Childbearing Year

After-pain Brew to ease birthing pain

Hello,

 

I am due to give birth in 14 weeks and am wanting to make my own

tincture from some herbs for the after birth pains.I have used

'afterease' before but am unable to buy it in tincture form where I

live. I now live in the UK. I can get each of the herbs in dried form

and want to make my own tincture. the recipe you have up on the website

 is using one herb at a time. Could you please tell me how to do it with multi herbs? I have made it before but all my books are in the US at the moment so dont have access to them.

 

Thanks for your help

 

P.

 

 

P,

 

Hello... Here is the recipe from Susun Weed's “Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year”:

 

After-pain Brew

 

1 ounce dried Cramp Bark or Black Haw root bark

1/2 ounce dried Blue Cohosh root

1/4 ounce dried Hops flowers

 

Infuse herbs in a one quart jar filled with boiling water and sealed well. After eight hours, strain out herbs and refrigerate liquid.

 

Cramp bark (or Black Haw) is specific for relieving the pain of uterine contraction after birth or during the menstrual flow. Blue Cohosh helps the uterus regain its pre-pregnancy state quickly, thus reducing pain. Hops is a sleep-inducing, milk producing pain killer.

 

Reheat the brew and sip it throughout the day and night, or as needed, to ease pain aned encourage rest. (A little salt improves the taste.)

 

 

 

Susun also has a labor tincture (made with alcohol) in her book, she writes "this tincture can be used to initiate labor, strengthen contractions, unstall and stimulate labor, deal with exhaustion during labor, expel the placenta, and help control postpartum hemorrhage." Here is the recipe

 

 

Labor Tincture

 

1/2 ounce dried Black Cohosh root

1/2 ounce dried Blue Cohosh root

1/4 ounce dried Ginger

1/4 ounce dried Birthroot

1 cup (8 fluid ounces) 100 proof vodka

 

Place dried herbs in a pint jar and add vodka. Label and cap. Let it all steep together for six weeks or longer. Decant the tincture by running the mixture through a juice extractor or salad spinner. If neither of these are available pour the tincture and herbs into a cotton cloth and wring by hand. Store decanted tincture in a cool, dark place in brown glass. Be sure to label it.

 

The Blue Cohosh encourages the uterus to begin contracting and increases the force of contractions. The Black Cohosh helps the uterus to contract in a coordinated and effective way. The Ginger focuses energy in the pelvic area, and increases the energy available to the uterus. Birthroot (Trillium) adds its "prompt and persistent" influence on the uterus, speeding the action of the Cohoshes and joining with the Ginger to energize the uterus.

 

The tincture can be used to initiate labor, strengthen contractions, unstall and stimulate labor, deal with exhaustion during labor, expel the placenta, and help control postpartum hemorrhage.

 

The usual dose is 10 drops under the tongue.

 

Except from Susun Weed's "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year".

 

Birth Blessings,

 

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

 

 

 

Trying to concieve.

 

Hi , i am 32, have been trying to get pregnet but cant...doctors say that iam ok...my husband is diabetic and he doesnt want to have a sperm count...

 

can you please give me tips on how to get pregnet,,i am overweight as well...

 

Hello,

 

To start we could suggest you follow the ideas in this article: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm  It is possible you and your husband have smaller chances of conceiving regardless of what you do.  For him you can focus on nourishing overall health.  And if he refuses to get a sperm count, one might consider exploring more between the two of you your true feelings on conception, whether you both want it equally.  I would not assume this is not the case, as there can be many reasons for his decision.  It is just one avenue to look at.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

http://www.wisewomanweb.com

 

 

Building immunity avoiding the flu

 

Hi,

I am very early pregnant maybe 6 weeks. I was told by my herbalist I 

could have elderberry; however I read your book page 6 and elder is to 

detach the fetus. I have had major pain when drinking  hot water with 

elderberry's. So, needless to say I have stopped drinking it. The 

reason I was taking elderberry is to build up my immune system during 

this flu season. My question is this dangerous drinking elderberry 

during my pregnancy? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

T.

 

 

 

T,

 

First you should always listen to your body and you own intuition, if it does not feel good to do something or causes pain, then do not do it. There are certainly other ways to build your immune system such as getting extra rest, walking outdoors, avoiding refined foods, eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut and miso, and of course avoiding likelihood of contracting flu by washing hands frequently and avoiding close spaces with those who may be ill. Here is an article by Susun on ways to strengthen your immune system, keep in mind not all suggestions may work for you being in the first trimester.

 

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

 

Sending love,

 

Justine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fallopian Tube

I need to know if you can help me with block fallopian tube due to scar tissue.

 

Hello, the best herb that I know of at this time for possibly helping one heal scarred fallopian tubes is Red Clover blossoms prepared as an infusion.  You can read here:
 
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

 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!"
 
Have you heard of this?  Tried it or wish to try it?  Are you looking for something else?  Please let me know if I can help.
 
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.  And welcome you to join our Weed Wanderings ezine mailing list at http://www.herbshealing.com/WeedWanderings.htm !
 
If you wish to speak with Susun Weed, you are invited to call her FREE herbal/health hotline at 845-246-8081 on Tuesday evenings, 7:30-9:30PM, April 10th through October 23rd of this year.
 
Blessings,
Karen Joy

Wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

Herbal Birth Control.

Hi, I recently read about your herbal birth control methods. I've been considering this as an alternative to hormonal b/c but still not quite convinced they will be as effective. My doctor recommended the natural rythm method, b/c patch and the vaginal ring, but as I mentioned before I would prefer a more reliable, non-hormonal method. I am also concerned about their effects on my fertility, seeing as I am only 17 I'm most definitely not ready for children. However, I do hope to start a family someday, so permanent infertility is out of the question. Can you help me?

 

 

 

I am not confident enough with herbal birth control to rely on it solely if you are sure pregnancy is not an option, though some swear by herbs such as Queen Anne's Lace seeds.  What I highly recommend to those of us who wish not to mess with our bodies, is that we learn them and ride them and pick and choose when to engage in activity that could make us pregnant.   This leaves half the month really.  The method to help you learn is the Fertility Awareness Method.  You can read about it here - consisting of daily recording of temperatures, cervical fluid and cervical positioning:

http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/fam.htm

http://www.ovusoft.com/

http://www.gardenoffertility.com/

Let me know if I can help further.

 

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

 

Early Pregnancy and herbs.

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

karenjoy@herbshealing.com

http://www.wisewomanweb.com

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

Baby with Ear Infection

Hi, I am a new mom and my baby has had an "ear infection" for nearly six weeks and today the DR gave us the 3 rd round of medicine and she said if this doesn't work, next comes shot, then if that fails, comes the ENT. I was wondering about the echcinea root tincture (sorry about the spelling) and if that may help her! And can I give it to her with the antibiotics?? I'm so desperate! My baby seems to be in no pain and I am terrified that this may lead to her getting tubes in her ears!!! Please help! Thanks so much.

Yes you can use Echinacea root tincture while taking antibiotics.  To do so, use one drop of the tincture for every two pounds of her body weight - that is if she is 20 pounds, give her 10 drops in water or other liquid.  Do this every hour diligently for at least 20 hours.  In your case 48 hours may be best.  Then go to every 2 hours for the next 48 hours, then every 3, etc.  Keep it going for 10 days at least.  This means at night as well.  I know this is tough on you, but well worth it.  Sleep is essential when battling so if you can't get it to her thinking she is nursing, if she still nurses, then do it as soon as she wakes after an hour is passed.  The regularity of it is really important so set a timer if that helps during the day.  I have seen this work wonders where antibiotics struggle or fail.  I understand the fear.

I tend to be leery of oil in the ear, moreso with such a young one and ongoing infection.  However if you have herbal oils of most sorts, warming it with a candle under a spoon to comfortable warm, massage all around the outside of her ears.  If no herbal oil, use plain olive oil.  The massage and warmth of the oil help at least bring a little relief.  If you have herbal oils some of my favorite for this are Yarrow, Meadowsweet, and Monarda.

If you are feeding foods please do let her get bits of live culture yogurt to help replenish her good bacteria after all the antibiotics.  She can even suck it off your fingers.  This will help strengthen her as well as she battles infection.

Write any time.  I am happy to help however I can.  Let me know if I can help more.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

http://www.wisewomanweb.com

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

Weight Gain and Hormones

Q: hi susun and justine!

thank you for all your efforts and love. i love both of you dearly.

i am writing to you about me this time. i have gained forty-three pounds in three years especially around my mid area and arms, very, very thick.

i am 38 yrs. old. a friend has told me that i need magnolia oil. she said this will fight the access chromium that is being released into my system caused by stress and worry. is this true?

she said so many women suffer from this but so many do not understand why. could you help me understand this better or point me into the right direction within one of your articles.

i have never been able to conceive either. i was also wondering if perhaps something with my hormones are off. my husband and i have tried to have a baby for years, and have been unsuccessful. i excitedly say that we are now in the process of adoption.

please note, i drink sooooooooooooooooo much red clover.

   

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  I will share your kind words with Susun and Justine.  I personally have not heard of chromium, weight and stress.

Have you had a chance to read this article by Susun on weight?  If you believe hormones have a play in your concern, it may be wonderful if you are drinking Red Clover blossom infusions, though it may be you are drinking too much.

Another wonderful nourisher of healthy hormone function is Vitex. You can read about this here, even though cessation of menses is not your concern, some of what is mentioned may still relate.  Do you also drink other nourishing herbal infusions?

Please let us know if we can help further.  Congratulations on your adoption.

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

Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy

Q: My daughter is pregnant, and struggling with insomnia due to restless leg syndrome. What can I suggest to her? Thanks for your help.   

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  Have you read this article yet?

Has she tried any of the ideas?  Is there anything there that appeals that I can help you further with?  I am very happy to help any way I am able.

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

Q: My daughter is not in menopause, she is pregnant. Does that count as the same kind of needs?   

   

A: Yes, these still apply.  I realize she is pregnant.  I apologize for not acknowledging that the article is an excerpt from Susun's menopause book. So much of that book applies to women from menarche on!

Karen Joy