Childbearing Year

Herbs to avoid when conceiving

I have a question about a couple herbs.  I took milk thistle to clean my liver for two months. and then started taking dandelion root.  after taking the dandelion root for 2 weeks I became pregnant.  I have had two successful pregnancies without the use of herbs.  my question is it safe to take these right before or during pregnancy?  I stopped taking the dandelion root at about 4 weeks pregnant.  I found out I was going to miscarry early.  could it have been from the milk thistle detox or the dandelion root.  I need to know, as we are wanting to get pregnant again.. thank you so much for your time.

 
 

 
 
Both herbs are known to support and nourish the liver and body, there is no reason to believe the miscarriage was directly related to the milk thistle or dandelion.
 
Here is an article on ways to nourish your body during pregnancy, which includes tonics to nourish and those to use with caution
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm
 
Here is an article on herbal birth control methods, which includes a list of foods/herbs to avoid when trying to conceive or in early conception
 
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Herbal_Birth_Control.htm
 
The best thing you can do if you want to carry life is to focus on nourishment of your body, and understand the body is not in need to detox. Support your organs and they will do the cleaning as they are designed to do…
 
Sending love,
 
Justine
 
 

Red Raspberry leaf infusion to strengthen uterus

Hi -

 

I have some heavy thoughts on my mind.  Last menstrual was Oct 6 and conception sometime around Oct 12.  This is my fifth pregnancy (no births) and I really didn't feel pregnant so I wanted to "help" my cycle start.  I was due Saturday (Nov 3).  I started ginger root tea Monday, black cohosh tincture (30 drops/4hours) Wednesday night and dong quai tincture (10 drops/4 hours) Thursday night.  Today I finally took a pregnancy test that showed positive.

 

I'm considering keeping the baby.  However, I honestly don't feel like I'll carry to term b/c of my previous pregnancies.  Has that much harm been done herbally in a day and a half...I'm probably 4 weeks pregnant.

 

Pls advise.

 
  

Hello, it is hard to know how much, if any, harm was done.  How do you feel?  Do you feel your pregnancy is strong?  Any cramping?  If you really want this pregnancy, you can start drinking - if you are not already - Red Raspberry leaf infusions and Nettle leaf infusions.  Moreso the former this early on in the pregnancy.  This can help strengthen your uterus, though I do not know what the reason was for not carrying to term earlier.  I do believe how we feel about our pregnancy has the possibility to affect it, not in a vacuum though.  How do you feel today?

I would also love to invite you to our Wise Woman Forum (http://www.herbshealing.com/wisewomanforum.htm) and Email Discussion Group (http://groups.google.com/group/Herbal-Healing) for more ideas and support.

We welcome you to join our Weed Wanderings ezine mailing list at http://www.herbshealing.com/WeedWanderings.htm !

Blessings,

Karen Joy

http://www.wisewomanweb.com

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Fertility Herbs - Red Clover, False Unicorn, Vitex...

I found your site and I had some questions about herbs that I was wondering if you had the answer to.  I have been trying to conceive for 11 years.  I am now 37 years old.  I've tried the medical treatments and they didn't work for me, so now I'm trying the natural route.  I have unexplained infertility though my doctor found very mild endometriosis, some fibroids and I had a burst ovarian cyst over 12 years ago, which might or might not have to do with my trouble conceiving.  I am doing research and I see some many herbs that can help, vitex, maca, red clover, false unicorn root and many more.  For unexplained infertility, which are the best herbs to try?  How many can I take at once?  Are there any that will interact with each other?   Thank you Simple is better.  This is the opinion of some, myself included.  The top herb I know for unexplained lack of conception is Red Clover blossoms prepared as an infusion.  Susun Weed writes in this article on herbs for fertility:

"One of the most cherished of the fertility-increasing plants is red clover (Trifolium pratense). Common in fields and along roadsides, it has bright pink (not really red) blossoms from mid-summer into the chilly days of fall. A favorite flower of the honeybees, the tops (blossoms and appending leaves) are harvested on bright sunny days and eaten as is, or dried for medicinal use. The raw blossoms are delicious in salads and nutritious when cooked with grains such as rice or millet.

"To make a fertility-enhancing infusion, I take one ounce by weight of the dried blossoms (fresh won't work for this application) and put them in a quart size canning jar. I fill the jar with boiling water, screw on a tight lid, and let it steep at room temperature overnight (or for at least four hours). Dozens of women have told me that they had successful pregnancies after drinking a cup or more (up to four cups) a day of red clover infusion.

"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!"

False Unicorn root might be helpful, and I don't know of contraindications with the Red Clover.  I consider it more of an herb to take as needed, whereas the Red Clover I see as a long term food-like herb.   Vitex berry tincture I think can be wonderful when unopposed excess estrogen increases ovarian cysts and fibroids and endometriosis.  Also, when conception happens or appears to happen but is lost as early as the first few weeks because progesterone levels do not stay high enough.  Again no contraindications that I know of with the above two herbs. Maca I consider an exotic plant that was food to a people and is now being marketed by drying a tiny piece of the root and stuffing into a capsule.  I would favor rich root foods that are grown close to home, even if Maca :), so long as it is prepared in your kitchen.  I do not recommend capsules of anything. You can read Susun Weed's thoughts on the importance of Simples. Let me know if I can help with anything further! Blessings, Karen Joy wisewoman@herbshealing.com www.wisewomanweb.com

Conception after "Blighted Ovum" Miscarriage

Q: I am 41 and just miscarried a "blighted ovum" at 12 weeks.  I went in to the dr. for my regular 9 week check up and she did an ultrasound. There was a sac but no baby.  I elected to go natural and walked around for 3 weeks before taking Blue Cohosh.  I needed to know that there was truly no hope.  Once my breasts were back to normal and I was no longer sick, I knew.  The miscarriage was AWFUL, painful and long!!!  Anyway, getting pg is not a problem for me.  This was my sixth pregnancy. I usually get pg the first time.  I need to know if there is ANYTHING I can do at my age to  prevent (if possible) another blighted ovum.  I lost another baby at 4 months when I was 37.  I have four healthy children and had no reason  to expect to be "high risk".  My dr. was even shocked and we really found no reason that I lost Ryan.  I thought "this time" I would not have to go through it again and I didn't....instead it was a blighted ovum.  I big on herbs and natural methods.  I'm questioning whether or not to attempt another pgy at my age....but I'm really "healthy as a horse" and have no problems other than the two losses I mentioned.

Thank you for your help!

   

   

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  If you are healthy as a horse, at 41 I see no reason for you not to try again.  Other than of course the pain this possibility brings.  As we get older our chances of conception and holding the pregnancy may decrease, but there are many into their 50s who are successful.  And there are many women in their early 40s with better chances of a healthy pregnancy than one in their early 20s.

I do not know of a particular herb that counters the chances of another blighted ovum, just the foods, lifestyle choices and herbs that can increase our chance of a healthy conception, pregnancy and birth.  You can read some in Susun's article Fertility After Forty.

I second the Red Clover blossom infusions, and once pregnant the Red Raspberry and Nettle leaf infusions.  I also highly value yoga, specific to pregnancy (like in Jeannine Parvati Baker's Prenatal Yoga), and the incredible power of positive thinking.  Like many things in life, misfortune may just happen, or it may happen for reasons we will never understand.  If you are willing to brave again the possible pain I fully support you in knowing the likely joy and going forward!!

Please let me know if I can help further in any way, anywhere along your journey.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

       

         

Conception After 40 and Seizure Disorder

Q: Dear Susun,

I have seen your article regarding childbirth after forty and plan to follow your advice. I thought I'd ask you a few questions specific to my situation to see if you have any other advice. 

I have recently had a yearning to have another child--I have two, five years old and almost 3. had no problem getting pregnant with them, though an earlier pregnancy was ectopic (they believe, never could find the baby on ultrasound--gave me methotrexate to expel any tissue remaining). I will be 44 in Dec but still feel very healthy and fit. My biggest vice of the past couple years has been 2 or 3 cups of coffee a day and I have for the past 6 months been working out vigorously. If I were indeed to start trying again, I would focus on doing all I can nutritionally to conceive a healthy child and would prob cut back a bit on the exercise. I will also take the herbs you recommend.

I have a seizure disorder and take one of the safest meds out there--lamotrigine. Both of my children are healthy and bright and I breastfed both--still am breastfeeding the almost 3 yr old once a day or so.

Question finally is, anything else you think I should take given my health issue (very well controlled--2 grand mal seizures with first pregnancy early on but forgot to take my meds, none with second and only one since bc of med lowering and other extenuating circumstances. I guess I am scared that I am "tempting fate" bc I already have 2 healthy children and worry my age will make another pregnancy more high risk somehow, though I look and feel young! My husband and myself would find a baby with challenges difficult to say the least, although I feel bad saying that. Any words of wisdom or advice for additional herbs to take? 

Thank you,

A: Any of us at any age take that risk. If you are wishing a child I encourage you to consider what is too much to handle, are they things that can be tested for early in  conception, and if you found specific issues what would you two choose at that point? Besides what Susun writes in the article I do not have further herbal suggestions to change your percentage risk. I imagine this is a hard decision, I wish I could help more.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Q: I am 44 and in good health and am trying to get pregnant--have tried for only 3 mos. My naturopath who I trust and think is a great doctor--after talking with me today at my visit, "prescribed" 1 tsp of phytoest diluted in water 2 times daily on day 1-14 of menstrual cycle and 1 tsp twice daily of phyto progest on day 15-28 of cycle along with prenatal vitamins, omega 3's, lunaception and something called pregnenolone, to help me conceive. Was wondering if those supplements (specifically the phytoest and phytoprogest by Wise Woman Herbals which is what he sold to me) IN YOUR OPINION make sense for someone looking to get pregnant at 44. I have no known issues with fertility and have a 3 and a five year old currently, although periods seem lighter than before (when younger) and I have some spotting before it starts which I don't recall Also my premenstrual symptoms-sore breasts, irritability, etc. seem to have gotten "lighter" for lack of better word. Cycles are usually somewhere between 28 and 33 days I know you can't diagnose, treat, etc. My children took 3 (1st) and 1 mos (2nd) respectively to conceive so I'm now over that timeline but I am older!!

as I said, I do trust him very much but just remembered I had emailed you and thought I'd ask.......... any info would be helpful

Thanks

A: Hello again!

First, I am curious about the pregnenolone, after reading here:

Due to its antagonistic effects on the GABA receptor in the central nervous system, pregnenolone therapy may be contraindicated in people with a history of seizures. Pregnenolone may inhibit drugs used to increase GABA activity (i.e., neurontin); these drugs are frequently used in the treatment of epilepsy and depression.

I do not see any harm at first glance with the herbs listed in the Wise Woman Herbal product, HOWEVER myself feel odd about using things that are so vague, besides I like one herb at a time. I do not see online if these are tinctures, oils, etc. and how the are used. I myself like to know what plant, how and when harvested, exactly how prepared, etc. before even deciding if safe or not. Those products are as foreign to me as a bottle of vitamin tablets.

So you ask me if it all makes sense for someone looking to get pregnant. It makes sense understanding how some think about it, yes. To me and my approach to health, no. Especially as I see nothing "wrong" needing "fixing" as it sounds you are wonderfully fertile and healthy, just older. And even if I did feel you needed assistance this would not be at all the route I would go.

HOWEVER, part of helping one along one's path is following intuition, whether it makes sense or not. It feels good sometimes to trust someone and add things to our life, whether they make sense or not. I hear you trust this person. That means a lot in my opinion :)

I am not sure if this helps or not. I am glad you asked, and am happy to share my opinion any time. As well I am very happy to support you on the path you choose for yourself, whether or not it is the one I would choose for myself. We are all unique. Besides I will be curious to hear how you are doing.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Mixing Fertility Tinctures

Q: Hi Susun & Karen Joy,

Thank you for a wonderful website!

I've suffered 2 miscarriages in the past year, and my fertility specialist is pretty positive this is due to my endometriosis which is causing me to produce unhealthy eggs. I've begun a vegeterian diet in the past 3 weeks. I am going by Fern Reiss's "The Infertility Diet: Get Pregnant & Prevent Miscarriage", as I don't seem to be conceiving as quickly as I was before the last miscarriage, 6 mos. ago.

I've just ordered tinctures of the following herbs: nettle, rasberry leaf, false unicorn root, wild yam root, & burdock. I currently drink nettle tea every other day. I think if I can detox my liver, heal,subdue, or prevent further endometriosis, and get my total body into better health, I will successfully conceive and carry a pregnancy. I'm not sure what the dosage amounts of each tincture should be, if they should be taken together or if there are contraindications, and what other details I should know about taking these tincures. I chose these herbs because they're traditional medicine to my family's southeastern native tribes. Unfortunately, no one left in my family has much natural medicine advice.

My husband suggested these are likely to agree with my body based on genetic memory.

I welcome any advice you can give on how I should administer, and what more I can do to learn about herbalogy.

Thanks!!

 

A: Hello, so wonderful you care so deeply for your health, and being proactive about what you can do. I love your idea of finding the plants that might be more familiar to your family history, and those you mention are wonderful women's herbs. I can speak best about the herbs I am most familiar with, as well as the approach to health I most prefer - the Wise Woman Tradition.

I hear your concern, and hear you have endometriosis. My approach then at this point would be to support your health, nourish it so it works most optimally. Like you then I would look toward overall reproductive health and your liver health. And like you I love both Burdock, as well as Dandelion for liver health, though would not see it as detox, or see your liver as toxic, but moreso needing some care so it does its job wonderfully. For this I love tincture of the dandelion root, 15-25 drops in water 3 times a day, usually with meals. It does not need to be with food; I do it this way because it has the added benefit of helping with digestion. You can do the same with Burdock root tincture :)

You mention Nettle and Red Raspberry leaf. I do not use these as tinctures. I feel the value is best found in them prepared as infusions. This is a strong tea - I know you mention drinking Nettle tea so I do not know which you are preparing. I prepare infusions by putting an ounce of the dried leaves in a quart jar, filling with boiling water, capping and letting sit 4-8 hours before straining and drinking. While pregnant I love alternating these each day. Prior to pregnancy I favor more Red Clover blossom infusions.

I have heard wonderful things about False Unicorn root and Wild Yam. In Susun Weed's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, she recommends False Unicorn root be taken as a tincture, 5-15 drops per day, prior to pregnancy. Or the infusion can be taken in sips, up to a half a cup per day. To improve fertility, Susun recommends:
"If wild yam is taken in small doses (a cup of tea or 10-20 drops of the tincture daily from onset of menses until mid-period) it increases fertility!"

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Dear Karen Joy,

Hoping you can help me ascertain what's going on with my body since taking the tinctures & teas. Can you let me know what you think about this result? Thanks!

I've been on a vegeterian diet for over a month, off of meat & dairy products for 3 weeks, and I took wild yam root, false unicorn, & raspberry leaf tinctures & nettle tea for 2 weeks this month before & during my period. My period was abnormally long (10 days) and since it's stopped I'm still having an unusual discharge, not blood, but not normal cervical mucus. I'm very concerned to know if this could be resulting from a detox or from something else. I need to know what's causing this discoloration (and it appears to be very small amount of clotting) a week after my period has finished. Since I observe religious laws that prohibit me from having marital relations until my period is a completely over, I am wondering if this is still part of a period or if it's something else. Do you have any idea?

Thank you so much for your wise counsel.
Blessings

 

A: I see you wrote this 5 days ago. How are you today? Is there still discharge that you are concerned about? I can not answer for sure what it is, though know myself that dramatic changes in diet can affect us. I do not consider this a detox however.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Q: Hi Karen Joy,

Somehow I missed this email from you; I'm so sorry I didnt see it and reply sooner! I did take your advice about limiting the number of herbs I take on at once. Since last cycle I just stuck with the false unicorn root tincture, since all the literature I read says that is a sure-fire way to help endo. I also started adding some Vitex tincture, according to a 'Tayler Tonic' recipe I found online. So this month my usual 27 day period switched to 31 days. But today is my 9th day of menstruation and its just as heavy as ever! I'm concerned. I just don't know what this means. I've rarely had a period longer than 7 days, esp. this heavy. Any idea what may be happening? I'm trying to continue my basically vegeterian and lactose-free diet as well. I read that a whole foods diet (and avoiding fat, fried food, caffeine & alcohol) will help ease the stress I put on my liver and the liver can help eliminate some of the endo! I don't know if that's true but it sounds good.

Would love to know what you think about if these extra long periods are health or not.

Thanks so very much,

 

A: It is great to hear from you. It is hard to know what is causing the change in what is familiar in your cycles. You have made lots of changes - the ones I know about being the use of Vitex tincture, False Unicorn root tincture, no more dairy, no more meat. Last cycle too you were working with some herbs that were new to you. Your last cycle lasted 10 days, so perhaps this did as well? So this change could be related to one or several of the above changes, other changes we are less aware of at the moment, or something else entirely, just coincidental. I can not answer this. The bleeding itself likely will not harm you, it is the cause we need to know to know of risk. When we do bleed excessively we can lose more iron, and the resulting anemia can itself allow us to bleed more. Your amount of bleeding I doubt will have yet affected this, but to be sure I would myself increase iron rich foods in your diet. You have eliminated a great source of this - red meat.

It seems originally your concern was that you had not conceived in a few months so you made changes to your diet and herbs and now are having abnormal cycles where they were once fine. Is this true? It takes time after a miscarriage for us to adjust. This may have been the only hindrance and no change was needed.

Also, lots of people have their own ideas about what is healthy for a person or not -lifestyle, foods, herbs. I can offer mine but some would contradict what you read elsewhere. It is you who have to find this out for yourself, what is best for you. One person's ideas (even my own :)) can not be right for everyone.

My feeling about endo and liver and immune health, is that the more vibrant a body is, more vital, more resilient, the better it is able to process what is normal and natural in life. Stressed livers and immune systems have a harder time and may leave one more prone to endo. However, and this is important, this does not mean that one with endo has a weaker immune system or liver health than one without!! There are many other unseen factors I am sure, due to our genes and environments we lived in. I just mean the stronger our immunity and the stronger our liver and the more vital our hormone health the better we are.

That said then I would want to nourish our liver and our immune system. If one were weak we want to encourage the person to get stronger by working and by feeding her foods that she can build with. If our liver, whose job it is to process out what is not needed in our body, is stressed, I would favor feeding the liver rather than trying to keep it from working. I do this with liver nourishing foods and herbs. To keep your herb protocol simple still I would then focus on bitter foods - greens that are bitter, dandelion is a wonderful one! Same with our immune system, I would focus on nourishing it with good foods. For healthy hormone function I am of the strong belief we most need healthy fats - to me this comes from uncooked extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, raw but soaked or sprouted nuts and seeds, and organic free ranging meats and dairy products.

I know, just another set of ideas for you to choose from. I trust in time you finding what is best for you. It would be my guess the changing cycles are more likely to be a result of your changing diet and herbs. I had distressing changes when I went vegan. However, there are some things that can cause changes in our cycle that can be harmful if they continue - fibroids or endo in some places, uterine polyp, uterine cancer. I would not guess these for you, but must acknowledge I can not know with out tests that only a doctor can do. It is up to you if you feel those tests are necessary right now. Any moment in life we may be walking with a life threatening condition. We must choose when and how often we wish to rule those possibilities out, to the best of our ability.

Please continue to write as you wish. I do have many opinions, but most wish to support you to find what you feel is best for you. I will be curious to hear how you are doing. I will wonder, and would love to hear back.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

Nourishing and Letting Go

Q: Hello angel Karen Joy,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me.

Also I have gone ahead and ordered Susun's Books - Menopausal, HealingWise, Childbearing Year; and Natural
Children and I am really excited to get reading.

I also have joined the wonderful forum.

Since you have asked me to go ahead and ask questions, I am going to. It seems that I need
to be told a few times before I get it, but here goes.

This is my plan for a successful pregnancy, Please advise okay.

(1) Drink my nourishing herbs. Red Raspberry Leaf, and Nettle.

(2) Drink Red Clover also as from my deduction it is a good fertility enhancer and a good
hormone balancer.

I honestly think I am not able to keep the baby because of my hormones level.

So my question to you is Red Clover the way to go until I want to conceive for balancing
both the estrogen and progesterone? Or do you think something else.

I don't want to have to beg to my doctor for a cortisone shot. He'll probably just
say no, and my time is ticking. I have read the Wild Yam, but wouldn't Red Clover
be enough.

Also hear goes, I am still lactating and I read in one of the postings that it affects
hormones and words on that.

Thanks Karen Joy.

Love and Light

PS (I had to laugh at the name GreenTit, my gosh so many like minded people out there,
I must be living under a rock)

 

A: Yes, I saw your book order, wonderful!! So glad to have you at the forum.

Based on what I have learned up to this point, I would strongly encourage you to nourish yourself in all ways that you know, including food, rest, time, friends, solitude, etc., as well as explore any (if any) emotional resistance to becoming pregnant.

From what I have learned I encourage you to nourish yourself with infusions just as you mention below. Absolutely to Nettles and Red Raspberry, regardless of what you choose with the doctor. My personal vote is to try this way for some time that you feel comfortable before considering more invasive options. I must stress from what I know at this point, since I am not thoroughly versed in possible biological more serious concerns in this situation.

I am gathering from our brief interaction, that these nourishing infusions, plus the Vitex perhaps may go far to help you. I also think Red Clover blossom infusions may be wonderful for you. I nurse and have not come to believe over the years that this has been in any way a problem for me. I do not drink this every day, though, just about once a week. on average.

Does this answer all? I suppose basically in the end it is up to you what you choose; not being you I can only make suggestions. I hear your passion and determination.

Hormone levels that can be quantified are not the end all. Your passion and focus go far. Inviting nourishing ways into your life goes far too. And maybe at some point we can research and decide and take action and want and desire, but in the end I wonder if we are best to let go, while continuing our ways, but ultimately allow what is to happen simply happen. I want for you all that you desire!!! And yes, still you may ask all that you want to!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Dearest Dear Karen Joy,

You are so wise. And you have a wonderful way of speaking or writing to people. So very gentle and elequont.

Thank you for all your words Karen Joy. I will let go and let God. I have a personality of taking the bull by its horns and I sometimes get in my own way but I know my pregnacies weren't meant to be at this point in my life.

I just want to make sure that my body is functioning better then my previous tries. I never
once considered inviting herbs into my regime though...and have to say I feel so blessed to have been
led this way.

I once again have to say "Sister Nettle" makes me feel so wonderful, and same with Red Rasberry. I am
alternating them though. And as far as Red Clover thank you for some ideas. Do you mean you
limit Red Clover once a week or all infusions? I'm addicted to my infusions now Karen Joy
because they make me feel good.

Once again God Bless you.

 

A: I am so glad you have enjoyed our interaction; I have too. Yes, it does sound like Nettle and Red Raspberry are wonderful herbs for you. And I agree to take the approach of nourishng our selves so we are "functioning better" THEN allowing what is to happen to do so. I don't limit any of my infusions, I simply don't seem to crave the Red Clover as often. Please do let us know how things go!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Watercress in First Trimester?

Q: Hope you are having a wonderful day. I have a question for you. I have been pregnant for about a week. I have read your book, Herbal for the Childbearing Year several times and was wondering about Watercress. I have been taking this Iron Tonic tincture mixture .... The tincture has Nettle leaf, Yellow dock root, Watercress leaf, Spirulina, Burdock root, Dandylion root, Kelp and Lambsquarter's leaf. My body has been loving this tonic as I have been a little deficient in iron. I have had four miscarriages in the past for various reasons and wondered if this tonic was safe to continue taking during pregnancy. I have been taking it twice to three times a day (It says 2-4x day) this past week. It has Watercress in it and in your book you state to be aware of Watercress during the first trimester. Could you let me know what you think? I know that with alot of mixtures, the herbs and their qualities balance eachother out. Obviously, I do not want to take anything that will increase my risk. Any information would be helpful. Thank you so very much and thank you for all of your wisdom!

 

A: Hello, I am not sure if the small amount of parts of watercress (as can be extracted in a tincture) can do the harm she warns of. Susun does not have internet to be able to correspond through email and answer you direct.

Did you have the miscarriages before taking this tincture? Do you know reasons for the miscarriages? I would first focus on caring for whatever needs you have for carrying the conception to term. Then if you do feel concern, perhaps you can ask for a tincture without the watercress. I hear the iron is very valuable to you! Perhaps there is a simpler form she or someone else offers, or you can make, that gives you what you need while eliminating the herb of concern, at least through the first trimester. Watercress is actually mentioned elsewhere in the book for a pregnant woman's iron needs.

I would also love to invite you to our Wise Woman Forum and Email Discussion Group for more ideas and support. If the source is who I think it is, she participates in the forum regularly. Even if not, if you feel such great benefit from this herbalist's preparation, I encourage you to also inquire her opinion on the matter :)

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

We are all Unique!

Q: Hi Karen Joy,

Are you the person to ask questions about conception to? In short, I have a four year old boy, had him at 41 and would love to have one more child. Any of your clients 46 and pregnant? Looking forward to your
reply.

 

A: I do not have "clients", but love to speak with people, and have spoken with many in their upper forties and have seen some get pregnant. Have you been working with any herbs or other lifestyle choices to help you conceive? Have you been trying for long? Each person is unique and I can't say for sure what is true for you, but I DO feel confidant a woman who is 46 can conceive, and with much nourishing support carry through a health pregnancy. Have you read this article on Fertility After Forty?

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Hi Karen,

I have been trying to 'lay to rest' the idea of having another child, but it just won't let go, in fact whenever it seems that I finally have a good grip on putting the idea of a second child to bed, up pops another 'sign'
that gently insists I pursue the matter a little further. I am not willing to take fertility drugs such as Clomid or have hormone injections, etc. since I have already proven to myself that the herbal approach works.
Let me explain...

After 5 miscarriages between the ages of 36 to 40, I was finally diagnosed (BC Woman's Hospital) with a blood clotting disorder that is only serious when I'm pregnant. In short, my body cuts off the blood supply to the developing embryo, hence the miscarriages. They were all between 6 to 8 weeks. When I was pregnant with ... (my now strawberry-blond perfectly normal 4 year old boy), I had to take injections of Heparin every 12 hours into my abdominal area as well as 1 baby aspirin per day. This was to keep my antiphospholipids down (thin my blood, so the baby would not be rejected). I delivered an 8 pound 16 oz. baby after a blissful 9 month pregnancy when I was 41 in 2002.

This past spring I became pregnant again, I was thrilled but worried because of my age. I dutifully began the Heparin and aspirin treatments as prescribed by my doctor. I had read up a little on herbs and had drank chaste-berry tea everyday for about 3 months and had taken Damiana capsules everyday to help conceive. Unfortunately, I miscarried just before 8 weeks. I know now that I can become pregnant with the help (stimulation) of herbs. My husband was taking zinc and vitamin E. My question is, I know the herbs will help me to ovulate/conceive but am I just simply ovulating 'old eggs?' At present, I am not taking any special herbs, just vitamins. I still have regular periods every 28 days. Would you be interested in working with me?

 

A: I am always happy to correspond with you through email. And I will share what I know, believe, or feel. As I said I do not take "clients" but love to support anyone in any way I am able. I am glad you feel that the plants can help you. I believe they help in more ways than we know! I am not very familiar with your condition so do not have a specific answer to offer off the top of my head. As I understand it all our eggs are made early on, so all are "old" eggs, regardless of our age. Please let me know how I can support. I would love to see you develop your trust in and desire to work with the plants to aid you toward your wishes.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Q: Hi Karen,

Is your background in herbal healing? I would like to learn a little more about how or what you would be able to offer in the way of advice, etc. As I've already mentioned, I sincerely believe that I could make this happen. My husband keeps me grounded with the 'yeah but, what about...' discussions. His concerns are mainly about chromosonal complications of the embryo and concerns about my health during pregnancy. I must admit I have a very optimistic and positive belief about having another child.

 

A: I have been studying herbs and people for over a decade. This is my passion. I have been studying primarily with Susun Weed and consider myself to always be a student. I also love to learn from other repsected herbalists, as well as the plants themselves. Being a woman I focus on women's health. I learn as I go, as I am asked to answer questions. I do not know what more beyond what I have shared I will have to offer, but am open. I would not ask you to put all your faith in me or anyone for that matter. I ask you to make your decisions for your health, drawing on the wisdom and experience of those you trust, which may or may not be me, your choice. I also stongly invite you to our online forum for more ideas to draw from.

Blessings and love,
Karen Joy

Carob Safe for a Pregnant Woman

Q: I am trying to become pregnant and want to know if carob is safe. I found a website that talked about ancient Egyptian practices using carob to cause abortion. Do you know the validity of this?

 

A: Hello, I have not heard of this, though this does not mean it is not valid. In fact, it is recommended as a good source of calcium for pregnant women in this article by Susun Weed: Herbal Allies for Pregnancy. I would guess that if carob was used to abort a pregnancy, large amounts would be used, so much larger than any of us consume to snack. To be more sure, if you would like, you may post this question on our online international forum. Being pregnant there are many things that in moderation are fine, but can harm the pregnancy if taken in large unnatural doses. I would just watch to see how you feel, though in the absence of ever hearing concern before, I would guess that food amounts are fine. Doing a quick web search, I only see recommendations for carob as a snack that is rich in calcium, so needed for a pregnant woman :)

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com