs - much like making tea but with a higher amount of herb and with a longer steeping time. I don't know where you are located but usually the dried herbs can be found in the bulk herb section of your health/natural food store. You can also order online at various places such as Mountain Rose Herbs or Red Moon Herbs.

Since I have not used RRL in a capsule form, I really cannot address that. I don't see why it would be a problem for you to cut the pills down over a few days and stop but again, we just don't use RRL in that way. You may want to ask at our health forum - perhaps someone there will be able to answer that question. The forum is at www.healingwiseforum.com.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

October 17, 2011 in herbal safety, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 16, 2011

Queen Anne's Lace - Herbal Birth Control

Hi,

...I am a mom of 7 children. I have been on Yaz birth control pills for about three years now, and want to stop taking them. I feel like I am ingesting poison and I know the risks for the sickness they cause. Are there any herbal or natural alternatives to help prevent pregnancy that are safe and effective?

Hello,

Queen Anne's Lace is the first that that comes to mind in regards to herbal BC. Some studies have been done and the effective rate is usually close to that of taking the Pill ... of course, nothing is 100%.

Susun recommends eating a heaping teaspoon of the gathered seeds daily to prevent implantation. You can read more about it, along with other suggestions here: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

A recent study that was done on Queen Anne's Lace: http://robinrosebennett.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=44

Also a little more information from Susun: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Herbal_Birth_Control.htm

I would also suggest checking at our forum - you should find a number of threads with the subject of herbal BC. www.healingwiseforum.com

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kINxqaNW4HY

October 16, 2011 in birth control, herbal safety | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 14, 2011

Red Clover - Supportive Ally in Pregnancy

...I have all Susun's books and since I have tried for a long time to get pregnant, I bought LOTS of red clover.

I am now pregnant and I am wondering if I can still drink red clover infusions during pregnancy??

I don´t really find anything about this in Susun's books...

Thank you in advance.

Hello,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Red clover is not on Susun's list of herbs to avoid.

From Susun: "Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

As a keeper of dairy animals, I was introduced to this herb as an ally to keep my goats' fertility high and their milk production generous. It took only a little imagination for me to begin to use it for women, too. Red clover blossoms are best taken as a strong infusion (one ounce of dried blossoms brewed overnight in a quart of boiling water). The tincture is a sedative; pills and capsules have very little effect.

To date, I know of dozens of women who, unable to conceive, have found success after drinking up to a quart of red clover infusion every day for at least six weeks. The generous amounts of minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens in red clover restore health to the entire reproductive system. It's great for men, too. Most notable are the amounts of vitamin E and the presence of selenium and zinc. Red clover has ten times more plant hormones than soy.

Don't stop drinking red clover infusion once you get pregnant though. The infusion prevents and eases the constipation so common during pregnancy. It also strengthens the liver and improves appetite, especially when morning sickness is a problem. And it relieves anxiety.

And keep on drinking red clover once your child is born. There is no more valuable herb to keep breast milk rich and the breasts healthy then red clover. In fact, it is the world's most respected anti-cancer herb, acting not only to eliminate cancer but to stop its occurrence as well."

As with anything, always listen to your body, especially since sometimes our reactions can change during pregnancy. Try a little, see how you feel. I drank red clover throughout pregnancy without problems.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

September 14, 2011 in herbal safety, nourishing herbal infusions, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 10, 2011

Ginger Use in Pregnancy

I'm 39, had a miscarriage last year, pregnant again with low progesterone levels.. Is it safe to eat Ginger candies 2 times a day for morning sickness??

Thank you..

Hello,

Like most herbs, there are different opinions in regards to using ginger. Susun does use it for morning sickness but if you have a history of miscarriage, you may wish to avoid it during the first trimester. I would say that it is used sparingly most often and a couple of candies a day would seem quite low dosage. Susun suggests drinking ginger root tea by tablespoon dosages - so it is not something that you would want to drink a lot of. If you feel worried, you could try red raspberry leaf infusions. Not only does Susun use them for helping with morning sickness but as an ally in preventing miscarriage as it helps tone the uterus.

Here is an article of Susun's that you may find useful: http://childbearing-year.com/articles-Herbal_Allies_for_Pregnancy_Problems.php. There is also a number of articles and excerpts from Susun's book, The Childbearing Year. Would definitely be worth your time to peruse some of what is offered there as well. Just let us know if you need any further assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

Learn How to Make Nourishing Herbal Infusions

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Call our free herbal/health hot line (845-246-8081) Tuesday evenings, 7:30-9:30 pm EST, dates are April through October. 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.

July 10, 2011 in herbal safety, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 04, 2011

Herbal Supplement Safety During Pregnancy

Hello,

I came across an article from your website that was very informative about Red Raspberry leaf. I was curious what your advise is about an herbal supplement that has Red raspberry leaf, red clover blossoms,
nettles leaf and yellow dock root. I've read that pregnant women should not take yellow dock root?

In your opinion is this a safe blend for a pregnant women to be taking daily?

Thank you for your time...

Hi,

The herbs that you listed are wonderful for pregnancy - would use the red clover, nettle and red raspberry leaf-, but in the form of infusions as opposed to a pill. If you are unfamiliar with infusions, I've included a link for you:

As for yellow dock, Susun recommends its use during pregnancy if you are suffering from low iron. I have a tendency towards anemia, always have and I used it during my pregnancy with no ill effects. Usually it is made into a syrup or decoction.

Susun's book Herbal for the Childbearing Year goes into greater detail and you can find some articles at our website: http://www.childbearing-year.com/

Just let us know if you need any further assistance.

many thanks,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411882,00.html

July 04, 2011 in herbal safety, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 31, 2011

Calendula Uses in Childbearing

Hello,

I am student midwife in last year has Brussels and I do a work of end of study on the use of Calendula (in all its galenical forms) in obstetrics.

I am has the search for information, the ideal being to meet (contact e-mail if there is a long distance) somebody which knows well the use of Calendula and more particularly in the field of the birth.
If one of the members of your company or one of your professional knowledge controls this knowledge, would it be possible to contact me?

I thank you for your attention.

Hello,

I wanted to write and let you know of some of the uses I've seen with calendula in both childbirth and post partum. Before childbirth, calendula infused oil (olive oil or other food grade oil) is wonderful for perineal massage, especially when combined with evening primrose oil. During childbirth, it has been used to aid in the massage and stretching of the perineal area to allow the baby to be born with minimal to no tearing.

After birth, it can be used as a sitz bath (using a strong infusion of the herb) to aid in healing of the perineum and to prevent infections. It can also be applied as an oil to aid in the healing.

I've personally used it on my daughter when she had eczema and it cleared within a few days. It is a very gentle herb and has wonderful healing properties.

Blessings,

Kate

Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com
www.wisewomanuniversity.org
www.wisewomanbookshop.com

Hello,

I myself am a student midwife...

Calendula has many uses during the childbearing year.

An infused oil preparation can be used on hemorrhoids to help soothe the skin.

A compress soaked in a calendula infusion can be great for healing the sensitive skin on the perineum area after giving birth, and the infusion can also be placed into a peri bottle to use after birth for trips to the bathroom. This use can help dilute the urine as it is voided in an effort to minimize burning of micro tears or larger tears resulting from childbirth.

A calendula cream can be applied to sore nipples, as in the case for a newly breastfeeding mother. It is advised that the calendula cream be wiped from the nipples prior to the infant nursing.

In essential oil form, 5-10 drops of calendula can be added to a bath to help ease depression and anxiety.

Also in essential oil form, calendula is an antifungal that can aid in treatment of yeast infections.

From what I also know, it is not advised to take calendula by mouth (eg. in tincture or tea form) during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but in topical uses it are acceptable and useful in small quantities.

I hope this helps in your search for information on calendula. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance on this subject.

With Warm Regards,
Melissa

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 31, 2011 in Childbirth, herbal safety, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 24, 2011

Herbal and Vitamin Safety in Pregnancy

aloha Susun,

I am currently 8 weeks pregnant. Since the first day of my last menes period. If going by this date I was taking some herbs that would induce menes when I would have been 5 weeks along. Without knowing I was pregnant, and taking the herbs during this first week if being late, I never started bleeding, so I stopped and took a pregnancy test.

It was positive and I have since been taking extremely good care of myself. My cycle is mostly 5 weeks apart, not the usual 28 days. and I think I would have really been only 3 weeks since being conceived. Is there any serious concern of birth defects from vitamin C, rue, and Dong Qaui during this one and half week? Please help me for I do not want there to be any issues.

Hope you are well and hear from you soon...

Normally a body will naturally abort any fetus that is not perfect….the only way to tell for sure is to either communicate with the spirit growing inside you or to go to your doctor and get a sonogram (you don’t need to tell them about the herbs you took, they wont know anyhow)….spend this time envisioning the outcome you want…worry is prayer for things you don’t want…so pray for what you want and make it be so…

love,

Justine

Thank you sooo much, I have been not worrying about it too much... is more in the back of my mind these last days. Is just if there was something really wrong i would feel horrible and would want to know now and not later. Is not fair to the baby you know.

I feel good and healthy, I feel my body is good and healthy. I take good care of myself eating organic as much as possible and lots of mixed nutrition, veggies, fruits, whole grains, eggs in the last two weeks. I take my vitamins regularly for the last months, and exercise regularly to. bike, surf, swim, etc.... I live kauai and this is a healing place as well for many. I have a good partner and I am super stoked to hear from you that I have nothing to worry about. I will keep my spirits up and stay in tune with myself and keep positive, healthy, happy, flourishing energy going.

thank you and take care.

much aloha...

HI…Susun talks a lot about the dangers of vitamin pills, in case you want to save money…

http://newroots.drizzlehosting.com/SWDig.html

Do you know about nourishing herbal infusions? check it out www.nourishingherbalinfusions.com

Sending you lots and lots of love,

Justine

May 24, 2011 in herbal safety, nourishing herbal infusions, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 25, 2011

Herbal Infusions for a Healthy Pregnancy

Hi Susun,

I'm planning to take some herbal infusions during pregnancy. Hilary Jacobsen gave me a pregnancy protocol that you told her about and it says to drink infusions once a week of nettle, comfrey, oat straw, red clover, and red raspberry. I also ran across an article by you where you mentioned drinking nettle and red raspberry infusions at least 5 days a week during pregnancy. I had very low milk supply with my first child and am trying to do everything I can to change that next time.

Before I learned about infusions I was going to drink a tea of red clover, red raspberry, and alfalfa everyday to try to build more mammary tissue. Now I want to drink an infusion of the red clover and the red raspberry at least once a week as you mentioned, but I would like to do more than that to get the most benefit that I can. I was thinking of doing two infusions per week and then tea maybe three days a week, or one infusion per week and tea at least 4 times per week. Or more infusions if that would be beneficial. What are your thoughts on this?

Also I'm finding conflicting information about whether or not mullein leaf is safe during pregnancy. I have asthma and had a bad asthma attack during pregnancy last time and had to take prednisone because my rescue inhaler wasn't helping me. I would love to try the mullein leaf to see if it can help my lungs, but of course want to make sure it's safe.

Hello,

In terms of general health and well-being, we feel that herbal infusions are superior to teas. Along with the healing properties that you are receiving from the herbs, the large quantity of plant material and lengthy steeping time extracts the levels of vitamins and minerals our bodies need, especially during pregnancy. http://medherb.com/Materia_Medica/The_Mineral_Content_of_Herbal_Decoctions_.htm

During my pregnancy, I rotated herbs from day to day, usually 2 days of nettles, 2 days of red raspberry, 1 day of comfrey leaf and 1 day of red clover and 1 day of oatstraw - you can really divide it out however you feel drawn intuitively to do. And I drank usually 2 cups to 1 quart each day. Remember that the infusions are drank one at a time, not mixed together like you find in tea blends. This seems the best way to see how your body reacts to the herb instead of confusing the issue with too many signals.

The teas you are talking about are wonderful for milk production, if it were me, I would be drinking the infusions in a higher quantity than the tea to also be getting the minerals and vitamins. And there is also a lot you can do with the foods you eat to help with milk production during and after pregnancy. Here is an excerpt from Susun's book The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. You will find a lot of information to help as well. http://childbearing-year.com/articles-breast-feeding1.php

I am not aware of any problems with mullein during pregnancy. All I can tell you is that I would have no issue with taking it, but you will have to decide how you feel about it. Nearly any herb has conflicting information, especially when it comes to use during pregnancy - often simply because no one has bothered to do much testing with them. I have always found mullein safe and gentle to use.

Congratulations and a happy pregnancy to you.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team