Childbearing Year

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

October 10, 2011 in Food and Drink, nourishing herbal infusions | 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

http://www.herballegacy.com/Menstruation.html

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

May 28, 2011

Using Herbs Simply for Fertility

Hello Ms. Weed,

My wife has purchased your herbs in the past for fertility issues. Took the rasberry leaf, nettles and oatgrass.

Appreciate all your work over the years and am curious about a site a client ran across...

http://www.herballegacy.com/Female_Reproductive.html

Hoping you could give me your opinion.

Thank you.

Hello,

...great to hear from you, thank you for your email and your kind comments. Susun has never sold herbs, but she does offer a vast wealth of educational matter pertaining to herbs and herbal remedies for health and prevention and cure of illness and disease.

As for the site you refer to, Susun very much recommends abstaining from the use of herbal formulas, herbs in pills, and combinations of herbs, especially prepared by people other than the user. Here are a few articles to illustrate this:

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

http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Weed_Self-help1.htm

red clover infusion is one of the best nourishing herbs for promotion of fertility

visit www.nourishingherbalinfusions.com

find lots of good articles here http://www.childbearing-year.com/

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

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

hope this helps…

Love,

Justine

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 28, 2011 in nourishing herbal infusions, 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://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411882,00.html

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 30, 2011

Red Rasberry Leaf for Uterine Health

Hi,

I had Persistant Uterine Atony (weak muscles of uterus) after the birth of my 4th child. I believe that my Uterus needs healing and it seems like Red Raspberry is the herb to help! I have a pound of Red Raspberry to begin drinking Nourishing Herbal Infusions. I am hoping to do the Red Raspberry infusions for 2 years or less and then get pregnant God Willing, and use the Infusions throughout pregnancy.

Does Red Raspberry help strengthen weak Uterine Muscles for women who have had several children, have you ever heard of this before? I want more children! Thanks so much for help ing me with this!

Hello,

Yes, I would definitely ally myself with red raspberry infusions. From Susun:

RED RASPBERRY LEAVES (Rubus spp.)

Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, raspberry is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs. It contains fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself.

Most of the benefits ascribed to regular use of Raspberry tea through pregnancy are traced to the nourishing source of vitamins and minerals found in this plant and to the strengthening power of fragrine - an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. Of special note are the rich concentration of vitamin C, the presence of vitamin E and the easily assimilated calcium and iron. Raspberry leaves also contain vitamins A and B complex and many minerals, including phosphorous and potassium.

The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy include:

~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.

~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed or atonic uterus.

This article goes into deeper detail on many of the herbs that help before, during and after pregnancy. You can read it here.

So I would certainly be drinking red raspberry infusions and you can do so throughout your pregnancy if you feel moved to do so.

Nettles infusions as well are considered an uterine tonic and overall nourisher, so another nice one to add to your diet. If you do not already have it, you may want to check out Susun's book The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year - lots of information to support one from before conception to postpartum. You can read some excerpts here: http://childbearing-year.com/

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

April 30, 2011 in nourishing herbal infusions, Uterine Health, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 22, 2011

Yellow Dock Usage While Nursing

Hello

I have a 3 year old and a 4 month old. I often feel light headed and also suffer from anxiety (feeling lightheaded and like I'm going to pass out). Before I was pregnant the feeling seemed to coincide with my menstrual cycle (get worse as my period got closer). I'm exclusively nursing my 4 month but have had 2 periods since she was born and I seem to be feeling lightheaded again (I am also more anxious since she's born though, it probably was a little better while I was pregnant).

My chiropractor suggested I take Yellow Dock root as a blood cleanser .. he says my brain isn't getting enough oxygen. Is it safe to take while breastfeeding? I searched your site and couldn't find anything. Thank you very much for any advice or information you may have.

Hello,

Yes, yellow dock is safe to take while pregnant and breastfeeding. Yellow dock is a good ally for blood issues and an easy to absorb source of iron which may well be causing you to feel light headed. If not doing so already, incorporate cooked nettles and dandelion greens, salads with fresh chickweed and make sure to drink herbal infusions daily - especially nettles and oatstraw.

The oatstraw infusion, along with being loaded with vitamins and minerals to assist in maintaining strong health, is also nice at calming frayed nerves. I would use motherwort tincture, 5-10 drops in a glass of water as needed for those times when the anxiety hits you. You certainly have a lot going on with a 3 year old and an infant! No wonder you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. I know it's so hard, but you do have to try and rest as well when they are down. Just let us know if you need anything else.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

I can't thank you enough for your response. I haven't done infusions .. I'm going to read up. Really, thank you!

Hi,

Sounds good. Infusions are a large part of the foundation of Susun's work and we drink them everyday. Easy to make, inexpensive and taken daily, they can really help to build up overall health. I know that you are extremely busy with the young ones, but I did want to let you know that Susun is offering a free online course that deals with herbal infusions along with other aspects of the Wise Woman Tradition. I'll give you the link for the course at ning. You can access the lessons (which are in PDF format so you can save them to your computer for reading at your convenience) and if you create an account, you can also participate in discussions. But at the very least, download the lessons as part of your reading... Scroll down a bit and you will find them right above Susun's video. Have a lovely weekend yourself. :)

http://wisewomanuniversity.ning.com/group/nourishingherbalinfusions

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

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

March 22, 2011 in herbal safety, nourishing herbal infusions, Nursing/Breastfeeding, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 24, 2011

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

February 24, 2011 in fertility, nourishing herbal infusions, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 21, 2011

Chronic Yeast Infection or Bacterial Infection?

Dear Susun,

...I have what seems to be a recurrent yeast infection that arrives at the beginning and end of my menstrual cycles. I have been treating it with daily herbal supplement called yeast defense;

I quit drinking wine, I still drink coffee; I only eat natural sugars (in fruit); I don't eat any grains (paleo diet only), I eat yogurt regularly; I eat garlic when I feel the beginnings of yeast infection, I also insert garlic clove during that time which usually 'cures' the itch and leads me to believe the yeast is gone.

I eat leafy greens daily topped with apple cider vinegar. I never wear underwear but I do workout and sweat a lot but try to shower immediately after. When I wash, I only use clean water down there. Some days I wash it 3 to 4 times depending on my activities.

I also wash down there after every time I have sex. I don't take antibiotics. I used to take the prescribed diflucan when this would occur but now I don't. I do take a prescription called dexodrine for ADHD on a daily basis...a very low dosage, about 10 mg a day. No other meds besides that one.

Can you tell me what more I can do to avoid yeast infections? And also, can you tell me how to tell the difference between bacterial and viral infections down there and how to treat them properly?

Thank you so much for your time and expertise, Susun....

Hello,

Well, you certainly are taking many great steps to help with your situation. However, since you are still getting this infection with every cycle, something is still out of balance. Have you tried to quit the coffee? I know, I know.... sometimes not easy but it would be worthwhile to try. Other things to watch out for would be washing detergents you use, also avoiding whirlpools, jacuzzis.

I am not familiar with yeast defense, but Susun feels most supplements are ineffective at best. Usually there are so little active ingredients that they are useless or it is an extraction of only one part of a whole, which can cause further damage instead of helping. How long have you been on it? What happens when you are not taking it?

The other thought is, since you are not finding relief, you could have bacterial vaginitis. As you can gather, this is caused by bacteria, not yeast overgrowth and the supplements you are taking will not help. Some things to look for: What kind of discharge do you have? Color, consistency, etc. What is the odor like? Ususally with a bacterial infection you have a strong odor.

Bacterial infections are treated by MD's with antibiotics. Of course, then using antibiotics throws your system out of balance and causes yeast infections! So you often can get rid of one type only to have another start.

Instead of antiobiotics the Wise Woman Way would use herbs such as echinacea - dosage would be one drop of tincture for every 2 lbs of body weight or you can do an infusion of dried root (preferably E. augustifolia) by steeping one ounce of root in a pint of water for eight hours. Drinking 2 cups of the infusion daily is the dose for a person weighing 125-150 lbs). I would take the full dose for a minimum of seven days. If not resolved yet, you can continue for another week and then Susun recommends taking a break of 2 weeks off and repeating the dosage. Usnea is another herb used to combat infections and is good for vaginitis.

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. Just let us know if you need any further assistance.

Blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.nourishingherbalinfusions.com/RedClover.html

February 21, 2011 in nourishing herbal infusions, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 14, 2011

Red Clover for Fertility After Forty

What I've read lately from various sources say that taking herbs like red clover may decrease my fertility instead of increasing it. What is your opinion?

I am 42 & want to conceive this year & hopefully twins. Any advice you can give me would be appreciated. I bought 2 of your books. Wise woman herbal for the childbearing year was one of them which encourages red clover esp. I am confused...

Hello,

Susun is of the opinion that red clover is a great ally in increasing fertility and the first thing that she usually recommends. However, if must be taken in the form of infusions. Not red clover tea, tincture or capsules.

I am linking to one of Susun's articles on red clover infusions that would be excellent reading for you:

Just let us know if you have any other questions.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

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

February 14, 2011 in fertility, nourishing herbal infusions, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 08, 2011

Herbal Allies for Ovarian Failure

Dear Madam Susun,

I'm from the Middle East. I don't know how I can buy the herbs that are famous in the West, such as Wild Yam or Chaste Berry, but I am trying to reach them.

Please, may you answer my question about using wild yam because I have premature ovarian failure. I don't know if I ovulate or not. I lost my period when I was 30 years old. After that it returned very few times , now it didn't come since one year. I'm now 37. Please, if you know anyway of help, tell me .

Will the chaste berry and bee pollen, nettle, aloe vera and other herbs help me ?

Do you know any Chinese center in the middle east or Arab world that can help ?

Awaiting your much appreciated answer...

Hello,

Thank you for writing. The Wise Woman Tradition places great emphasis on using local plants as much as possible. Most of the "weeds" we use, are located nearly everywhere, so hopefully you can find a local source, at least for some things. I am afraid that we do not know of any centers in your area. You may wish to ask about that at our forum: www.healingwise.com. There are women from all around the world that post there, so you may even find someone in your area.

Chasteberry is a wonderful hormonal balancer and one of the first things that I would recommend for you to use. If looking to increase your fertility I would also be sure to add red clover infusions. Again this is a plant that can be found worldwide, so maybe there is some in your area. If you are unfamiliar with infusions, here is a link that explains how to make them. http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

With the red clover, it is often found in different forms such as capsules, teas and tinctures. You must take it as an infusion, however, if you wish to have the desired effect in regards to fertility. Nettles infusions are important in creating a healthy environment in general and certainly for a pregnancy to take place and I would drink this weekly along with your red clover. Remember that these herbs work slowly but steadily. It can take from a couple of months to several years for changes to occur. Here are some articles that go into greater detail:

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

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

Just let us know if you need any further assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team